I've done a couple of searches on here for some information on engine break-in for control lines, but didn't get any hits in the control line forums. I'm a bit new to this and just finished putting together the hangar 9 pt-19, and have a powerful urge to fire it up. I figure that these engines have some sort of break-in procedure of some sort, right? Do you just run a tank or two through it? Do you start it out a bit rich and then lean it out after a couple tanks? Any help is greatly appreciated.

You do whatever the little booklet that comes with the engine says to do. That is, unless you have a really old engine. Engines nowadays have modern alloys in the piston and sleeve and have really close tolerances. They usually do not require the breakin we had to do in the old days when pistons had iron in them and sleeves often weren't exactly what you'd call round.

CNC production does wonders for the roundness and tolerances. And the piston/sleeve metals are close to magic. And today's engines come with excellent breakin methods clearly spelled out.

Tell us what engine and you would help us with our suggestions.

It's the Evolution .36nt engine that comes with the pt-19. I've looked through the guide that came with the engine a couple times, and they don't seem to make mention of any sort of break-in. They have starting it, adjusting the needle, etc. but not break-in.

That is supposed to be an idiot-proof engine usually installed on entry level ARTFs.

If they do not include any info about breakin, it's probably because they do not expect their customers to do any. I've seen a number of them in action and wouldn't worry about doing anything more than they suggest. If the idiot-proof needle valve limiter is on it, you won't be able to do anything much anyway. Follow their instructions.

Alright. Thanks. I said, "the heck with it," this afternoon and fired it up. So far, I've run about 3 tanks through it. It's running pretty good. Just gotta attach the cables and go fly it now.