Originally Posted by
j_keiter
Both towerhobbies listed manual and the manual on the dle website lists 46 deg before top dead center for timing. I found this DLE 30 manual online that listed 35 deg btdc.
http://images.rcuniverse.com/forum/u...26/Tr50265.pdf
I used a degree wheel to maximize my resolution in reading the numbers. I pulled the carb and reeds to see the crank pin and hold at tdc to engrave a mark on the prop hub to indicate tdc. I now align degree wheel 0 deg when prop hub engraved mark is lined up with the web on the casting for tdc. I use a popsicle stick and small clamp to make dial indicator for degree wheel. Popsicle stick is clamped to the webbing of the engine case. I now gently rotate the hub and only listen for spark in direction that prop moves (counter clock wise). As I said before I consistently measured 35 deg with the sensor bracket at center of it's adjust range. 35 deg coincides with the dle30 manual that I fount online on RCU. I like this manual. Especially as the manual from dle indicates a 46 deg btdc timing which I do not understand??? I also usually do a sanity check by holding an allen wrench up through the spark plug hole against top of piston and toggle around tdc to make sure my marks make sense. I like Ralph (Antique) Cunningham's method but feel I get better resolution with a timing wheel. Please respond if you see a mistake in me method. Thx Jason
Not true, they both indicate 35deg BTDC is the correct number, the 46 deg figure is what you would read if you rotate the engine clockwise.
It seems to me that I read somewhere that RCExl is making special ignitions for DLE that have a different advance curve (smoother), but this shouldn't affect where to set the initial timing. The timing setting should only affect ease of starting. The timing will advance as the RPM comes up. I use 28 deg and my engines start on the first flip after priming. They will idle all day at 1500 RPM but I prefer to keep my idle speed around 1750 RPM.