Hint Sheet for I.C Cars

Hints for Trouble Free Running - IC Powered Vehicles

Thank you for choosing to purchase your fuel powered car from Antics.
Whether you have opted for a built 'Ready to Run' or partly built 'Almost Ready to Run' vehicle we would suggest the following tips for trouble free running.

Attention!

IC vehicles are fun but can be very demanding in care and maintenance, particularly in the early stages while the technique of starting and running in the motor are being acquired. Users should read the manufacturer's instructions and these notes carefully before commencing assembly or starting the engine.
Antics will be happy to provide a full refund should you decide it is not suitable for any reason, and return it to us unstarted within 14 days from delivery.

We regret we will not accept refund requests once the vehicle has been started, but will endeavour to rectify any issues and assist you with understanding the operation and running of your vehicle. Many of our in-shop staff run their own model vehicles and will be happy to guide you through the operating parts and demontsrate the necessary adjustments.

Please remember the manufacturers' warranty guarantees the vehicle with respect to defects in the parts or manufacture of the vehicle only.
Collision / crash damage and breakages caused by adventurous driving are not covered by warranty except where parts have failed due to a manufacturing defect.
One or more parts in the drive chain (often the main gear) are designed to fail under certain overload circumstances to prevent more catastrophic damage being suffered by the motor. These parts will not replaced under warranty as they have performed one of their designed purposes.

Operating IC Powered Vehicles

(1) The miniature, high power 'real' engines used in these models generate a certain amount of vibration. This may loosen nuts, bolts and other components so it is very important to regularly check all of them especially those holding the engine in place. If these do come loose remove them one at a time, clean the bolt and the threaded hole with meths or a degreaser, apply a drop of threadlock (available from Antics) and replace.

Check that the external gears are still meshing properly, if not re-loosen the engine bolts and move the engine closer to the main gear. There should be a very slight play between these gears. One of the most common causes of failure is incorrect gear meshing vigilance can prevent problems. Threadlocking other metal to metal surfaces, including drive cups and silencer bolts, can be an aid to maintaining a good set up.

NB: As most liquid threadlock attacks plastic, avoid contact with plastic parts on the model.

(2) It is also important that the brake is not applied when the engine is idling and the car is stationery. The brake must only work when the throttle lever is pulled back. A simple check is to push the car back and forth on the ground with the throttle lever in the centre, the brake should not be on, then pull back the lever and feel the brake come on. Should this not be the case adjust as necessary. This will help prevent your clutch 'burning out'.

(3) Avoid over revving and running your engine too lean! A correct carburettor setting is very important if you want to avoid permanent engine damage. Most engine failures are caused by incorrect fuel/oil ratios and therefore not warranty repairs.

(4) Always run the vehicle with an air filter securely attached to the carburettor.

(5) When not using your car drain the tank and run out any remaining fuel. Do not store fuel in a damp place, or left open, as it absorbs moisture.

We hope that this is useful to you. Remember! Don't hesitate to come back for further advice.

Additional Hints for Starting the Vehicle

These assume the glow plug is clean and glows well with a well charged battery, so check your glow plug is working well when your starter is applied. Fuel should be clean and well mixed.
Read the manufacturer's instructions first.

(1) Needle Valve Setting
 (1a) Screw the mixture needle valve (knurled screw) in very gently until it stops, then turn back to 3 turns (may vary on some models check your manual) This is close to the optimum setting for running the engine in. Once the engine is run in then turn the mixture needle back in by as little as 1/8^th of a turn (about 2 1/2 turns out) This will ensure adequate lubrication in the engine. It the motor is screaming it will wear out very quickly.
 (1b) If the throttle is pushed fast forward on the transmitter and the engine stops or stutters the mixture is probably too lean. Open (turn back) the needle a little (say 1/8th turn) and try again. If the engine revs fast but with little power - again probably too lean. Slow or rough running with ejection of unburnt oil indicates the setting is too rich, close the needle to adjust.
 (1c) Do not touch any other screw on the carburettor as these are factory set.

(2) STOP! If the engine does not start but the pull start is becoming tight. Remove the glow plug, clean the fuel off, place a rag over the top of the engine, pull engine over to remove excess fuel. Replace plug and start again.

(3) DO NOT continually rev the engine with the car off the ground. An engine requires moving air to keep it cool. Continually revving the engine while stationary, or over revving with too lean a mixture, can cause it to seize.

(4) WHILE RUNNING IN it is best to use a rich mixture and progressively lean this out as the motor beds in - usually by screwing in slightly after each tankful of fuel until the optimum is reached.

(5) GLOW PLUGS require a 2 volt supply during starting. Check your glow starter is still well charged.

(6) 10 - 16 size ENGINES require 10% nitro fuel with a minimum of 20% oil. Model Technics Duraglow 10 is ideal. Once run in engines of 20 to 25 size usually perform best with 16% nitro fuel.

(7) ALWAYS keep an eye on all screws etc: Vibration can cause these to work loose. Use threadlock if necessary.

(8) Fuel should not be left in engines as over a time it can cause corrosion. After run oil recommended.

Antics endeavours to stock commonly required spares, however often some parts needed have to obtained from the manufacturers' UK agents or distributor. In these cases supply will be dependent on their stock holding.

These vehicles are FUN!

We will do our best to help with any problem.