Engine Timing

performance longer engine life low-tech low-budget do-it-yourself approach T setting ignition timing engine has battery powered ignition system Low-tech does mean inaccurate some simple tools some practice can set timing within 1/20 procedure will work engines fixed throttle-coupled timing some use computer-controlled timing will however work engines magneto ignition knowing engine timed will always able return timing same place have take engine apart Approximately 50% engines receive CH Electronics Make run instructions have incorrect timing have wonder thousands engines out flying around timing far retarded arent 68 Model Aviation own engine better timing equipment assembled simple odds ends may already have parts youll need Clockwise shaft rotation engine stopped turning against piston stop 300 ATDC developing anything near potential timing far advanced hammering themselves pieces Heres time engine get TERMS USED TDC Top Dead Center piston top its stroke BTDC Before TDC piston moving up TDC ATDC After TDC piston past TDC going down have found 90% engines work best within general ranges timing Idle 48O BTDC Full Power 2832O BTDC Total Movement Approximately 240 timing change timing too far advanced full throttle engine develops less power might detonate timing too retarded full throttle engine cant develop maximum power will run hotter An engine too far advanced idle will kick back youre trying start too far retarded idle will slow down throttle response engine manufacturer has different settings should follow recommendations Most basic tools will need procedure can found local discount store scrap box around house Youll need six-inch 1800 protractor heavy duty paper clamp heavy duty paper clip old spark plug engine broken prop some miscellaneous nuts bolts total investment will less $4 make things easy have included degree wheel cut-out can glued face protractor turning degree wheel Use itit will make things lot easier instructions will reference degree wheel Before time engine read article several times make sure understand what going doing Making Tools make pointer straighten paper clip bolt paper clamp pointer will fit different engines engine has bolt-on bearing housing bolt-on cylinder can just bolt pointer front engine wont need clamp make degree wheel cut down broken prop hub left Epoxy degree wheel hole lines up center mark protractor dont have broken prop can make spacer Out some scrap wood need spacer because prop shafts threaded Photos author Graphic Design carla Kunz August1996 69 Counterclockwise shaft rotation engine stopped turning against piston stop 100 BTDC Add readings divide sum two setup number degree wheel setup number 00 should TDC As indicated degree wheel engine timed 550 BTDC idle setting within given parameters engine timed 300 BTDC full throttlewithin given parameters engine ready go way prop hub prop nut wont tighten degree wheel Glue degree wheel cut-out protractorhold up light align marks protractor degree wheel Trim cut-out fit make degree wheel universal drilled out old spinner-backplate adapter rings make fit sorts engines Before making piston stop look engine oversome engines have spark plug such angle piston stop wont work can skip step make piston stop take old spark plug put vise Use cutoff wheel hacksaw remove crimp just above hex knock porcelain out porcelain will tougher think Make sure wear safety glasses during procedure Remove gasket plug has cut off side electrode Whittle piece hardwood fit inside spark plug will keep damaging piston top should get carried away trying find TDC have lathe can machine stop plastic brass will need drill hole bumper release engines compression turn engine uses short 14mm spark plug just use old -inch-reach 14mm spark plug piston stop Checking Timing Engine Timing affected things including sensor magnet distance between timing engine correctly can eliminate several variables 1 Remove good spark plug rotate prop hub piston somewhere near TDC Remove prop install degree wheel 2 Clamp bolt pointer engine can accurately read points degree wheel make sure pointing somewhere near 00 mark can bend pointer will fit better 00 mark doesnt have upyou will reference later 3 There ways find TDC engine three quick-and-easy