How to Tune a Nitro Engine - The basics.

[@Jyzoma]

Just bought a nitro and everyone was saying drakes were great engines and now I feel better I found your KZbin channel. It’s nice to know how to take care of your engine from the man himself.

[@AdamDrake]

Thank you very much!

[@kurimaw-ft6iz]

thank you sir adam drake for the basic tutorial of nitro engine tuning....god bless...

[@AdamDrake]

My pleasure!

[@kevinmcclary4234]

Just purchased my first nitro rc and I’m now following. I’ll be watching a lot of your videos 😅

[@Shellbackrc]

Perfect tutorial for a nitro newbie such as myself thank you.

[@AdamDrake]

You're very welcome!

[@brandonbentley8532]

Learning deon the best. Adam second to none for taking the time to put these videos together and reposting to questions too!

[@chadmorrell2853]

I liked your comment about backing the idle screw out to compensate leaning out the bottom end. Also always set your throttle linkage before tuning. Good stuff Adam

[@AdamDrake]

Thank you!

[@alikhawaja6362]

Yes the new engine tuning videos are here. Can’t wait to hear your expert tips in full.

[@AdamDrake]

Coming soon!

[@quarterpoundmusic]

Great vid. I now have a better understanding of how the nitro engine works. The idle screw info was eye-opening to me. Thank you bro!

[@FarmerFpv]

I saw you put out part 2 so I had to come to watch this one first. Thanks for these awesome videos, Adam.

[@AdamDrake]

Thanks for watching!

[@D70racing]

Love the basic videos as well as the advanced. I remember suggesting a video like this to you, a few months ago. Awesome stuff Adam, going to start in on my nitro mbx8 build in a week or so. Looking forward to more of your content.

[@AdamDrake]

Glad you liked it!

[@JohnMiller-px1ob]

New to nitro this year. so thanks for the video it was very informative

[@AdamDrake]

My pleasure, thank you very much!

[@barrysrcdump3557]

Hi Adam, this is great stuff. I've just broken-in my Kyosho Fo-xx, using your method, so this is excellent timing. Thanks 👍.

[@AdamDrake]

Great to hear!

[@thefightingplumber]

Awesome! Getting mine next week, after 2 electrics. Subbed!

[@AdamDrake]

Thank you!

[@dboyscentral3476]

Same

[@socwyvern9745]

Don’t get rid of your electrics, they’re still plenty fun. (Says the guy running a mp10 tki2)

[@jamesball8966]

Great video mate . I’m hoping this will help me get mine started as never been able to start and really given up until I watched your video , wish me luck

[@SezieOffical]

Thanks for the advise I’ve been needing a hobby to get me off my arse and go outside and I think nitro is sick and this is to thanks for the tutorial 👍🏻

[@jesseortega8598]

Thanks for the Video. I'm getting ready to buy an MP 10 Soon. I'll probably purchase a Flashpoint engine for it.

[@charlesdekeadorcdriver2118]

Great video as usual, thanks Adam, keep em coming👍🏻

[@AdamDrake]

You bet!

[@keithbates8482]

@@AdamDrake So how do I get rid of the two stage idle 🤔

[@t.s.k.3479]

Your videos provides priceless informations about setup, maintenance, racing. Thank you for sharing your knowledge.

[@AdamDrake]

Glad it was helpful!

[@drewlozoya865]

Thank you so much I have trouble with this and now I have a vision on what I’m suppose to do

[@AdamDrake]

You are so welcome!

[@hakont.4960]

Very useful information. I was tuning my Nanda BD8 today and couldn't get it to run quite the way I wanted it, struggling to get good low end response. Now I understand that I got the two adjustment screws mixed up (it only has two). I thought the low speed was the high speed and vice versa. I'll probably get it running the way I want it now. I'm getting really good top speed and reaches high RPM, but lacks low end power. Adjusting the needles correctly will probably help.

[@AdamDrake]

Thank you.

[@ceh329]

Would love to hear about choosing the right glow plug and when to change it.

[@AdamDrake]

Great idea, thank you!

[@adamjudis]

Well explained and very helpful, nice video. Thank you..

[@AdamDrake]

Glad it was helpful!

[@MrYukon04]

I have a o.s .21 turbo head and it came with the 3 screw crab. But the carb insert ended up melting or breaking off the carburetor so I ended up putting a two screw OS30 carb and and wow did it wake that 21 up

[@abelvelazco5450]

This is good information! I was fiddling with my TLR truggy with an O.S at thunder alley last weekend and the engine was running at 270 but it still didn't have enough punch to clear some of the jumps, but the track was SUPER dry that day. Im heading out this weekend as well to see if anything changes.

