Build Tips for Nitro/Gas Engine Planks

[Doozer]

Hi Everyone,
While researching ways to keep my engine temperatures down, I've run across many tips for various portions of the build. So I thought for those interested, I'd create a compilation thread. I'd like to keep this thread fairly specific and not stray too much from the topic of Nitro and Gas Engine planes, though I'm sure some/most of these tips could be used for both Liquid Fueled and Electric Powered aircraft.

I learn by seeing and hearing, and find myself reading and re-reading text "how to's" to try and grasp the context of text. Some people have no problem with this... we all learn differently. So I think making this a multi-media thread is important. However, many users pull their youtube videos down after a while. So I'll try to keep this current, and download as many of the videos and pictures to my personal website so even if they get pulled down, we'll have them archived.

The idea is to have anyone post a tip, but then move it to a reserved section of the thread as long as it is on topic. Remember to give credit where credit is due. If you post a youtube video provide a link to that users channel. If you quote someone, give them credit and a link to the original information if possible.

Above all remember that there is more than one way to skin a cat (sorry BT), because it's posted does not make it gospel. If you have another way to do something, or if you have a problem with something posted... say so.

[Doozer]

So I'll start:

Gas Engine Care:

www.youtube.com/user/DAaustralia


www.youtube.com/user/DAaustralia

Finding Top Dead Center and setting Ignition Timing:

Control Surface Set Up:

www.youtube.com/user/DAaustralia

Prop Balancing

[Raygun]

I use to build engines for are nitro dragster I also had ultralight aircraft. Any engine will put out more horse power on the edge of being to lean. It is better to run an over rich mixer (using the fuel to cool detonation or pre-detonation) than it is to run them to lean and seize or burn a hole in the piston. You will not develop as much horse power but your engine will be happier.. Ray

[Doozer]

I agree ray. The guys that need that ragged edge power don't fly like me, or most people for that matter. I've never wanted to fly 3D in any aircraft that I've flown. It's fun to watch, but just more effort and expense to learn than I'm willing to give. So I can afford to run my engines more rich than the guys that need the extra power. Generally those guys have sponsors and/or deep pockets.

But be careful about running an overly rich mixture. That can cause it's share of problems too. i.e. premature carbon build up, fouled plugs, and excessive exhaust residue. The key is to find that happy note that the engine makes, and make sure that your transitions from low needle to high needle are smooth. If it's missing and spewing a lot of exhaust residue, its a good sign you're too rich. If it burbles and cuts out at idle, you're probably to rich. But in the end, I'd always rather be too rich, than too lean.