problem with needles

[challis349]

Hi, I've got a picco p3 basic its a .21, I've run 3 tanks at base settings, there are no instructions with the engine, I know the hsn is the large one out the top of the carb, then there is a small screw on the end that you attatch your servo to on the slide carb, then there is another small screw under where the air filter attatches, what are these 2 for and is one a lsn and one for idle? plus what is the best way from now to get the best out of my engine?
thanks

 

[beason]

the one on the end of the slide is the low speed needle, the one under the filter is your idle. there is a tuning flow chart sticked on here that should help you out a lot. but you got a few more tanks of breakin at least before you can start tuning for performance.

 

[Scrogg]

I own the same engine. I highly recommend 30% nitro with MC-8 plugs and an Dynamite 086 pipe. It will scream with this setup.
The needles require very little adjustment during breakin and thereafter.
It has been a very reliable strong running engine.

 

[challis349]

thanks for advice guys, how many tanks should i use for running in, what would you suggest, as a complete newbie at this,

I own the same engine. I highly recommend 30% nitro with MC-8 plugs and an Dynamite 086 pipe. It will scream with this setup.
The needles require very little adjustment during breakin and thereafter.
It has been a very reliable strong running engine.

glad to here this, took me a while to choose an engine that I thought was good.

 

[beason]

do a search for "heat cycle method" there should be a pretty detailed post about it that will get you going.

 

[challis349]

is the heat cycle method better than the idle on the box method?

 

[Scrogg]

I idled one tank at 200F, then started driving it. Just for warranty purposes in case it broke during run in. Let it cool completely between tanks and preheat it again before starting.The temps would hit 250F during the first few tanks so i richened it a touch. This is a exetremely tight engine. You HAVE to preheat it and loosen the glow plug otherwise you wil just rip the pullstart out.
If you have access to a starter box, use it.
Just keep it under 250F and it will reward you. Mine has 3 gallons on it and it has so much compression that I can hold the engine up by the flywheel and it will not rotate past TDC under it's own weight. Very rare for an engine to be that tight after 3 gallons of fuel with only 8% oil in the fuel.
It runs in the 220-230F range best.
I put a roto start on mine as well. I use a starter box 99% of the time. No blisters for Scrogg! The HPI NitroStar-25 backplate is a direct bolt on.

 

[challis349]

i heard though that you shouldnt use a starter box during break in though is this right, or will it be ok, and is a roto start alot better than a pull start? will my lhs be able to get hold of most things normally?

 

[Scrogg]

No to the first, starter boxes are better for break-in.
Roto is easier than pull start and yes your LHS should have or be able to get all these items.