[@AdamDrake]

It could also be your clutch setting.

[@abelvelazco5450]

@@AdamDrake good point, I didn't think about that.

[@value1984]

Thank you so much for the info!! I was really struggling trying to understand these things, now I can finally have a good starting point!

[@AdamDrake]

My pleasure. More tuning videos in the works!

[@value1984]

@@AdamDrake can't wait!! I am your "student" ahah 🤗

[@rcracer3235]

good video Adam please keep it up. I am having a problem with my nitro buggy with a .21 motor the high speed needle is backing out after it starts so much that it won't run any ideas?

[@AdamDrake]

May just need a new o-ring.

[@TimsMissions]

Hey I was wondering which needle to adjust if idle, low/mid range are fine. But if I go from idle to full gas it just dies. Thankyou very much for your videos. very handy :)

[@davedunkelberger5232]

What about pinching the fuel line to adjust the low speed needle

[@AdamDrake]

Some use that method, but I don't. At the end of the day, it's best to use the method that woads best for you.

[@twinturbotony93]

I have a modified Reds R5R. It seems to feel a little rich in the mid speed but the carb is only a 2 needle. Should I lean the low speed a little more to help that?

[@AdamDrake]

Ya, you could try to get a little more out of the lsn.

[@possibleproblem479]

what kind of clutches do these little engines run? are they minature centrifugals or the kind you'd see on a manual car thats just adjusted by the amount of throttle = to the amount of torque its trying to provide. if they are centrifugal do after market clutch weights according to altitude have any significance or is that all automated?

[@AdamDrake]

I use the Protek 4 shoe clutch. You can check them out at www.amain.com

[@michaelhoobler7520]

What’s to hot for a nitro engine before it blows up because I’m trying to mine. It’s at like 250 and I’m panicking.like she’s Hanna blow up should I be worried when I got it running better it was more around 220 seemed about right any advice is appreciated you the man👍😎

[@AdamDrake]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/d5Pam3yLqKZ6arcsi=lFNDOUxazCN5WMEb kzbin.info/www/bejne/d5Pam3yLqKZ6arcsi=lFNDOUxazCN5WMEb Here's a couple of videos to help. With the engines were running today the 245 - 265 range is fine.

[@chrismcewan973]

random question someone might know he was talking about high speed needle maybe being to rich ,my son has a ktm 50 and runs exactly like you described ,good bottom mid a bit boggy then powerbank kicks in . how do i fix it 😢 😊

[@chrismcewan973]

mid speed needle my bad

[@arturosoriano4406]

Is it true that if the fuel line is sitting too close/ontop of exhaust pipe, it would make the fuel hot and may cause leaning out?

[@AdamDrake]

It's possible if the fuel line s really thin. I use the Flash Point line that's a little thicker and it seems to help keep the fuel more consistent.

[@arturosoriano4406]

@@AdamDrake thank you very much. This might be my problem.its only using a cheap ebay fuel line.

[@michaelgraham2943]

Sinking the low speed and idle screw together is the key to a great running nitro engine . Its confusing at first but once one figures that out its a breeze 👍

[@AdamDrake]

Yes sir!

[@mugenmrx5196]

I have a mugen mtx2 with the mt12 novarossi engine where is the migrange needle on the high rpm it runs ok but when i gif it ful trottle ut bogs out i think i need to adjust the midrange is that he big screw on the side of the carb ?

[@dustinplee5067]

Please please help my nitro stampede when I give it throttle it just revs up and does not move what can I do I hit a curb yesterday

[@AdamDrake]

It should like there could be a problem with the clutch or driveline.

[@djrikk214]

Great video. Can you direct me to where I can find your baselines for carbs? I have an OS 21XZ-B (v1)

[@AdamDrake]

That engine was before my time with OS, but if it uses a 21J I would start with my settings from the Spec 2 engine.

[@mortaki84]

Thx Adam much appreciated!

[@AdamDrake]

Any time!

[@kindarude1793]

What does it mean if when you let off the gas the car idles really high for a bit then drops back down or spudders a lot at a high rpm and kinda takes off for a second

[@AdamDrake]

It could be a few different things. I would start by lowering the idle and leaning out the lsn. It could also be because the hsn is too lean.

