Products - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Engine does not start

Here's a checklist to help troubleshoot the problem:

Is there fuel in the tank?
The engine will not start without fuel. First check the fuel tank. Of course, be sure to use glow fuel made exclusively for R/C engines. If you are not sure of the type, ask your dealer for fuel for gas powered R/C cars.

Is the fuel pipe detached (or leaking?)
Be sure to securely attach the fuel tube to the fuel inlet nipple and to the fuel tank. Of course, if a filter is installed, it is necessary to check before and after the filter. You should also check that the flow of fuel is not blocked by twisting of the tube.

Does the fuel reach the carburetor?
Press the choke button on the fuel tank and check that the fuel reaches the carburetor. When cranking the engine while blocking the muffler and carburetor with your finger, check to be sure the throttle is open.

Is the needle valve open the correct amount? Or is the needle valve closed completely?
From its completely closed position, open the needle valve by turning it 3-4 times in the counterclockwise direction. Then, after sending fuel to the carburetor, the engine can be started.

Is dirt clogging the fuel line?
Is fueling performed carefully from the fuel can to the tank? If dirt or dust enters the fuel tank, the fuel tank pipe will become clogged at the bends. We also suggest you periodically check the filter for dirt or clogging.

Is the throttle open?
Be sure to turn on the power switch before starting the engine. Then, open the carburetor until the throttle opens a little from the slowest setting. Note that there are instances when the throttle is not open due to incorrect linkage.

Is the mixture control screw completely closed?
Is the idle adjustment screw on the carburetor with automatic mixture control mechanism turned in the completely closed direction? If you don't know the current setting of the carburetor, first return the carburetor to its original setting according to the manuals and adjust the mixture control screw after starting the engine.

Is the carburetor flooded?
Is fuel flooding the carburetor due to excessive choking? In such a case, first close the needle valve, turn over the R/C car so that the intake of the carburetor faces the ground to drain excess fuel, then dry the inside of the carburetor.

Has fuel penetrated the cylinder?
If fuel has entered the cylinder, the recoil starter cannot be pulled. Pulling the recoil starter in this state will damage the engine. Remove the plug and crank the engine to drain the fuel, then dry the plug before use.

Is the battery for plug heating fully charged?
Be sure to check that the capacity of the starter battery is sufficient. The easiest way to check this is to connect a spare plug and see if the plug glows red. It is also necessary to check that the pocket booster is fully charged.

Is the booster cable functioning normally?
It is possible there is a break in the cable. Dirt or foreign matter may clog the socket connecting the plug causing a problem where the contacts do not touch the plug. Special care is necessary for heavily used cables or for use on dirt fields.

Is the plug worn out?
The plug wears with use. Be sure to check the plug before use. The end of the plug's service life is near when the filament is a dull white. We recommend the plug be replaced early so that the engine does not stop during operation. A periodic check of the plug is recommended.

Does the recoil starter operate normally?
If no resistance is felt when the recoil starter is pulled, it is possible the shaft is slipping inside. In this case, the slipping shaft can be fixed by applying a spray cleaner between the ropes of the recoil starter.

Is the flywheel attached properly?
If the starter motor is used and the lock nut on the flywheel is loose, the compression is stronger and the resultant slipping makes starting impossible. It is also possible the rotation is impeded because the clutch shoe related parts are loose.