Engine Break-In duration?

[millerracer]

I replaced my piston/sleeve yesterday and started the break-in process...

I know I should do about 3 standing break-ins at a little over idle... until "up to temp". I don't really have a pyrometer or a way to read the temp - so how long should this thing run at idle?

 

[HeartBreak]

That is a contested point amongst many nitro enthusiasts... Some say idle for one tank, then drive it on the ground easy for 6 tanks. Others say "no idling". And others-still will say "x amount of tanks for idle, 10 easy tanks". To be honest, there is no one end-all-be-all break-in method.

Personally, I idled mine for one tank total, then plopped it in the ground and ran it slowly, increasing the throttle over the course of 6 tanks. This is the course that most manufactuers recommend.

Now, to check your temperature, there is the old skool method of dropping spit on the head, but the best course is to pick up a cheap temp gauge (Venom makes a really nice one that averages for reasonably cheap).

The key thing is to keep it as close to 220f as possible.

 

[millerracer]

thanks HeartBreak.

I have broken in 100's of 2-stroke engines in my day - just never RC motors running methonol/nitro/whatever else is in that crap

I will do the 2-3 heat cycles to temp - let it run at over idle speed to get heat in it - then start driving it. I know that you really should never run a consistent throttle position - but never half and full throttle either.. I will start work on the 5-7 tank on-track later today.

Next question... body on, or body off? If you want to keep heat in motor at partial throttle runs, I would think body on - but I am a noob

 

[jetmechG550]

Heat cycle for me. I think ImBroken stickied a nice little write up in the Power Plant discussion

 

[millerracer]

I will go check it out before I "stickie" my new piston

 

[NCNitro]

I NEVER let a new mill idle through a tank. You must vary the rpms of the motor and the temp must be in the low 200s to properly break in a mill. I use the heat cycle method of break in on all my cars. My original FE from my RS4 3 will still fire up and run great after 5-6 years now. I am amazed that thing still runs as good as it does, it's no powerhouse by any means, but it still runs great. Don't forget to always let the engine cool off with the piston at BDC (bottom dead center).

 

[millerracer]

I've been following the correct procedures according to you guys... have only let it warm up on the stand once.. last 2 times have been 2-3 minute intervals - no more than 1/4 throttle varying throttle position. Motor sounds good right now.. been doing this at 2.5 turns on the needle.