[@shaneglover99]

Your awesome bro. Whats base settings for the OFNA JAMMIN .21?

[@BartBochenski]

Adam you are the man

[@altongayle5400]

i have a FC X18 engine what are the factor setting

[@AdamDrake]

I don't have experience with that engine. Maybe they have a manual with the settings online?

[@cbrwix]

That was perfect for newbies. I do have a quick question though. With our Mugens what is the best tool to use to remove that ball end that goes on our Carb ball end. It seems I keep using Needle Nose Pliers to remove mine and its chewing up the plastic ball end?

[@AdamDrake]

I use pliers as well.

[@peterrcbasher]

So I have a problem with her revo 3.3 in order to start it I need to stay on the gas and when I let off the gas then it dies... could you help me please?

[@AdamDrake]

Maybe try a new plug, check the clutch, and raise the idle.

[@peterrcbasher]

Adam Drake okay thanks it worked!

[@JKRCForlife]

Would those settings work for the traxxas revo 3.3 engine also

[@AdamDrake]

Yes sir.

[@nicolisty4658]

Hi Adam I am getting into nitro I have enough money to buy the car but I still do not know what nitro motor would be easy to tune for someone new like me and I do not know what motor to get what motor would you recommend? For someone new to nitro like me

[@AdamDrake]

I use the OS Speed B21AD2, but the Flash Point FP2 is also a great option.

[@nicolisty4658]

Adam Drake thank you for the info hope to be able to fly down to California and run with you one day in the future

[@dlyanmoreida588]

I have an old Rb-sx engine on my mbx-4 and the starter box can spin the flywheel but the engine won’t start. (The flywheel spins but When I add throttle nothing happens because the engine isnt running) My tune might be out of wack but I don’t know what the problem is.

[@AdamDrake]

I would first make sure the glow plug is good.

[@ovaise1]

Hi, I have recently purchased a Very small nitro RC car from a scrap, which is seized I have opened the engine done some grinding and finishing of piston and cylinder and yes after assembly it started, now I have no idea of tuning the engine this is my first car, it is consuming lot of fuel and throwing it from the muffler can you please help me out how to tune this up?

[@tommieharrell6961]

what is the max temo u would say would be bad on a engine

[@AdamDrake]

I don't prefer tuning to temperature personally, but normal operating range for most engines would be 245-265.

[@xXYannuschXx]

I have a weird problem with my LRP ZR.21: When giving full throttle lots of blue smoke comes out of exhaust and it sounds n smells REALLY rich; but when the engine starts getting above around 75% of its max RPM range, it starts leaning out to the point of nearly cutting out. The HSN is flush (stock after break-in setting) and setting it further than a 1/8 turn in, will result in the engine cutting out or even turning off completely when going above the 75% "barrier". I have replaced the entire fuel line and the tank without luck, I pressure checked it even and it is completely sealed. PS: I also adjusted the LSN and it sits at a point now, where the engine cuts off after about 3 second when pinching the fuel line.

[@superaidenproductions1870]

Does your engine have a mid speed needle

[@xXYannuschXx]

@@superaidenproductions1870 Nope, I had so much trouble with the engine, that I ended up repairing the original Hyper 21 engine. SO MUCH BETTER you wouldn believe. Even running rich for the break in, it was alot more consistent, cooler and more powerful than the LRP.

[@AdamDrake]

Maybe the hsn is still a bit too rich?

[@xXYannuschXx]

@@AdamDrake I cant lean it out anymore, not even by one clock or the engine will lean bog at top speed; its also running hot, REALLY hot, around 130-150°C. I ended up repairing my old Hyper 21 engine and have no problem with it, tunes consistent across the whole RPM range, has WAY more power and stays cool at 97-104°C.

[@AaronJCorvi]

Can you tell me Baseline setting for os 12cr

[@anthonyhalcomb2659]

On my nitro engine it gets way too hot what should I do or is it supposed to be that way too hot to touch

[@AdamDrake]

Maybe just richen the hsn to be safe.

[@MartinPDiddly]

Hello Adam I have just recently bought a reds 721 gen3 engine and im trying to break in my engine but I cant get above half throttle before it quits. im not sure what's causing it to die. Please help Adam im stuck and cant get past the break in due to it dying every time I give it throttle

[@AdamDrake]

I emailed you about the engine. Did you get it going?