ways slower-but-more-accurate method accurate step accurate overall results will An easy way find TDC twostroke engine look exhaust port Turn prop hub until piston top will little play topadjust degree wheel until pointer points same number degrees both directions during rocking Go step 4 method accurate nother way find TDC two- four-stroke engines remove spark plug insert six-inch piece inner nylon pushrod rotate prop hub Notice pushrod stops moving up will little play top adjust degree wheel until pointer travels same number degrees direction during rocking Go step 4 Accuracy method hird way leave good spark plug engine Turn prop until compression stroke get TDC let compression bleed off should able feel crankshaft rock back forth piston TDC Move degree wheel until pointer travels same number degrees direction during rocking Loosen spark plug go step 4 practice can find TDC within lowest difficult way accurate though its slowest will take two minutes less method requires piston stop piston stop wont work engine skip step use other methods Screw piston stop Slowly turn prop hub until piston hits stop Record degree reading Turn prop hub other direction repeat procedure Add two degree readings divide sum two obtain setup number last reading BTDC set-up number also BTDC piston against stop loosen prop nut bit Turn degree wheel until set-up number pointer tighten prop nut Now turn prop hub other direction verify same degree number pointer piston hits stop isnt step over have done step correctly degree reading 70 Model Aviation copy degree wheel glue front six-inch protractor Trim cut-out fit will same direction Unscrew piston stop go step 4 method accurate 4 Turn prop hub pointer 00 engine now TDC have reference check engine timing Dont bump pointer will have step 3 again 5 Put good spark plug plug cap lay cylinder Close throttle 6 Turn ignition system Turn prop hub opposite direction normal rotation about 600 BTDC Slowly turn prop hub normal direction usually counterclockwise listen spark plug fires Stop note degree reading Repeat process several times sure have fixed timing what engine timed youre done have throttlecoupled timing idle retarded timing setting 7 If have throttle-coupled timing open throttle repeat step 6 power advanced timing setting Now youre done too Adjusting Timing engine timing has greater change between idle full throttle 240 mentioned earlier idle 20 ATDC full throttle 360 BTDC engine timing doesnt have enough movement idle 200 BTDC full throttle 340 BTDC might want change amount movement moving ball links change length belicrank carburetor arm just like moving pushrod servo arm longer arm the pushrod moves engine timing has correct amount movement its either too far advanced idle 150 BTDC full throttle 400 BTDC timing too far retarded idle 00 full throttle 250 might want change things lengthening shortening timing pushrods like moving clevis centering control Normally retard timing would change length timing pushrod ignition sensor moves direction prop rotation advance timing would move ignition sensor opposite direction prop rotation Sometimes can move magnet instead sensor going move magnet moves opposite direction sensor moving direction prop rotation advances timing engine has electronic timing try steps 1 through 7 will enable set timing according advanced retarded setting given ignition manufacturer general specifications mentioned earlier good approximately 90% engines using battery ignition 98% fliers However engine unique want optimize engines timing can power-time Power timing requires tachometer engine mounted airplane will have properly restrained engine installed airplane will need securely mounted test bench will running engine full throttle long 30 seconds long time ground Safety must first priorityno shortcuts allowed power-timing prevent possible harm engine should first well broken-in should make sure advanced timing 280 BTDC less engine cowled engine manufacturer has recommended timing settings should use power-time engine Power Timing 30-second runs following procedure will ensure engine its full operating temperature Never make adjustments engine running 1 The engine should have flying prop OS A3 Hot new plug Cool new price A3 favorite sport flier