proper way to start rc engine
 

i know many of you guys have your ideal way to get fire up the rc engine, but what would be the proper procedure to start it up correctly?

proper way to start rc engine
 

There really isn't a "correct" way to do it, only preferred ways. Just make sure there is some oil in it before you start it. Just do what is comfortable.

proper way to start rc engine
 

I typically prime the engine by putting my finger over the carb inlet and turning the prop (glow plug driver disconnected, by the way). Then hook up the glow plug driver and use a starter.

I see a lot of people hand start their planes and the few times I've done it, it scares me. I'd rather use the stater.

Mike

proper way to start rc engine
 

how do you know if you had the High and Low adjust at the right spot...

proper way to start rc engine
 

There was a thread on engine tuning posted in this forum recently. Give the search feature a try.

For your first engine, I suggest getting a new engine with the manufacturer's instructions. Follow the instructions, and get the help of an experienced modeler. It's incredibly difficult to figure all this out on your own, and next-to-impossible to teach you something that you need to "feel" by typing in a window.

proper way to start rc engine
 

Totally agree wth Mkirsch. In fact, when you run your search, type in your engine and you'll find all sorts of great information.

proper way to start rc engine
 

As others have suggested it's a bit of a catch 22 situation in that you have to get it started to set the mixture but you need the mixture fairly close anyway for it to run.

But assuming the mixture is reasonably close..
The most important thing for easy starts is having it primed correctly. The amount will vary from engine to engine and usually even between hot and cold. Priming doesn't mean just sucking in a certain amount of fuel but also means getting it spread around inside the engine. It's an art not a science so you just have to experiment. The next most important is to have the plug glowing brightly enough. Orange heat is fine, white hot is no good. The least important (except it's the bit that gets it to run :) ) is whether to use a starter or chicken stick/finger. Set up correctly then one bump with the starter or one flick should have it running.

One trick you can try to see if it's ready to start is to put on the glow heat then hold the prop firmly and turn it over compression fairly slowly. If you feel a bump then it's ready to go.