[@MartinPDiddly]

@@AdamDrake I sent the engine to you and it should be arriving to you today let me know if you get it

[@tarekalessa3667]

Is there a big difference between the rc8b3.2 and the rc8b4 ? Cause I got the rc8b3.2 for a good price 399$

[@ronbasher8117]

Awesome vid! I am new to nitro. I have a LOSI 8 RTR. I have my engine tuned ok, I think. It's just sluggish from a start but once the rpms get high it runs great. If I let it idle for 10-15 seconds it will bog down again until higher rpms. I'm thinking rich on my low speed. Does that sound right?

[@louie4316]

I would say so.

[@AdamDrake]

Thank you! Yes, sounds like the low speed needle is rich.

[@ericmiller9557]

Hi am Eric I have the OS.21TM Engine,new to nitro am running it on the Traxxas revo 3.3, I followed your vedio on the break in now I just need to get tuned right can you please help me by giving me some setting on the high speed and low speed needles

[@ericmiller9557]

The problem I'm having right now is I'm having a lot of unburned oil and fuel in my exhaust pipe how do I fix it

[@AdamDrake]

I don't know the settings for the Traxxas engine, but if there's a lot of unburnt fuel, you may need to lean out the engine.

[@flubber781]

Hi Adam. How do i get the two bearings off the centre diff on a mbx6t. I need to change them as they are siezed

[@AdamDrake]

You may need to get behind them with two flat head screw drivers.

[@daveshank1921]

You could use a little bit of heat if its a steel spur gear.

[@ericmiller9557]

By the way you inspired me to mess with nitro cars I just want to learn how to tune them up real well

[@AdamDrake]

Very cool, thank you!

[@joshuajkoplin]

An hour on the hour hand correct? Not and hour of the minute hand (full rotation of clock)

[@Onyro]

Thanks for your helpfull work!

[@AdamDrake]

My pleasure!

[@LuCKyG931]

You talked about richen or lean the mid adjustment, but isn't it just moving the spraybar? I heard both things in the past and it is one of the least talked and unclear things in nitro rc. What is actually going on with the mid adjustment in General?

[@AdamDrake]

I think most people over think the mid speed adjustment. It will adjust the spraybar, but it's really just adjusting the mid range of the power band.

[@LatigoStmarie]

We sent our tessman edition to be broken in. We appreciate it

[@AdamDrake]

Great, thank you very much!

[@charleston_brad9446]

Hi Adam...Just bought my first nitro car...Traxxas Slash 3.3...are u familiar with these?

[@AdamDrake]

Great basher vehicle.

[@peterjohansson1503]

Hi Adam, can u get me the factory settings to reds wr7 nitro engine, thanx my hero.

[@AdamDrake]

I don't have any experience with that engine, but I'll try to find out.

[@dylanperkins6465]

Hey Adam just wondering the mid idle screw does that change when the power band kicks in ? Hoping that makes sense.

[@AdamDrake]

It will control the power band through the mid range of the throttle.

[@joeylowery9779]

Thanks Adam

[@batteryacids]

How Adam, Quick question: If you had 0 experience in nitro and wanted to get into it, what model would you elect and why? I'm leaning towards a TLR Eight.... I don't mind spending lil more if it future proofs it or makes it viable to do so... I would love to here your recommendations and why!

[@lyftjennings1890]

Blew my piston this weekend just trying to break it in lol. Race kit didn't even make it to the track once. Very heartbreaking lol

[@AdamDrake]

Bummer, which engine was it?

[@lifeofsq4800]

Hi im getting into nitro rc and guys i need opinion what rc car should i get

[@AdamDrake]

www.mugenracing.com

[@DetoursRC]

do you have any baseline carb settings for the OS .21 XZ-B V2? I just built my first nitro buggy and put that engine in it. people say the performance is similar to the speed engines. The carb is a 22b2

[@AdamDrake]

Yes, you could start with my settings from the Spec 2. www.thedrakeracing.com

[@DetoursRC]

@@AdamDrake thanks!

[@rodnelldodson9663]

Can you put 25% 30% in any nitro rc cars

[@AdamDrake]

Yes.

[@nitrogas5719]

Hello mr Drake, I know you have a lot of experience with the nova motors so do you know the factory settings for a Novarossi cx12 rotary carb? I had previously found some settings but the engine scream on startup and does not have any air leaks.

[@AdamDrake]

I'm not sure about the Nova .12 carbs and the Nova carb settings actually vary quite a bit from carb to carb.

