Got a new OS 25LA and cannot seem to get it started. I set the needle to 1 and 1/2 turns like the manual said and then primed the engine like the manual said and then proceded to flip the prop many many times. Every other flip it would turn over 2-3 times and then stop. I figure I need help so I go to the LHS and get an elec starter. I got a nice one that I can also use for larger engines later. They told me that I should try starting it in full throttle contrary to the manual's 1/3 setting.

The thing that really bothers me is that when I put the elec starter on the spinner it turns it flips it 2-3 times and then locks up! I thought this was rather weird and certainly does not seem normal. When I removed the starter (of course it made a nice burn mark on my spinner) and tried to complete the rotation by hand it was rather hard to do. This seemed 2-3 times harder that it was when I primed it. I figure this might be due to TOO much fuel and its simply trying to compress it, especially since I found out my glow plug igniter was dead. Is this normal? Anyone have any suggestions for getting this started other than to have a fully charged glow plus ign?

Here I thought elec was a pain just because I had to remember to charge the batts.

Sounds like you flooded the engine and it Hydro-Locked.

Don't bother priming it if your using an elec starter... Also don't start it at full throtle your HAND is in front of it I can't believe someone gave you that bit of advice.

Watch the fuel line while using the starter to make sure fuel is getting to the carb (the hydro-lock means it most likely was but better safe then sorry)

If you can't see the fuel remove the line and the glow driver then spin the prop for a couple of seconds but watch your eyes fuel sould come out while the prop is spinning if not then you might not be pressurizing the system or have an air leak check all connections and the stopper

Fuel is definately getting to the carb. During the priming process I can see it going into the carb so I think the pressure is right. And fuel tries to come out the intake when it locks. I didn't know you really didn't need to prime it if you use an elec throttle.

Take the fuel line off the carb, turn the engine backwards with the glow off, that clears the fuel. Turn it a few times. Open the carb just a little bit, 1/16th inch or so, then put the glow on and hit it with the starter. It will fire and run a sec and then quit. Then put the fuel line back on, and start it without priming it with the same carb setting.

but what was not mentioned yet is if it is hydro locked, and it sounds like it is then do not continue to try to start it with the starter because you are right in that it is trying to compress the fuel in the cylinder and bad stuff happens from there. so by all means clear the fuel out. and it might not hurt to check the glow plug to make sure it is still working. i assume it is a new one and it should last a long time but i have had new ones go out after one flight. so get a good charge on the glow batt. have a good glow plug in there make sure its not flooded and open the needle valve 1 1/2 to 2 turns and it should start.

We had this same problem last Sunday with a new flyer and an OS 46 la. His fuel lines were backward, with the vent hooked to the carb and supply hooked to the vent. Check that out.

Stupid as it might sound make sure your trying to start the motor in the right direction. Ive seen that happen so many times.. Another thing you might want to check is that your fuel tank is completely sealed. If you have to take out the rubber stopper and apply silicone around it and put it together.

All good advice. I also agree with never starting any engine at full throttle, that was a very dangerous suggestion by your LHS. I would be very leery of any future advice that person offers you.

Thanks for all the advice. I got it running this evening. I am still unclear at what setting to start it at and I think I got the needle set right. I opened it up to full throttle and leaned it out until it run much smoother. Then I clicked it back richer a couple clicks. I figure this cant hurt for breakin. Ended up running one 4oz tank dry so the break in is started.

When we used to break in our 2stroke motocross bikes we never ran over half throttle for a certain amount of time. What is the recommended break in throttle setting for these little 2 strokes. I know they dont have rings, well at least this one, so I am not sure.

Full throttle for most of the tank is fine, as long as you keep the engine very rich. I tend to back off on the throttle once in awhile to let the engine cool a little (running rich also keeps it from overheating and ruining the piston/liner fit).

If you buy an ABC or ABN engine at some point (like an OS FX, OS AX, Thunder Tiger PRO....), then the breakin procedure is different.

Have fun,
Dennis-