Breaking in with Blue thunder First Run

[acschurr]

Using this First Run stuff on a new GS15R. First time playing with nitro, so don't really know what to expect...

A couple of Q's:

1. Should it be spitting green gunk out of the exhaust? I presume this is due to the extra oil content in this product, but I want to make sure.

2. The engine seems to be running pretty rough - lots of burbling sounds etc. Still running pretty rich at this stage - will it even out at is leans up?

3. I don't have a temp gun, so what's the best way to tell when it's tuned correctly in a tank or two? Is it the sound? Is it the blue exhaust (btw, should this be visible all the time, or just when accelerating heavily?). And is the water test reliable?

Cheers for all your help!

 

[militarymaxx]

I've never used any kind of 'first run' or 'break-in' specific fuel. I was always told to break an engine in with the fuel you intend on using. But to answer some of your questions:

1. You will get alot of raw fuel out of the exhaust. This is normal during the break-in process.

2. Again, the sounds are normal during the break-in process. The burbling sound is consistent with an engine that is 'loading up'.
Because the settings are on the rich side, not all of the fuel is being burnt and some will remain behind. Things will even out as you continue with the break-in process, adjusting the HSN and LSN as necessary.

3. There are many ways to tell how an engine is performing. Smoke, sound and temp are all important. There is alot of info on engine tuning covering all situations on this site, simply do a search on engine tuning and read through. The water test is your basic temp check. It will get you in the ballpark as to whether you are hot or cold, but it makes fine tuning virtually impossible. Again, do a search on temp guns and along with good info on them you will also find some great links to websites that offer them.

In closing, ensure you are breaking in that engine IAW manufacturers recommendations. There are numerous ways to break an engine in. Best to follow the directions. Good luck and be patient, it will make all the difference in the end.

 

[tbsleeper]

u have to run the first 5 or so tanks with lots of smoke coming out and it blubbery. after that you can tune and to tell if its to hot or not spit on the head and if it sizzles for 2-3 seconds then comes off its good. if it doesn't sizzle its too rich if it quickly sizzles off its too lean.

 

[RatzoRC]

And It will not "lean up" on it's own. you will have to lean it out yourself

 

[CJ-FOREVER]

Dont forget the pinch test. It worked great for me!

 

[tbsleeper]

whats the pinch test!?!?!?

 

[jon2]

The only way the engine will "lean up" by itself would be by having an air leak somewhere. The engine should be pretty rich during break in and excess fuel will build up in your exhaust. Keep breaking it in. If you have a temp gun use it to monitor the temps to make sure it isn't going beyond 250 F . Let us know

 

[acschurr]

Thanks all, really appreciate the advice.

btw, i wasn't expecting the engine to lean up on it's own! i'm looking forward to leaning it out in a few tank's time, and seeing what she's capable of...

Opinions please: is a temp gun a "must have" purchase? (this should be interesting!). I'm not intending on getting into any serious racing (at this stage *grin*), so absolute power is not a must for me...

cheers

 

[jon2]

I think the temp gun helps in keeping your mill from overheating. If you are monitoring it during break in and tuning then it reduces the chance of a premature need for a rebuild.

IMO of course. Have fun!

Jon

 

[CJ-FOREVER]

Originally posted by tbsleeper
whats the pinch test!?!?!?

A method used to tune your Engine!

 

[tbsleeper]

i know that but what do you do??

 

[CJ-FOREVER]

You pinch the fuel line. If it revs high for about 3to4 sec and dies then your enigne is tuned pretty good. after the pinch test then go to a heat gun or spit test. If it revs high for longer then it is to rich.

 

[Rolex]

With the pinch test, if it dies quickly, you are WAY too lean. That's a major danger.