heat stays bar Theres no need thicker coil made new alloy allows A3 hold heat needed smooth idling minimum rpm means theres no danger engine damage caused weld failure nothing between fuel vapor instant top-end power except ignition since A3s coil solid platinum resists meltdowns premature failure better plated coil plugs Combine fact A3 05s economical plug ever adds up fewer plugs buy less money spend dependable performance enjoy other sport plug youve ever used 05 A3 heat dollars off Only OS Glow Plugs tough enough take heat location dealer nearest call 1-800-682-8948 mention code #04AA Distributed exclusively through Great Planes Model Distributors company po Box 9021 champaign 61826-9021 Copyright 19963071166 August 1996 71 N p p urn Small Tool SpecialistsSEND FOR YOUR OVER 2000 TOOLS & ACCESSORIES COPY Brand Names. Unusual Items. TODAY Exclusive Products savings up 60% designed make project easier enjoyable professional TO ORDER Send $100 coupon br name addressl ADDRESS_____________________________________________________[v33][b15322983132525420]] MicroMsrk 2096 Snyder Ave I Berkeley Heights NJ 07922-1 595 CITY___________________________ STATE________ ZIP___________ [v32][b-1-10-1-10]]J Combat Fighter Series F-16 Falcon.. Kit #4016 Length37 Inches Wingspan46 Inches Wing Area520 Sq Weight4 4-1/2 Lbs four Combat Fighter Series aircraft use 40 46 engine 4 channel radio 3 standard servos kits feature foam core wings balsa tail surfaces extensive hardware pack rugged PVC fuselage Simple modular construction allows planes built 8-10 hours Due popular request now have 30 minute video available featuring Combat Fighter Series kits video available itself $795 purchased kit $500 Length375 Inches Wingspan46 Inches Wing Area510 Sq Weight4 4-1/2 Lbs Also Available A-10 WarthogKit #4010 F-iS EagleKit #4015 order send check money order $3995 plus $500 S&H per kit LDM Industries Inc PO Box 292396 Tampa FL 33687-2396 Phone 813 991-4277 Fax 813 991-4810 Florida residents add 6% sales tax VISA and MASTER CARD Accepted 1996 LDM Industries Inc exhaust system installed 2 Start engine warm up bit half throttle 3 Go full throttle 30 seconds take tachometer reading Let engine idle 30 seconds shut off 4 Advance timing littleperhaps two turns ball link 5 Restart engine Let run half throttle bit go full throttle 30 seconds take tachometer reading Bring engine back idle shut off 6 If rpm increased repeat steps 4 5 If rpm decreased retard timing four turns repeat steps 4 5 7 Keep repeating steps 4 5 6 until no change rpm return timing settings last adjustment change 8 Verify rpm again full throttle procedure sets timing full throttle should use TDC degree-wheel method make sure idle timing 48O setting mentioned earlier Also note advanced timing reading have take engine apart can time optimum specifications prefer back timing down bit maximum power reduce maximum rpm approximately 100 way engines life enhanced Engine timing rocket science magic some people would have believe might take half hour time first engine practice will probably take less five minutes Make yourself set tools set ignition timing engines Youll enjoy better performance longer engine life odel Aviation Hornet.. Kit #4018 SUPER _SF_ LOWDELIVERY PRICE______ MINIATURE BEARINGS FOR HOBBY & INDUSTRY 3 Complete Product Lines ForPremium UltraSeal frictionless sealed maintenance-free bearingsWe Have R/C CarsEcenoPower bearings engineered strength & durabilitythe Largest TrucksHIgh-Speed h gh beat eng ne bear ngs Inventory Boats nda d US Met c s zesand PlanesAsk us about MIDAS TOUCH Ou Other Fine ProductsWIdest &Send $3 00 CatalogsSelection Helicopters Des e P og sins Ava abe BOCA BEARING Co -IN STOCK7040W Palmetto Park Rd Suite 2304 Ml Boca Raton FL 33433 Tel 407-998-0004 407-098-0119 USA CANADA CALL TOLL FREE 300-332-3256 0 CANADA USA . .- 0101105003513213 0402 05043203050205000801 08020901 3216 04010503 3204I____ 10102 010510350321930951 32241211 -1250 0501 0250 ory Service_ Corn pIete~e0304 r O\un Parts /0303 1206 SLIp port02500l05 020705102050402T040 0307 0301 0302 1105 MVVS Corporation America 7 Switchbud Place Ste 192-211 lands TX 77380 \02 Call 713-364-8011 713-298-7032 1 1102 email 75627261 @compuservecom1103 1104 1150 0202 0101~1207 0203 0303 10 1 0301

