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Tuning question

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R

Roughshod

RC Newbie
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Hi,

So I've run the required 4 tanks in my new Savage X, I actually did 5 before I touched anything on the carb. It's winter up here in Canada eh, so I figure I'm pretty safe with the adjustments I do make. I've got it to idle steadily and started to lean out the carb. Tanks 6 and 7 were done at half to 3/4 throttle, lots of power! I've leaned it out and it was running around 190 degrees and it doesn't seem to like full throttle, it starts to choke out, sputter and what not. It's not doing it as often so I assume it's still in the break in phase. Does this sound about right? I was also thinking that maybe the tranny needs adjustment to avoid this?

Any thoughts?
 
Break in is all about the heat, to make sure the piston and sleeve expand and contract together to make the engine run its' best.
Running too cool or TOO rich is as bad as running hot, since the process never completes.
Breaking it in during cold temperatures can give you a false sense of security, when in fact you could be running WAY to lean, and damaging the engine.
Wrap the cuff of an infant's sock around the head to insulate it and get the temp up. Others use tin foil.
Let us know what the temp is after it idles a half tank.
 
I did as you said and scavenged some socks and wrapped the head. I let it idle in the shop for half a tank and the temp averaged 230-235. The manual said that 220 was optimal and I have richened the mix a bit and it's in the 200 degree range. I wonder if while the truck is travelling in the cold air if the wind chill is throwing it all out of whack.

Throttle response is good, the truck cannot be pinned to full throttle or it chokes and barks but you can gradually increase the throttle to full.
 
It's still to lean. Bogging at high RPM is a sure sign of a too lean tune. Richen her up some more.

Remember: Cold clean air = More oxygen = Rich air/fuel mixture
Hot humid air = Less oxygen = Lean air/fuel mixture

During the winter you have to wrap the head to get temps up. DO NOT lean the motor to get the temps up.

http://www.rchobbies.org/cars_eng-tuning.htm <<--Excellent Read
 
Thanks for the article Parputt, that was a good read. I'll keep tweaking...it is running much better. Thanks everyone for their input.
 

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