Just bought an MTA4 and cannot get it started

[4hero]

Hi,

Yesterday my day started off great, and saw an offer on the Thunder Tiger MTA4 so decided to buy it. I got it home, popped the wheels on and prepped the engine as per the instructions, everything was charged and ready to go. This is where it goes downhill, I can't for the life of me get the thing started. I have tried the pull start and drill start but neither seem to be working.

I did manage to get it started first time this morning, but after 1 minute it cut out and I haven't managed to get it going again since. I have had a read at a couple of other threads about starting so tried adjusting the idle etc, but still had no luck.

Has anyone else had these issues or is it just me

The mta4 is brand new, and I'm really frustrated, any help would be very much appreciated!

Thanks in advance,

Neil.

 

[4hero]

ok, I read all instructions again on running in, and it started! The revs sounded ok at idle, then they dropped and it cut out . I tried to start it again but no luck. I never used the radio at all (if this helps).

please help :depress:

 

[grgbulldog]

is the idle screw opened enough? if its a brand new engine i had to adjust my new os .30 because the carb was completely shut when i got it.

you caould also check and make sure there isnt an air leak in the fuel lines.

 

[4hero]

Thanks for replying grgbulldog. The carb is open (around 1mm), I've not checked the fuel lines, but it's a brand new kit, surely the fuel lines would be ok? I can check though (if I knew how)..

 

[grgbulldog]

fill a sink up and put the lines underwater, then blow through them while pinching the end.

 

[NCNitro]

Well while I am not familiar with that specific vehicle, breaking in any new nitro engine can be very frustrating to say the least. Try heating the block before trying to start it using either a hair dryer or heat gun on a low setting. Make sure the glow igniter is fully charged or has a fresh battery in it if it's not the rechargeable type. Make sure the glow plug is good, check the needles, make sure they are set to the factory specified settings, which will be a bit on the rich side. You may need to use the throttle a little to get it started, but do not blip it hard or bring the rpms up too high, you dont want to damage the engine. The radio needs to be on during the break in so you will need to use it, but make sure your throttle trim is not turned up, you dont want the engine to start reving when you do get it started.

 

[4hero]

Thanks guys,

I have now checked the fuel pipes and they are ok.

Well while I am not familiar with that specific vehicle, breaking in any new nitro engine can be very frustrating to say the least. Try heating the block before trying to start it using either a hair dryer or heat gun on a low setting. Make sure the glow igniter is fully charged or has a fresh battery in it if it's not the rechargeable type. Make sure the glow plug is good, check the needles, make sure they are set to the factory specified settings, which will be a bit on the rich side. You may need to use the throttle a little to get it started, but do not blip it hard or bring the rpms up too high, you dont want to damage the engine. The radio needs to be on during the break in so you will need to use it, but make sure your throttle trim is not turned up, you dont want the engine to start reving when you do get it started.

I know what you mean about breaking in, I'm almost crying onder2:

The glow igniter is good, fully charged, the needles are set to factory settings, I'll give it a go with the hairdryer, thanks!

I'll keep you all posted, wish me luck onder:

 

[Rolex]

Have you removed the glow plug and put it in the igniter to see how bright it gets? Sometimes they go bad with no warning.

 

[4hero]

yeah, removed the glow plug and it's glowing fine. I'm going back to the place I bought it tomorrow, see if I can get some advice there, thanks guys!

 

[mach1basher]

I would put everything at factory settings, turn your transmitter on, and try putting a little fuel in the carb.

 

[grgbulldog]

I'm having the same problems he's having, and I've done everything everyone has said to do but it doesn't work. is there a temp. thats too hot to use the blow dryer on to get it to? i got it to 140 with the blow dryer and the engine stopped wanting to sound like it was gonna start.

 

[Rolex]

Are you sure you're getting fuel to the carb? Do you prime it? Is it spitting fuel out the exhaust? What color is the coil on the glow plug?

 

[grgbulldog]

man there was fuel pouring out the exhaust, and i wasn't overpriming, but the ignitor finally died

 

[Rolex]

man there was fuel pouring out the exhaust, and i wasn't overpriming, but the ignitor finally died

It sounds like you either overprimed, or your settings are WAY too rich. You're flooding it. That also prevents the plug from getting hot enough.
When you have the ignitor charged, loosen the plug to let off some compression, and if it starts, tighten the plug down and adjust your settings.

 

[grgbulldog]

I've got the high speed at factory setting, but i dont know how to get the low speed and idle to factory. i was messing with the idle a little because 1mm made it run away as soon as it started. but ill try again as soon as it charges

 

[bourney2006]

To start with get a hairdryer out and heat the block of the engine until the cooling head get's warm. Then go out and try to start it. If it dosn't start then adjust the end point's on your radio to open the throttle more at idle (but don't adjust too far or it will run off when you start it). If it still dosn't start take the glow plug out of the engine and put it in the glow start, the coil of the glow plug should glow all the way down the coil. If it dosn't then replace it. If it still dosn't start then check for air leaks. To do this get a piece of fuel tube, put your thumb over the carb venturi and blow into the fuel tube (obviously attch the fuel tubing to the carb as you would normally). Whilst blowing into the tube get a brush and hot soapy water, brush all over the engine and if there are any bubbles you have an air leak and must sort it before attempting to start it again.
It could also be that you flooded the engine, take out the glow plug and pull the pull-start a few times (but put a cloth over the head as fuel will fly everywhere). Also try richening the high and low speed needle's

just thought you could try using a hotter glow plug

 

[grgbulldog]

I'm using #8's and it the coil that comes out the end of the pluyg spposed to glow?

 

[4hero]

I went to the place I bought my MTA4 today and it was closed I then went to have a play with my Schumacher, but this wouldn't start either. The glow igniter was fully charged but not lighting the glow plugs (both glow plugs brand new). I found another model place in edinburgh so picked up a new Igniter and bingo, problems solved (almost).

Now, when I remove the glow igniter from the MTA4 the beast cuts out, arghhhh. Any idea what would cause it to cut out when the igniter is removed?

 

[bourney2006]

you need a new glow plug in the MTA 4. I know you said it's new but it dosn't really make a difference. Some glow plugs last ages and ages and some only last one or two runs (even if it's the same make of plug), it's a complete lottery

 

[jon2]

Ok that MTA4 is the European version of the Team associated Monster GT. They look identical. Whether you have the 21 version or the 28 version, should be no reason why its not starting.

Have you removed the glow plug and tried attaching it to your ignitor? Is it bright orange? If not you may need to either charge your ignitor or replace the plug. Most cases during break in , the stock plug can get fouled. I recommend the McCoy 59 plug. Its a standard hot plug. I recommend this knowing you are using the stock 21 or 28. And both are standard non-turbo engines.

When you get the engine to finallly fire, you may need to clear out the crankcase by giving it a few quick blips of throttle. You need to push that unspent fuel in the case out.

Please let us know where you stand at this point.