Help needed with starting new X SS

[kaper]

Long time lurker, first time poster, getting back into RC after 20+ yrs away...

Jumped (back) in at the deep end and decided to build a Savage X SS (with a little help from my sons - new intro to RC for them).

We finished building the truck last week and Saturday was supposed to be the big day - or break in, at least. We're all a bit downhearted now but I'm hoping some of you can help.

At first we couldn't get the engine to start at all, and I was worried because the pull start was sooo tight, so I did some more forum searching. I convinced myself it is supposed to be that tight and tried again. Primed it, removed plug & cranked to eliminate possible flooding, tested plug & ignitor, replaced plug, loosened it off a little to reduce compression, and tried again. It started, first pull, ran for 4 seconds, and died. Still, big step forward.

Turns out it died because I removed the ignitor. At this point I can start it, but it wont run without the glow ignitor attached to the plug. I started it probably a dozen times; it always dies when the ignitor comes off. I Left it on for 40 seconds one time, truck running; as soon as I take the ignitor off, it stalls immediately. This of course means I can't tighten the plug I loosened, because as soon as the ignitor is off it stops.

I tried starting with the plug tight - no go.

I also notice that when it is running with the plug loosened and the ignitor still in place there is fuel bubbling out around the plug. Is that to be expected since the plug is loose? (It's not super loose - I tighten it then slack off about 1/8 turn)

Also - and this might just be paranoia - it sort of looks like smoke is pouring out of just about anywhere except the exhaust when it's running. Sure is a lot of it, and it doesn't all look like it's coming from the exhaust...

One last observation, in case it helps you help me... When the truck does stall out (ignitor removed) there is a sort of "backlash"; it jerks to a halt, there's a vaguely mechanical noise, and the pull starter jerks. Hopefully that all sounds normal...

So how do I get it to run happily without the ignitor? What have I done wrong?

Oh, and my sons named the Savage "Terrafirminator", although I dont think that's affecting anything

Thanks, and glad to be finally posting

 

[Racer 1966]

Everything sounds normal for a new start up. Are you starting it on a stand with the wheels off the ground? Are you using the trim on the transmitter to open the throttle just slightly over idle? Most of the problem is it is set rich for break-in as evidence by the lots of smoke. Use the trim knob and once it starts you need to blip the throttle a couple of times to clear it out and get enough heat in it to stay running. You can also use a hair dryer to get some heat in it before starting.

If those ideas don't work,my next step would be to slightly lean the needles,maybe 2hrs each.

 

[kaper]

Wheels are off the ground, yes. I actually have the electronics on the truck all turned off and have manually moved the servo to open the throttle slightly (about 1/4). I can definately turn it all on & use the trim as you suggest, so that I can blip the throttle once it's running.

I had read many posts suggesting the hair dryer thing, so I'll give that a go too.

How long is too long to leave the glow ignitor on there?

Thanks for the help!


Oh, and I'm going to order a roto starter today. I'm running out of bandaids for my knuckles.