15
The idle speed is set after the high-speed needle is adjusted and the
engine is up to operating temperature. To properly set the Idle
Adjustment Screw, turn on your radio system and set the throttle trim on
the transmitter so that the throttle is in its neutral position. This will
ensure that the throttle slide is fully closed and resting against the idle
adjustment screw. Turn the idle adjustment screw counter clockwise to
reduce the idle speed, or clockwise to increase it. The idle speed should
be set high enough to keep the engine running smoothly but not engage
the clutch and turn the wheels. Too high of an idle speed will
prematurely wear out the clutch shoes and brake disk.
Idle should be set so that at neutral throttle position the engine is running without engaging the clutch and moving the car forward.
Improper Idle Speed Setting:
Clutch engaged and wheels turning.
Proper Idle Speed Setting:
Engine runs smoothly without wheels turning.
If idle is unstable, adjust the low speed
needle to get a stable idle. Afterwards,
you need to readjust the idle adjustment
screw.
We recommend that you do not touch the Low Speed Needle.
If adjustment is needed, the low-speed mixture is set after the high-speed needle
is adjusted and the engine is up to operating temperature. Set the needle flush (Factory Setting) with the carburetor body, this setting is
ideal for breaking in and starting your motor. For increased performance turn the needle in 1/8 turn increments; this will improve bottom
end throttle response. To test your setting, place the car on the ground and let the engine idle for 30 seconds then accelerate to 3/4
throttle. If there is a lot of white smoke and the car accelerates slowly, the mixture is too rich. If the engine accelerates quickly and then
sputters, the mixture is too lean. When the low-speed needle is set correctly the engine's throttle response should be smooth and quick.
CAUTION: Never turn in more than 2 turns from flush this will cause the engine to run too lean and may damage your engine!
If the Low
Speed Needle is set too lean you will experience the following:
Flame out at part or 3/4 throttle, overheating (temperatures above 280 F at
the glow plug). If your engine is running too lean, reset the Low Speed Needle to its factory setting (Flush) and start the tuning process
again.
Idle Adjustment Screw
Low Speed Needle Adjustment
1mm (0.04")
Low Speed Needle
More Fuel = Rich
Less Fuel = Lean
Flush (Factory Setting)
Following the tuning steps, tune the engine until its maximum performance is reached. While a lean motor will have higher performance, it can
lead to premature engine wear or failure. Use the following information to tune your engine to your driving conditions. Remember a slightly rich
setting is a safer setting.
Engine temperature can tell you if the engine is running lean or rich. If you check the engine temperature, you can understand how to tune your
carburetor. Adjust carburetor to keep the operating temperature below 250°F. If the engine temperature goes over 250°F, the engine will be
damaged.
If you turn the needle past the closed point, it will be damaged. Do not tighten past closed.
If you lose the needle setting, you can reset the factory setting (See Section 2-10) and re-tune.
2-10
Fuel Mixture Tuning Tips
Idle Adjustment Screw
RPM High
RPM Low
Optional Tuning
No!
Ok!
2-9