performance longer engine life low-tech low-budget do-it-yourself approach T setting ignition timing engine has battery powered ignition system Low-tech does mean inaccurate some simple tools some practice can set timing within 1/20 procedure will work engines fixed throttle-coupled timing some use computer-controlled timing will however work engines magneto ignition knowing engine timed will always able return timing same place have take engine apart Approximately 50% engines receive CH Electronics Make run instructions have incorrect timing have wonder thousands engines out flying around timing far retarded arent 68 Model Aviation own engine better timing equipment assembled simple odds ends may already have parts youll need Clockwise shaft rotation engine stopped turning against piston stop 300 ATDC developing anything near potential timing far advanced hammering themselves pieces Heres time engine get TERMS USED TDC Top Dead Center piston top its stroke BTDC Before TDC piston moving up TDC ATDC After TDC piston past TDC going down have found 90% engines work best within general ranges timing Idle 48O BTDC Full Power 2832O BTDC Total Movement Approximately 240 timing change timing too far advanced full throttle engine develops less power might detonate timing too retarded full throttle engine cant develop maximum power will run hotter An engine too far advanced idle will kick back youre trying start too far retarded idle will slow down throttle response engine manufacturer has different settings should follow recommendations Most basic tools will need procedure can found local discount store scrap box around house Youll need six-inch 1800 protractor heavy duty paper clamp heavy duty paper clip old spark plug engine broken prop some miscellaneous nuts bolts total investment will less $4 make things easy have included degree wheel cut-out can glued face protractor turning degree wheel Use itit will make things lot easier instructions will reference degree wheel Before time engine read article several times make sure understand what going doing Making Tools make pointer straighten paper clip bolt paper clamp pointer will fit different engines engine has bolt-on bearing housing bolt-on cylinder can just bolt pointer front engine wont need clamp make degree wheel cut down broken prop hub left Epoxy degree wheel hole lines up center mark protractor dont have broken prop can make spacer Out some scrap wood need spacer because prop shafts threaded Photos author Graphic Design carla Kunz August1996 69 Counterclockwise shaft rotation engine stopped turning against piston stop 100 BTDC Add readings divide sum two setup number degree wheel setup number 00 should TDC As indicated degree wheel engine timed 550 BTDC idle setting within given parameters engine timed 300 BTDC full throttlewithin given parameters engine ready go way prop hub prop nut wont tighten degree wheel Glue degree wheel cut-out protractorhold up light align marks protractor degree wheel Trim cut-out fit make degree wheel universal drilled out old spinner-backplate adapter rings make fit sorts engines Before making piston stop look engine oversome engines have spark plug such angle piston stop wont work can skip step make piston stop take old spark plug put vise Use cutoff wheel hacksaw remove crimp just above hex knock porcelain out porcelain will tougher think Make sure wear safety glasses during procedure Remove gasket plug has cut off side electrode Whittle piece hardwood fit inside spark plug will keep damaging piston top should get carried away trying find TDC have lathe can machine stop plastic brass will need drill hole bumper release engines compression turn engine uses short 14mm spark plug just use old -inch-reach 14mm spark plug piston stop Checking Timing Engine Timing affected things including sensor magnet distance between timing engine correctly can eliminate several variables 1 Remove good spark plug rotate prop hub piston somewhere near TDC Remove prop install degree wheel 2 Clamp bolt pointer engine can accurately read points degree wheel make sure pointing somewhere near 00 mark can bend pointer will fit better 00 mark doesnt have upyou will reference later 3 There ways find TDC engine three quick-and-easy