Engine Break-In; Engine Tuning; Break-In Procedure; Factory Needle Settings - Team Losi 8IGHT RTR Instruction Manual

Engine Break-In

Breaking in your new engine is critical for proper performance. Failure to follow the break-in procedures can cause engine damage and shortened engine life. Always use
Losi Nitrotane 20% Sport Fuel during the break-in process and when running the engine.
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Although the carburetor is pre-adjusted at the factory, familiarize yourself with the following adjustments and break-in procedures. If you change fuel or environments (i.e.,
hotter/colder temperatures, higher/lower elevation, etc.) you may have to adjust at least the high-speed needle to prevent overheating and maintain proper performance.
Never, under any circumstances, allow the engine to rev freely with the wheels off the ground.
Use the optional Dynamite Infrared Temp Gun/Thermometer with Laser Sight (DYNF1055) to check engine temperatures.

Break-In Procedure

CAUTION: Complete the break-in process on a smooth surface, such as
pavement or concrete. Do not drive the vehicle on dirt or grass during the
break-in process as doing so will damage the engine.
Run the first three tanks of fuel with the high and low speed needles noticeably rich (see
Understanding Rich and Lean Fuel Mixture). There should be a slight sluggishness
and thick smoke when accelerating. The smoke will decrease as the vehicle gains
speed. At speed, there should still be a noticeable trail of smoke from the exhaust pipe.
Run the vehicle on a flat surface in a Figure 8 pattern. Ease into the throttle as you
accelerate on the straight sections, easing off as you approach turns and letting the
vehicle roll through the turn before easing back on the throttle. This will allow you to get
a feel for the steering response and handling characteristics of the vehicle.

Engine Tuning

After you break in the engine, you can tune it for optimum performance. Use caution not to overheat the engine, as severe damage and pre-mature wear can occur. Make all
carburetor adjustments in "one hour" increments. If your engine is not running properly, return the carburetor to factory settings. See the illustrations below.
Before Making Adjustments
• Ensure there are no leaks or obstructions in the fuel tank, fuel tubing
or the carburetor. Any faults can affect engine operation and tuning.
• The carburetor needle is very sensitive. Adjusting the needle even 1/12
of a turn is a significant change. Be careful when making adjustments.
• Ensure the engine has reached running temperature before making
carburetor adjustments.

Factory Needle Settings

Low Speed Needle: 42 hours from the bottom
High Speed Needle: 39 hours from the bottom
Carb Adjustments
Make all carburetor adjustments in
one-hour increments.
Imagine the slot in the needle is the
hour hand on a clock. Adjust it as
though you were moving the hour
hand from one hour to the next or
previous one.
NOTICE: When making adjustments, only turn the needle 1/12 turn at a time.
6
Low-Speed Needle
(on the Left side). Close
the low-speed needle
by turning it clockwise
until it stops, then turn it
counterclockwise 42 hours
from the bottom (open).
Idle Needle (Bottom of carburetor).
The idle needle controls the idle
speed of the engine with no radio
input. Turning the needle clockwise
raises the idle. Turning the needle
counterclockwise lowers the idle.
LOSI 8IGHT/8IGHT-T RTR • INSTRUCTION MANUAL
EN
High-Speed Needle (top, Right
side). Close the high-speed needle
by turning it clockwise until it stops,
then turn it counterclockwise 39
hours from the bottom (open).
1/16 – 3/16 inch gap