Engine Installation

Set Up
Controls Fuselage Radio 1 Engine Undercarriage Wings Linkages Radio 2 Assembly Last Checks And Finally

Check fuel system.
  1. Fuel tank.
    • The fuel tank must be securely located in the fuselage and is usually wraped in foam to stop vibration causing "foaming" of the fuel.
    • The "clunk" in the tank should be about 6mm. (¼)". away from the rear of the tank. This can be checked by holding the model with it's nose pointing straight up.
  2. Fuel pipes
    • The fuel line from the "clunk" should be connected to the engine's carburetor.
    • The overflow pipe should go to the top of the tank and be connected to the pressure nipple on the engine's exhaust. A third line is often provided for re-fuelling and this should be blocked off.
    • The fuel lines should be loose and free from kinks in the run they take from the tank to the engine.

  3. Fuel filter.
    • Ensure that the fuel filter is between the "clunk" line and the carburetor.
    • Ensure that the filter is not clogged up.

Check engine mounting.

  1. Installation.
    • The engine mounting must be securely screwed to the firewall. Many kits use self tapping screws for this. They should be replaced with bolts and, where appropriate, captive nuts. Spring locking washers are also advised. Ensure the mounting bolts are tight.
    • The engine mounting should be mounted so that it gives the correct side and down thrust - usually 1° downthrust and 2½° side thrust.

Check engine.

  1. Installation.
    • The engine should be securely mounted to the engine mount. Again, self tapping screws are often suppled. Use bolts with nuts and spring locking washers or better still, Nyloc nuts. These nuts have a nylon insert in them and are excellent anti-vibration fasteners. Even if they do slacken slightly, they will never come off completely.

  2. Carburetor.
    • Check that the carburetor is securely attached to the crankcase.
    • Close the throttle lever on the carburetor fully and check that the air inlet in the carburetor barrel fully closes. If it doesn't, adjust the throttle stop scre until it does. This will ensure that the throttle servo doesn't stall when the throttle is closed.

  3. Exhaust.
    • Check that the exhaust is securely attached to the cylinder.

  4. Clearance.
    • Check that there is adequate clearance around the engine, carburetor and exhaust (about 3mm or 1/8").

Check propellor and spinner.

  1. Propellor.
    • The propellor must be properly tightened. If it is possible, fit two nuts to the crankshaft or replace the supplied propellor nut with a suitable Nyloc version. In the event of a "kick back" from the engine, the propellor may slacken but it won't come flying off.
    • Ensure that the propellor is in a suitable position for starting the engine. This is entirely down to whoever is going to start the engine. If you're going to use an electric starter (and this is strongly advised for a beginner) the position of the propellor doesn't matter. If you're going to flick start the engine, get a "chicken stick". In this case the propellor should be about vertical when the engine is at "top dead centre".

  2. Spinner
    • The cut outs in the spinner for the propellor blades should not be in contact with the propellor blades.
    • Check that the spinner does not come into contact with tha cowling or fuselage front. This can be done by hand turning the propellor and checking for adequate clearance behind the spinner (about 3mm or 1/8").
Set Up
Controls Fuselage Radio 1 Engine Undercarriage Wings Linkages Radio 2 Assembly Last Checks And Finally