I want to go ahead and start breaking in the engine on my son's new trainer. Actually, he is driving me nuts because it is to cold to start learning to fly adn our AMA membership has not arrived so I am trying to do something! Anyway, part of the breakin for an ABC engine depends on the heat getting high enough, correct? If that is true, then is it a bad thing to try and break in the engine when it is really cold outside? It is finally January here in Ohio, and it is in the teens outside.

Thanks all for your help!

They are talking about the engine temperature,the weather temperature effects the engine very little,but does effect the person starting the engine,be sure and burn all the fuel from the engine ,either by disconnection the fuel line while the engine is running,or use all the fuel in the tank,if you have some after run oil then add a spoonful down the carb after each day of running the engine, I'm assuming it's a 2s.Any fuel in the engine attracts water causing rust on corrosion,could use the temperature as an excuse not to get cold,after running the engine just get a hot toddy,remember,AFTER RUNNING.

I'm not an expert but I think iof you take the motor outside and start it up you will be ok. Is the motor in the plane or on test stand? Either way, make sure everything is secure and use a tether around the tail feathers to secure plane. Follow instructions in manual and run it in. Not sure how experienced you are or your sons age so don't want to preach but more than anything be cautious. Don't think air temp should be a problem as long as motor is reasonably warm at start up. Good luck.

Preach away! I am very new to this, and my son is 10, so we can use all the help we can get.

The engine is in the plane, (yes, a 2s), and I had already read about the teather and after-run oil, so we are all set there. I plan on running a complete tank through as per the instructions, so we should get all the fuel out.

Something I forgot to ask. How about cleanup? What is the best way to clean fuel/exhaust residue off the plane after it is run?

Thanks again for all the info!

To clean up.

I found that windshield washer fluid works, and cheap.
Windex with some rubbing alcohol in it.
Baby wipes.

Do a search on cleanup and you will find a lot of answers.

Bill

Here is a thread this I asked the same question.

Check it out:

http://www.rcuniverse.com/showthread...=break+in+cold

Billl

As RedWing said, windshield washer fliud works great and it's cheap. add a teaspoon or so of Dawn soap to it and it will help cut the oil better.

Generic brands of Windex and 409 work just fine and cost a buck at the dollar stores...also...don't throw the plastic tube in the bottle away when it's empty...makes a GREAT throttle pushrod guide tube.