[@ProGamer-tv7yd]

Thank you for the vidio

[@AdamDrake]

You bet

[@Magic_Battlegrounds]

Did you race in Hemet in the early 90’s?

[@AdamDrake]

Yes, in the early 2000's.

[@Magic_Battlegrounds]

@@AdamDrake I bought a load of old parts in boxes from the owner of an RC track. I was able to build an AD2 complete with Engine!

[@Bosic333]

Conrad fx 18 engine setings

[@AdamDrake]

Maybe Tessmann would have the FX settings. I'll try to check with him.

[@rodbaker3354]

Adam thanks for your time. This really does help. I do have a guesting. I know you have alot of experience with nova motor. I have Mito 7 would you know or rather remember the base setting for that motor. Thanks again.

[@AdamDrake]

Glad to help. The Nova settings can vary a lot from engine to engine. Usually you can start with the lsn flush and the hsn 1/2 turn in from flush.

[@rodbaker3354]

@@AdamDrake what about the mid

[@wesleyjandreau3367]

Thank you!

[@AdamDrake]

Welcome!

[@donaldtolbert7804]

Thank You

[@AdamDrake]

Welcome!

[@xristoskalandrias2834]

Never smiles.

[@AdamDrake]

Haha. I smile a lot, but not too often when doing the videos. I'll work on that.

[@denisdenis2034]

THE ULTIMATE SECRET FROM WINNER RACER!! In all the videos I've watched about carburetor adjustments for nitro rc engines not a single one talks about the secret I'm about to reveal to you that makes the difference between first, second and third on the podium. The low speed must be adjusted richer than normal but the motor must still turn well between 1/4 opening and 3/4 because the needle in the center of the slide controls from idle to 3/4. From 3/4 to full trottle you can put the slide needle in your pocket and it wouldn't change the mix. The result is that when the engine is running full throttle and you release the triger quickly the engine wants air and fuel but the slide is closed so a lot of gas (and oil) goes into the engine and cools it down and lubricates it better. Think about this.. How many seconds do you keep full trottle in a race...2 or 3 seconds.. then you can adjust the high speed needle leaner than normal and gain rpm and horsepower and by releasing the trigger very quickly for a fraction of a second like before entering a curve it cools much more and the temperature of the engine will not have time to rise above 250 degrees and you have maximum power.

[@billbarberconstructioninc.17]

Can't stress the fuel line check enough for ppl... just the other day I was helping a first timer at the track, and I was sitting there for 5 min wondering why it's sounds like it's starving for fuel. Come to find out his fuel line inside the tank was kinked [ cough cough tekno]...

[@AdamDrake]

Great point!!

[@chrisstephens6194]

Kinda gives me confidence to get another nitro car....

[@louie4316]

Do it, there is nothing like hearing 35,000 little explosions per minute:))..not to mention that nitro smell.

[@AdamDrake]

:) Awesome!

[@danielbarrios5674]

I need help where you located what’s your address

[@AdamDrake]

Southern Ca

[@briancarroll6245]

👍💯

[@Bandmanofficial6]

Aha I see So Cal in the back you in California?

[@bella0167]

👍

[@manaz28jose]

👍😎

[@AdamDrake]

:)

[@slothbowyer3926]

Send me some xxx-nt graphite parts

[@AdamDrake]

Haha

[@nexxusty]

This doesn't help at all. Sorry... Telling us what the screws do is not helpful. Manuals say this.

[@AdamDrake]

Appreciate the feedback.

[@bp-eu6sh]

ugg no thanks

[@richbuege6491]

There is no such thing as a "nitro" engine, they are glow ignition engines. In FAI competition, 1% nitro will get you tossed. They are glow engines and have been since Ray Arden came up with the concept. Don't care who you are, don't know either, but I'll stick with the term Ray Arden put on them. Probably before your father was born.

[@joshdean5867]

Wow , so cool mr edgelord

[@kramssog4362]

Im new gonna buy one on ebay.

[@casperstour]

I fell asleep 5 times just in the intro.... Become a bit more enthusiastic with your videos, you're literally talkin people to sleep in this

[@AdamDrake]

Appreciate the feedback. Have a great day.

[@SezieOffical]

Thanks for the advise I’ve been needing a hobby to get me off my arse and go outside and I think nitro is sick and this is to thanks for the tutorial 👍🏻

[@AdamDrake]

My pleasure, enjoy!