Losi LOSB0020 - Manual (Page 5)

Hi Speed Adjustment
After initial acceleration the engine should pull at a steady rate while maintaining a two-stroke whine
and a noticeable trail of smoke. If the engine labors and is sluggish with heavy smoke, the mixture is
too rich and needs to be leaned by turning the high speed needle clockwise in one hour increments
until it runs smoothly. If the engine isn’t smoking or starts to die after acceleration, it is too lean and you
must richen the mixture by turning the needle counterclockwise. Don’t be confused by the sound of the
engine and the actual performance. A leaner mixture will produce an exhaust note with a higher pitch
but this does not necessarily mean improved performance, as the engine is on the verge of overheating
and may incur possible damage. Ideally you want to run the engine so that it is on the slightly rich side
of optimum. This will give you the best combination of speed and engine life. CAUTION: The engine is
too lean and overheating if it accelerates rapidly with a high-pitched scream then seems to labor, stops
smoking or loses speed. This can be caused by the terrain, atmospheric conditions or drastic altitude
changes. To avoid permanent engine damage, immediately richen the mixture by turning the high speed
needle counterclockwise at least “two hours” and be prepared for further adjustments before running
any more.
About Glow Plugs
The glow plug is like the ignition system in your automobile. The coiled element in
the center of the plug glows red hot when connected to a 1.5-volt battery (located
in the igniter). This is what ignites the fuel/air mixture when compressed in the
cylinder. After the engine fires, the heat generated by the burning fuel keeps the
element hot. Common reasons for the engine not starting are the 1.5-volt battery
being weak or dead, the glow plug being wet with fuel, or the element burned out. Use a spare glow plug
to check the igniter. If the igniter makes the element glow, remove the plug from the engine to check
it in the same manner. A wet glow plug means there is excess fuel in the engine. To eliminate this, put a
rag over the head and turn the engine over a few seconds with your “Spin-Start.” Reinstall the glow plug,
making sure you have the brass gasket on it. The engine should now start.
Testing the Temperature
The ideal operating temperature for the engine will vary with the air temperature but in general it
should be in the 200°F to 230°F (93.3°C to 110°C) range. A simple way to check the engine temperature
is to put a few drops of water on the top of the head/heat sink. It should take 3−5 seconds for the water
to evaporate. If it boils away quickly the engine is overheating and the high speed needle needs to be
richened (turned counterclockwise) at least “two hours.” If you plan on racing or high speed running,
there are several inexpensive handheld digital temperature gauges available.
Page 5
DYN2500