Remember
with a diesel, the engine can start anytime fuel is present.
It's best to familiarize yourself with diesel operation by running
it mounted on a test bench. Use a slightly larger prop than
you would use for glow operation. It is important to note the
running differences of the engine with different compression
settings, needle settings and prop sizes. WITHOUT FUEL practice
flipping the prop, while adjusting the compression knob. Screwing
the knob down increases compression and in turn advances the
timing, backing off the knob lowers the compression and retards
timing. Start with the compression knob backed off the contra
piston. A significant difference can be felt with very little
rotation of the knob.
Ideally, when starting the engine, the diesel will require
only slightly more compression than for glow operation. Before
supplying fuel to the engine, adjust to maintain this amount
of compression while flipping the prop. If you back off the
adjustment lever, the contra piston may remain in the higher
compression position because of the drag from the O-ring seal.
The contra piston will be pushed back with the slightest combustion
and normal adjustment may then be made. Never force your engine
over if excessive compression is felt, damage to your engine
may result. Also be careful not to flood and hydraulic lock
engine.
1. Set
needle valve the same as for glow operation.
2. Fill
fuel tank with good, FRESH diesel fuel normally consisting
of equal parts of ether, kerosene and oil.
3. The
compression should feel slightly higher than it was for glow
operation.
4. Place
finger over intake, slowly rotate engine counter clockwise
over compression to fill fuel line. Then start with electric
starter.
5. Start
increasing compression until engine fires or pops. Only slight
rotation of compression lever is necessary, about 1/8 turn
increments.
6. Upon
starting, at full throttle setting, slowly increase compression
until engine running improves.
7. Adjust
needle valve until engine is running as smoothly as possible.
8. Idle
adjustments are made with carburetor adjustments only. Do
not adjust the compression at idle speeds.
9. Rich
setting or excessive compression will cause engine to slow
down. Lean setting or inadequate compression will cause engine
to run irregularly ('burping').
10. You
will have to adjust the compression and the needle valve for
the smoothest setting. Always use a little more compression
to take up for airborne unloading. Decreased compression settings
for lower power requirements and this slower running requires
slightly richer needle valve settings. Just the opposite is
true for higher power settings. When correct compression setting
is achieved, lock the adjustment lever with locking arm.
11. In
normal operation, your engine will start to speed up after
running for a few seconds due to warm-up which serves to advance
the timing. You should always rotate the compression knob
back and forth to determine the proper running position.
12. Electric
starting: Be careful, damage is easily done to small engines.
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