ways slower-but-more-accurate method accurate step accurate overall results will An easy way find TDC twostroke engine look exhaust port Turn prop hub until piston top will little play topadjust degree wheel until pointer points same number degrees both directions during rocking Go step 4 method accurate nother way find TDC two- four-stroke engines remove spark plug insert six-inch piece inner nylon pushrod rotate prop hub Notice pushrod stops moving up will little play top adjust degree wheel until pointer travels same number degrees direction during rocking Go step 4 Accuracy method hird way leave good spark plug engine Turn prop until compression stroke get TDC let compression bleed off should able feel crankshaft rock back forth piston TDC Move degree wheel until pointer travels same number degrees direction during rocking Loosen spark plug go step 4 practice can find TDC within lowest difficult way accurate though its slowest will take two minutes less method requires piston stop piston stop wont work engine skip step use other methods Screw piston stop Slowly turn prop hub until piston hits stop Record degree reading Turn prop hub other direction repeat procedure Add two degree readings divide sum two obtain setup number last reading BTDC set-up number also BTDC piston against stop loosen prop nut bit Turn degree wheel until set-up number pointer tighten prop nut Now turn prop hub other direction verify same degree number pointer piston hits stop isnt step over have done step correctly degree reading 70 Model Aviation copy degree wheel glue front six-inch protractor Trim cut-out fit will same direction Unscrew piston stop go step 4 method accurate 4 Turn prop hub pointer 00 engine now TDC have reference check engine timing Dont bump pointer will have step 3 again 5 Put good spark plug plug cap lay cylinder Close throttle 6 Turn ignition system Turn prop hub opposite direction normal rotation about 600 BTDC Slowly turn prop hub normal direction usually counterclockwise listen spark plug fires Stop note degree reading Repeat process several times sure have fixed timing what engine timed youre done have throttlecoupled timing idle retarded timing setting 7 If have throttle-coupled timing open throttle repeat step 6 power advanced timing setting Now youre done too Adjusting Timing engine timing has greater change between idle full throttle 240 mentioned earlier idle 20 ATDC full throttle 360 BTDC engine timing doesnt have enough movement idle 200 BTDC full throttle 340 BTDC might want change amount movement moving ball links change length belicrank carburetor arm just like moving pushrod servo arm longer arm the pushrod moves engine timing has correct amount movement its either too far advanced idle 150 BTDC full throttle 400 BTDC timing too far retarded idle 00 full throttle 250 might want change things lengthening shortening timing pushrods like moving clevis centering control Normally retard timing would change length timing pushrod ignition sensor moves direction prop rotation advance timing would move ignition sensor opposite direction prop rotation Sometimes can move magnet instead sensor going move magnet moves opposite direction sensor moving direction prop rotation advances timing engine has electronic timing try steps 1 through 7 will enable set timing according advanced retarded setting given ignition manufacturer general specifications mentioned earlier good approximately 90% engines using battery ignition 98% fliers However engine unique want optimize engines timing can power-time Power timing requires tachometer engine mounted airplane will have properly restrained engine installed airplane will need securely mounted test bench will running engine full throttle long 30 seconds long time ground Safety must first priorityno shortcuts allowed power-timing prevent possible harm engine should first well broken-in should make sure advanced timing 280 BTDC less engine cowled engine manufacturer has recommended timing settings should use power-time engine Power Timing 30-second runs following procedure will ensure engine its full operating temperature Never make adjustments engine running 1 The engine should have flying prop OS A3 Hot new plug Cool new price A3 favorite sport flier heat