Engine Problem Check List
By John W. Wenzelburger
This is a quick check list for engine problems. For more detailed information see the Engine Problem trouble shooting.
This document is available on the download page in MS WORD 6 Format.
Engine will not start at all :
No fuel getting into engine glow plug is dry
Check if clunk is bent forward inside tank kinking fuel hose inside tank.
Check that hoses are not reversed.
Has hose come off tank or engine become pinched or kinked.
Is muffler loose or pressure fitting clogged.
Is needle valve closed all the way?
Carburetor fuel port clogged.
Pressure test tank and hose system.
Fuel filler valve defective.
Fuel filter clogged.
Ah…Is the tank empty? (oops)
Fuel is getting to engine plug is wet.
Defective glow plug / remove test or replace.
Glow plug starter is weak / dead. Check with spare glow plug should glow bright red.
Take plug out and turn engine over quickly to make sure it is not flooded.
Throttle linkage / servo adjusted wrong, reversed or not working.
Needle valve is set too rich or too lean.
Electric starter battery low, turning too slow.
If flip starting, borrow someone’s electric starter.
Engine will cough and sputter then die
Engine is set too rich close down on high-speed needle valve.
Check items under "No fuel getting to engine".
Look for leaks, bubbles in hoses.
Check throttle linkage, servo
Check glow plug, replace. Try hotter plug.
Engine will run okay, but not idle
Too rich too lean.
Damaged needle valve.
Air leak in fuel system.
Glow plug problem.
Not hot enough plug
Bind in engine.
Too big of a propeller.
Exhaust extensions on engine try taking them off.
Try new fuel with more nitro.
Engine will run but dies as soon as aircraft takes off.
Too rich. Test by holding plane at 45 degree angle full throttle.
Check tank clunk for pinched kinked hoses leaks.
Engine will run, idle, but after a few minuets in air it dies.
Check for excessive vibration and fuel foaming.
Check position of tank.
Test on ground with low fuel level.
Make sure the engine is not too lean, as fuel level drops and altitude increases it will lean out.
Check for over heating do to over revving, high nitro in fuel, exhaust restriction, Poor air flow, too lean. 4cycle valve timing.
Front bearing leaks.
Muffler leaks / loose
Check for leaks, after fuel gets low air leaks make the situation worse.
On small tanks make sure the clunk is hitting the bottom and all sides of the tank sometimes the hose is so stiff and short that it holds the clunk straight out.
Engine dies after throttle is moved from high to low or low to high.
Usually needle valve settings
Glow plug
Propeller size.
This document is in Beta release please send corrections additions or omissions to John W. Wenzelburger wenzej@bellsouth.net