Just received my two new TT 46 Pro engines from Tower. These are the first TT motors I have seen or owned. Neither motor rotates smoothly, infact they feel exactly the same, which may be normal for new engines. My question is, should this motor have a smooth feel while being turned by hand with no prop attached? I really don't want to begin bench running these engines if there is a problem which would be disastarous when they are started up for the first time.
Thanks

I just got the same engine a couple of weeks back, and it feels the same way when turning over. I believe it is because the engine is dry. Once they are broken in, they should turn smoother.

Jim

i have ordered one of these too. before running them do you need to lube them with oil or anything?

Its never smooth when there is no prop unless the engine has been run before and there is no glow plug. Put on a prop and you will see that the smoother feeling comes from LEVERAGE. Still the engine will feel a little tight at Top Dead Center, the sleeve is pinched at the top, means the top has a little taper I believe.

Put the engine on a bench, use something like a 10x6 or 11x5 prop to run it in. There will be conflicting views on how to run it in, so I will not comment. For me I just let the engine run slightly rich for one tank then take her up on a just a little rich setting for a few tanks then start to lean her out a bit. During the first few tanks I do not push the engine too hard ... neither do I just putter about.

My TT46 starts with a back flip, just spin the spinner. No need for an electric starter ... also its inverted. Just come care and affection will ensure happy running of the engine.

I do not see any reason to lube it, the engine will fire up within 4-5 turns (I flick start my engines when new) and the fuel will have flowed through the whole engine within like 20 to 30 turns I am sure. Do you think that the engine will be damaged in 30 turns of 'dry' running?

probably not a good idea to dry turn a new engine!

Don't worry, they come lubricated from the factory. Tthe "roughness" you feel is the piston binding in the tapered upper cylinder -- this is entirely normal for new ABC/ABN engines. It will be smoother after you run it.

The engine should feel smooth when the piston is at the bottom of the stroke. At the top, it should grab.

If you feel roughness, and the piston is at the bottom, then you might consider squirting a little oil in, or pulling the backplate to make sure there aren't any filings or bits of crud in there. It's not common, but does happen once in a while. A quick squirt of oil, or fuel if you are going to run the engine can wash stuff out and give some extra lube.

Super engines. They should be tough to turn over by hand, thats a good thing. Follow the instuctions to break in and you have an awesome motor. I have two as well and have yet to even touch the low speed needle. The high speed needle I have to adjust only if changing fuel.

I dont even use my starter anymore they both start with the first flip or two. In fact, if one doesnt start by the third or fourth flip I start looking for a fuel or air leak somewhere.