P R O V E E
44
Running
If you are using a new engine, you should run it on the
stand before going to the pond.
This will do several things; It will allow the engine to
loosen up a little, making starting a simple matter, as
well as get YOU familiar with its starting and running
characteristics.
When new, the engines are very tight, and starting is
difficult at best.
If it won’t start, 9 times out of 10 it is flooded.
Under no circumstances should you ever run a marine
engine for an extended time without cooling water.
Use some kind of water cooling.
We use a Zipp garden hose adapter.
We simply hook this to the garden hose; it has an inline
valve to regulate the water flow so that it squirts out
about 2 or 3 inches from the water outlets.
It doesn’t take much water pressure.
If you are going to run the boat on the stand, take the
prop off, but leave the shaft connected to the engine.
This will help to “break in” the strut bushings.
Really take some time to go over the entire boat. Check
every nut and screw.
Make sure that the throttle opens fully, without stalling
or binding, and closes fully when you push the trigger
forward.
Make sure the rudder is straight, or trimmed slightly left.
Take pride in a job well done!
Don’t forget to contact us if you have any issues. We
are here to help!
At the pond
Make sure your transmitter and receiver batteries
are fresh, or fully charged.
Do a range check with your transmitter antenna
down, or the transmitter in low power if available,
and note the distance. You should do a range check
every day that you run. Should a problem arise, you
can fix it before you damage anything.
Tape the lid on the radio box with radio box tape,
Make sure that your prop is sharp and balanced.
Fill the fuel cell; turn on your transmitter, then
receiver.
Wiggle the rudder so you know it works, and then
start the engine.
Don’t rev the engine much, as there is no load on
the prop until it’s in the water.
To launch, have a helper drop the boat in level.
You can give it a little gas as it gets to the water, but
not too much. Most people don’t like getting
sprayed with water…
Let the engine warm up for 30 seconds or so before
giving it full throttle.
Drive past yourself, and make sure you have a
stream of cooling water.
If you don’t see any, bring it in pronto!
If all looks good, hit it!
Notice how the boat rides in the straights. Does it
lean or pull to one side?
Is the deck level or nose high?
How about the turns? Does the nose rise or fall in
the turns? Does it slide or hook?
It’s a good idea to have a helper write down your
comments as you run the boat. After the run, you
can use the included
” Tuning Tools” sheet to help
you sort out any problems.
Have fun, be safe, and send us your pictures!
Send pics and videos to pics@zippkits.com
