8rtroperations pg02_v3.pdf – Losi LOSB0081 Operation Guide Part 1 User Manual
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Required Equipment
You will need the following items to operate your new 8IGHT RTR
8 AA Alkaline batteries for the transmitter.
1 C Alkaline battery for the ignitor
Quality Model Car Fuel - preferably Team Losi Nitrotane with 20% Nitro content
Fuel bottle.
7.2v 6 Cell "Stick" battery pack for the remote starter.
Battery charger for the 7.2v 6 cell "Stick" battery pack.
AA x8
C x 1
Tools You Will Find Handy
In addition to the tools included with the 8IGHT RTR, you will find the following both useful and in some cases necessary.
Small flat blade and Phillips screwdrivers
Needle nose pliers
Quality .050", 1/16", 5/64", and 3/32" hex (allen) Drivers
Understanding "Rich" and "Lean" Fuel Mixture
Adjusting the carburetor is one of the most critical facets of running a nitro powered R/C vehicle. The fuel mixture is
referred to as being "rich" when there is too much fuel and "lean" when there is not enough fuel for the amount of air
entering the engine. The amount of fuel entering the engine is adjusted with high and low speed threaded needle valves.
The low-speed needle is located in the front of the moving slide. The high-speed needle sticks straight up at the back of
the carburetor. Both feature a slotted head that is used as a reference and receptacle for a flat blade screwdriver for
adjustments. The mixture is made richer by turning the needle counter-clockwise and leaner by turning in clockwise. An
overly "rich" mixture will yield sluggish accleration and performance with thick smoke from the exhaust. A "lean" mixture
can cause the engine to hesitate before suddenly accelerating briskly or in some cases, to lose power momentarily after
the initial acceleration. A lean mixture also makes the engine run hotter than desired and does not provide enough
lubrication for the internal engine components causing premature wear and damage. It is always advisable to
run the engine slightly rich and never lean to avoid overheating and possible damage.
Engine Break-In and Adjustments
Breaking-in your new engine is critical for proper performance. Failure to follow the break-in procedures can cause
damage and shortened engine life. During break-in always use the same fuel and nitro content you plan to run.
We recommend 20% Nitrotane Sport fuel. Although the carburetor is preadjusted at the factory, you must be familiar with
the following adjustments and break-in procedure. If you change fuel or run in dramatically different environments,
(hot/cold, high/low elevation, etc), you will probably have to adjust at least the high speed needle to prevent overheating
and maintain proper performance. Never, under any circumstances allow the engine to rev freely with the wheels off of the
ground.
Brake-In Procedure
The first three tanks of fuel should be run with the high and low speed needles noticeably "rich" (see explanation below).
There should be a slight sluggishness and thick smoke when accelerating with the smoke decreasing as the model gains
speed. At speed there should still be a noticeable trail of smoke from the exhaust pipe. Run the 8IGHT RTR on a flat surface in an
oval pattern. Ease into the throttle as you accelerate on the straight sections easing off as you approach turns letting the
model roll through the turn before easing back on the throttle. This will also allow you to get a feel for the steering
response and handling characteristics of the buggy. You can also break in the engine by placing the buggy up against a wall
or fixed object and allow the engine to idle through two tanks of fuel.