stays bar Theres no need thicker coil made new alloy allows A3 hold heat needed smooth idling minimum rpm means theres no danger engine damage caused weld failure nothing between fuel vapor instant top-end power except ignition since A3s coil solid platinum resists meltdowns premature failure better plated coil plugs Combine fact A3 05s economical plug ever adds up fewer plugs buy less money spend dependable performance enjoy other sport plug youve ever used 05 A3 heat dollars off Only OS Glow Plugs tough enough take heat location dealer nearest call 1-800-682-8948 mention code #04AA Distributed exclusively through Great Planes Model Distributors company po Box 9021 champaign 61826-9021 Copyright 19963071166 August 1996 71 N p p urn Small Tool SpecialistsSEND FOR YOUR OVER 2000 TOOLS & ACCESSORIES COPY Brand Names. Unusual Items. TODAY Exclusive Products savings up 60% designed make project easier enjoyable professional TO ORDER Send $100 coupon br name addressl ADDRESS_____________________________________________________[v33][b15322983132525420]] MicroMsrk 2096 Snyder Ave I Berkeley Heights NJ 07922-1 595 CITY___________________________ STATE________ ZIP___________ [v32][b-1-10-1-10]]J Combat Fighter Series F-16 Falcon.. Kit #4016 Length37 Inches Wingspan46 Inches Wing Area520 Sq Weight4 4-1/2 Lbs four Combat Fighter Series aircraft use 40 46 engine 4 channel radio 3 standard servos kits feature foam core wings balsa tail surfaces extensive hardware pack rugged PVC fuselage Simple modular construction allows planes built 8-10 hours Due popular request now have 30 minute video available featuring Combat Fighter Series kits video available itself $795 purchased kit $500 Length375 Inches Wingspan46 Inches Wing Area510 Sq Weight4 4-1/2 Lbs Also Available A-10 WarthogKit #4010 F-iS EagleKit #4015 order send check money order $3995 plus $500 S&H per kit LDM Industries Inc PO Box 292396 Tampa FL 33687-2396 Phone 813 991-4277 Fax 813 991-4810 Florida residents add 6% sales tax VISA and MASTER CARD Accepted 1996 LDM Industries Inc exhaust system installed 2 Start engine warm up bit half throttle 3 Go full throttle 30 seconds take tachometer reading Let engine idle 30 seconds shut off 4 Advance timing littleperhaps two turns ball link 5 Restart engine Let run half throttle bit go full throttle 30 seconds take tachometer reading Bring engine back idle shut off 6 If rpm increased repeat steps 4 5 If rpm decreased retard timing four turns repeat steps 4 5 7 Keep repeating steps 4 5 6 until no change rpm return timing settings last adjustment change 8 Verify rpm again full throttle procedure sets timing full throttle should use TDC degree-wheel method make sure idle timing 48O setting mentioned earlier Also note advanced timing reading have take engine apart can time optimum specifications prefer back timing down bit maximum power reduce maximum rpm approximately 100 way engines life enhanced Engine timing rocket science magic some people would have believe might take half hour time first engine practice will probably take less five minutes Make yourself set tools set ignition timing engines Youll enjoy better performance longer engine life odel Aviation Hornet.. Kit #4018 SUPER _SF_ LOWDELIVERY PRICE______ MINIATURE BEARINGS FOR HOBBY & INDUSTRY 3 Complete Product Lines ForPremium UltraSeal frictionless sealed maintenance-free bearingsWe Have R/C CarsEcenoPower bearings engineered strength & durabilitythe Largest TrucksHIgh-Speed h gh beat eng ne bear ngs Inventory Boats nda d US Met c s zesand PlanesAsk us about MIDAS TOUCH Ou Other Fine ProductsWIdest &Send $3 00 CatalogsSelection Helicopters Des e P og sins Ava abe BOCA BEARING Co -IN STOCK7040W Palmetto Park Rd Suite 2304 Ml Boca Raton FL 33433 Tel 407-998-0004 407-098-0119 USA CANADA CALL TOLL FREE 300-332-3256 0 CANADA USA . .- 0101105003513213 0402 05043203050205000801 08020901 3216 04010503 3204I____ 10102 010510350321930951 32241211 -1250 0501 0250 ory Service_ Corn pIete~e0304 r O\un Parts /0303 1206 SLIp port02500l05 020705102050402T040 0307 0301 0302 1105 MVVS Corporation America 7 Switchbud Place Ste 192-211 lands TX 77380 \02 Call 713-364-8011 713-298-7032 1 1102 email 75627261 @compuservecom1103 1104 1150 0202 0101~1207 0203 0303 10 1 0301