Glow plugs???

[Zdragon71]

Recently started burning 33% fuel in my 2.5R and runs great but the glow plugs keep going out after a few tanks. I'm running a medium plug so do I need to go to a colder plug and will that help them to last longer? I'm running the engine as rich as possible and seeing plenty of blue smoke from the pipe. Maybe 5 tanks into the gallon and already lost one trx 3232x and one dynamite medium plug. :\

 

[2revo1maxx]

It must not be as rich as possible. You may have what's known as a 'false tune'. That's when the low speed needle is too rich and the high speed needle is too lean so the engine still has some low end power. I would start by tuning the hsn according to this thread: https://www.rcnitrotalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=76808

Then set your low side according to this: https://www.rcnitrotalk.com/forum/showthread.php?p=916472&posted=1#post916472

Remember, before you touch anything run the engine as-is to warm it up. That will also allow the fuel level to come down slightly.

 

[Zdragon71]

It must not be as rich as possible. You may have what's known as a 'false tune'. That's when the low speed needle is too rich and the high speed needle is too lean so the engine still has some low end power. I would start by tuning the hsn according to this thread: https://www.rcnitrotalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=76808

Then set your low side according to this: https://www.rcnitrotalk.com/forum/showthread.php?p=916472&posted=1#post916472

Remember, before you touch anything run the engine as-is to warm it up. That will also allow the fuel level to come down slightly.

Neither thread tells how I can tell if the Lsn is too rich or lean. It just says how to tune the hsn and then the idle. So does it matter where my Lsn screw is as long as my hsn and idle screw are tuned according to the thread? I do believe I have a false tune now that you mentioned it and I'm gonna go according to those threads tomorrow after it stops raining here. :\

 

[HPI_Newb]

Do the pinch test. With the vehicle running, pinch the fuel line. It should take like 2-3 seconds to kill the engine. That's a way to test the lsn.

 

[Zdragon71]

The second time I read them both I think I know what's going on. I do believe for one both my lsn is too rich and my idle gap is too big. So guess I'm just gonna warm it up and start fresh tomorrow going by the threds you sent me in those links. Thanks for the info! It is very helpful

 

[2revo1maxx]

I would set the lsn at factory settings if you're unsure about that.

 

[REVO-5309]

is it possible to have LSN too rich and idle too small? i have my LSN about a turn out and idle as low as it closes. it wont close any more.... i have my HSN set pretty good to do around 110-120degree C which is about right. if i turn any more or less is runs hot or like crap....

 

[Zdragon71]

Last night I set the lsn flush and set the hsn 4 turns out which is stock breakin settings for the trx engines and I've got my idle gap about 1mm as best I can tell by looking at it so today if it will crank that will be my start point. These settings according to traxxas should be rich. If so I can tune it according to those links you posted for me. I will update later on results.

---------- Post added at 11:41 AM ---------- Previous post was at 11:39 AM ----------

Oh and I was running with my lsn well out from flush. Probly around 2 turns out or more. And hsn was 5 turns out. The idle gap seemed ok.

 

[Zdragon71]

Ok now I have the hsn set to its richest point before not shifting into second. The lsn was actually pretty good the way I had it and the idle gap is within the 1mm range. The temps are staying around the 270 mark as well. All seems to be good again so let's see if it keeps eating plugs after a few tanks now. Although now I need to go buy a couPle more to have on hand. Thanks guys for all the helpful input!

 

[Grave]

BE CAREFULL 270 Deg is in the DANGER ZONE for a 2.5R I have the exact engine in my MAXX although I only run 20% nitro. I try as much as possable to run in the Normal range & IMO you shouldent exceed 270 deg I'd back off a needle setting just a smidge..

 

[Zdragon71]

Yeah I did and it was just below 270 never over.

---------- Post added at 4:24 PM ---------- Previous post was at 4:24 PM ----------

Around 264

 

[Grave]

Yeah I did and it was just below 270 never over.

---------- Post added at 4:24 PM ---------- Previous post was at 4:24 PM ----------

Around 264

That Temp should be fine seem's you have you powerplant tuned in for a racing setup " Do you Race your RIG in weekly event's " & if you just bash you can probley afford to scrub a few DEG's

 

[Zdragon71]

Nah just bash right now but my lhs is building a track to start having races every week and I fully plan on getting in on it. I do have a "track in progress" in my backyard to bash and practice for better driving skills and I am getting a lot better at NOT crashing. Lol