fuel ???

[dag]

i recently bought a nitro hammer and have been having problems running it. It does not running w/o the glow starter attached and it idles rough, shuts down all that. I keep fooling with the needle but it is hard to keep it running. I was wondering if it is the fuel. The manual recommends red alert 20% nitro. I'm using traxxas' top fuel 20 % nitro which says not run in marine engines. The only reason i'm using it is because that is what the guys behind the counter sold me. just wondering if this could be the problem or even harmful to the engine.

[550racer]

u want to make sure the oil mix is 18% or more no lower make sure the carbs open when u are starting it

[KamPuiWong]

I experienced the same situation while breaking in the engine.

After replacing the glow plug the engine runs normal now.

[Doubledog]

If the manf suggests that you use a certain brand find out why. Whats so special about that brand? Check the spec's and do a comparison to see if other brands are similar.

IMHO, I'd run a quality 15-25% and let it ride. I wouldn't worry about one having a percent more oil than the other. Thats what they want you do is have brand loyalty. I'm kinda' unbiased when it comes to fuel & oils. If they don't have what I normally use, then something else will generally go home with me.

There are some cheap fuels out there & those don't even get a thought.

Btw, nitro engines will run with 0% nitro.

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Oh, check the glow plug. Pull it out and pop it in the igniter. Is it hot? Black? Broken?

Is the engine getting enough fuel?

Put the needle all the way in and start over at about 3 1/2 turns out. Fire it. Open 1/4 turn (generally its 1/8) till it settles in.

[dag]

thanks for all the replies

[bufferoo]

Dag,

I have found sometimes that my engines will idle poorly untill they are up to temp. I leave the glow starter on and run it at high idle in the water for a minute or so and then pull off the starter. Seems to work for both my boats and truck. I don't run the truck in water though.;)

I would suggest that you reset your carb back to factory specs and start from there. If anything it'll be a bit too rich but the starter should keep it running long enough for it to warm up. Once it's warm you can start to lean it out a little bit at a time.

Bufferoo

[hydroracer]

make sure the fuel is fresh. fuel can be stored for a while if kept airtight in a/c preferrably in the dark. but it will suck moisture right out of the air in a short time if left open. if this happens, the fuel goes bad. it will run completely erratic. this is a heads up for anyone whose not familiar with this. it will keep you from pulling your hair out thinking there's something wrong with the engine when it is just bad fuel. bad plugs can do that too. use the right plug for your engine and go from there.