Savage 25, First nitro, runs really bad.

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ArcticSnow

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13
I picked this savage up at a yard sale for 25 bucks because no one bought it, probably shoulda been my first clue, probably something fatally wrong that I didn't see, I'm in it a receiver, my radio for the electrics supports ten models, glow plug igniter, fuel, and the little bit to stick in the end of a drill. I've googled, youtubed, all of it, and spent about an hour tuning, and it just wont run with any real power. It doesnt run at all with the carb at base settings, it has to be leaned out quite a bit to make it run, high and low, and just. I don't know, would a glow plug cause this? Crack in the motor or a bad seal? I did say I have to lean it out quite a bit, but at the top end it actually runs alright and still smokes decently, coats the chassis in oil out the exhaust. accelerating it just doesnt wanna do much. And I'd love to test any theories, but I'm out a pinion on the clutch bell till wednesday. If anyone could help a newbie out, i'd greatly appreciate it.
 
Can you post a few pictures of the truck so we can get a good look at what you're working with?

It's never a bad idea to seal the engine, may save you plenty of headache down the line. Here is a write up for that, sadly photobucket dumped all the pics.

https://www.hpisavageforum.com/threads/nitro-engine-sealing.15150/

Have you been tuning all of the needles, or just the HSN? Start from factory tune. Set the idle needle to have about 1mm of gap when closed. Tune the HSN first, you can lean it out enough to get it started then tune after the engine gets to operating temp. Only after you get the HSN tuned should you touch the LSN (aside from perhaps a half turn or so so it will start initially).
 
Ive been tuning both, and from what ive heard, the idle screw has something to do with the fuel mixture? Doesn't sound right, but hey. What do I know.
 

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The idle needle adjusts RPM of the engine. Mostly importantly when no throttle is applied, or during braking.

Here is a link to your engine, there is a manual there.

https://www.hpiracing.com/en/part/1406
Alright, thank you! On Wednesday I'll rush order the clutch bell and if its still not running right ill put a link to a youtube video of it. I did remove the glow plug, its quite nasty looking but it does work. Does the glow plug have an effect on how it actually runs? Its getting about an average of 50 degrees here, what grade of glow plug does that require?
 
Reading that, the base settings isn't actually just flush, like I thought.. Might have an effect.
 
Have you already replaced the glow plug? If not, you should. HPI recommends an R4 glowplug, medium cold.
 
What about the air filter? You cannot run it without one and if you bought it that way then it would be best to tear down the engine, clean it and reseal. Nitro engines rely on tight clearances between the crankshaft and crankcase under the carb to seal the case. Running without a filter allows dirt to scratch the crank and case causing excessive clearance. It also ruins the piston to sleeve fit. Thats why buying a used nitro engine is a gamble.
 
$25 is a great deal!!! I've jumped on that... new glow plug, new fuel. stock needle setting, carb around 1mm. start with HSN... turn needle in 12th. make adjustments in relationship to a clock!!! then hit the LSN. which is pretty much the take off setting!!!
 
What about the air filter? You cannot run it without one and if you bought it that way then it would be best to tear down the engine, clean it and reseal. Nitro engines rely on tight clearances between the crankshaft and crankcase under the carb to seal the case. Running without a filter allows dirt to scratch the crank and case causing excessive clearance. It also ruins the piston to sleeve fit. Thats why buying a used nitro engine is a gamble.
It does have an air filter, I tore the engine out to check for cracks and I just didnt put it back on
 
Alright, clutch bell is ordered, it'll be here Friday. Can anyone link me to a good guide to clean/reseal? What's all required?
 
Not sure what I did, but it runs pretty great now. Not awesome, but better. It smokes quite a but under acceleration, and once it starts to cruize it doesn't smoke near as much, so I could lean out LSN. It started shifting way early, and overheated the clutch from it trying to grunt against second gear. Other than that, a bit more tuning, and it'll be great. Thanks guys for all your help!
 

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