10.
Driving
a) General Information
Observe that the operation of radio-controlled model vehicles must be learned step by step. Start with
simple driving exercises, e.g. a circle. Use pylons or racing discs with which you can mark out any course.
Familiarise yourself with the curve behaviour. Practice steering with the model driving towards you!
Driving combustion engine model vehicles differs from electrical ones. In an electrical model, the speed
controller not only offers forward and backward driving, but also permits driving the vehicle easily at any
(slower) speed. A combustion engine, however, has no reverse gear (this is only possible in very special
vehicles with the matching gear). Slow driving is possible within limitations only, since it puts a high strain on
the clutch.
Attention!
It is always extremely important not to make the fuel-air mix too lean (too low fuel share).
Observe that the engine is lubricated by the oil in the fuel in a two-stroke engine. Too lean setting (too little
fuel) will cause the engine to overheat and the piston to seize due to defective lubrication.
During operation, a slight white smoke vane should be visible from the exhaust at all times (burnt oil). If this
is not the case, interrupt the drive and enrich the mixture (using the mix adjustment screw/main jet need-
le).
Also make sure that sufficient air circulates around the cylinder head cooling fins in order to avoid overhea-
ting.
The mix can be enriched by adjusting the main jet needle. The setting must not become too rich either, however.
The best engine operating temperature is approx. 100 - 120 °C. Check the temperature with a drop of water on the
top of the cooling fins of the cylinder head. If the water evaporates suddenly, the engine is too hot. At best operating
temperature, the water evaporates in 3 - 4 seconds.
Make sure that the rechargeable batteries of transmitter and receiver are fully charged before any drive or that any
inserted batteries are still sufficiently charged.
Check the range of the transmitter and the function of the entire RC system (steering servo, throttle/brake servo).
If possible, always drive the model at high engine speeds (except during running in). Avoid short, sudden throttle
bursts if you want to drive slowly. Avoid frequent slow driving with dragging clutch.
Always drive with the car body put on. This protects you from burns from accidentally touching the engine or the
manifold and the vehicle components from damage by whirled-up dirt and stones.
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