EasyManua.ls Logo

HoBao Mac Star 28 - User Manual

Default Icon
4 pages
Print Icon
To Next Page IconTo Next Page
To Next Page IconTo Next Page
Loading...
For your safety - Your engine is not a toy!
You will be working with highly flammable fuel, so keep it away from exposed flames or
any thing which might ignite it. Read the safety info on the fuel container.
Do not use fuels that were not designed for glow plug engines.
Keep the fuel out of reach of children!
Deadly carbon monoxide gas will be released, so do not operate the engine in an enclosed area
where exposed flames or sparks can ignite it, or where it causes you to inhale it for prolonged
periods.
During operation, the engine may be dangerously hot to the touch.
Do not use the engine for purposes other than in model cars designed for them.
Mount the engine securely.
NITRO ENGINE INFORMATION
Mac Star 28
IMPORTANT - READ THIS BEFORE
STARTING YOUR ENGINE!
Before Starting Your Engine
Oiling the filter
The air filter is essential for keeping dirt out of the engine. A foam
filter must be oiled before running the engine. We recommend using
Associated AS7710 foam pre-filter treatment. Dab the treatment all around
the filter, put the filter in a plastic bag and knead it until the filter is
saturated, but not soaked. NEVER RUN YOUR VEHICLE WITHOUT THE AIR
FILTER.
Adjustments
Your engine has come factory set to allow for an easy start and rich
running . DO NOT alter any of the settings until the running in period
has been completed.
Putting fuel in the fuel tank
Squeeze the fuel bottle, put the bottle’s tube into your fuel container,
and draw out some fuel. Lift up the lid on the fuel tank, and slowly
squeeze the fuel bottle until the tank is full. Be careful here. If you
overflow the tank it might get on your radio gear or on your brakes and
you may create an unsafe driving situation. Always keep your fuel bottle
closed when not in use.
Understanding the engine terms “rich” and “lean”
Your carburettor has screws that regulate how much air and fuel enter
the engine together, the air/fuel mixture. An air/fuel mixture that is too
“rich” means there is too much fuel, and a mixture that is too “lean”
means that there is not enough fuel for the given amount of air. When the
mixture is too rich, performance will be sluggish (one symptom of this, is
excessive amounts of smoke from the exhaust). There is also a potential
to foul the glow plug when the mixture is too rich. When the mixture is too
lean, there is not enough fuel to cool or lubricate the internal engine
components, and damage to the engine and/or glow plug is almost
certain.
CAUTION:
If, while you are driving, the engine stalls because of an overheating
condition, severe damage may have already occurred. Overheating is
caused by the following conditions.
Fuel mixture is set too lean
Air leak around carb
Loss of muffler pressure (line falls off)
Excessive nitro content in the fuel
Incorrect oil content in the fuel
No air filter
Poor quality of fuel
• Contaminated fuel
Excessive loads on the engine (locked drivetrain)
Your engine will be short-lived if any of the above conditions are
allowed to exist for any length of time.
During the first few tanks watch closely
for any signs of overheating. These will include:
Steam or smoke coming from the engine surfaces
Cleaning out and then lagging during high-speed acceleration, as if it
is running out of fuel.
Popping or clattering sound when slowing down.
Idle speed will surge or possibly diminish to the point of stalling.
To Test For Overheating
It’s important to check the head temperature during the operation of
the engine. The best method for checking the head temperature is to use a
head temperature gauge. There are several head temperature gauges
available, and the temperature readings between these different brands of
gauges vary. Due to this variance , the temperature readings will range
between approximately 185 degrees and 225 degrees. About 185 degrees
is the normal for the Hyper 21. If you don’t have access to a head
temperature gauge, you can use water to check the head temperature.
Place a drop of water on top of the cylinder head. If it sizzles away
immediately, shut down your engine. If it takes approximately 3-5 seconds
for the water drop to boil away, then the engine is running within a normal
temperature range.
Start Your Engines
Running-In
The modern model car engine requires relatively little running in, due
to the use of ABC piston and liner assembly. The engine should be run on
a rich setting for approximately 6-8 tanks of fuel, with another 6-8 at a
slightly less rich setting. Once this has been completed, the internal
engine components should be properly seated and a normal setting can
be used. A good idea is to use a running in fuel for this purpose, as it is
especially designed for breaking in new engines without damage.
The best methods of checking on the running setting of the engine, is
to first check the smoke trail coming out of the exhaust with the car is
running. A very rich setting would allow the car to pull away slowly or
slugglish with a momentary hesitation and lots of smoke from a standing
start. When the car is accelerating at full throttle, the engine will never
“Clean Out”. When an engine cleans out, the speed and the rpms will
increase suddenly and dramatically, as if the engine has switched to
second gear. Also, the amount of smoke that comes from the exhaust will
decrease. Cleaning Out is a desirable characteristic once the engine is
fully broken in.
As the engine reaches normal operating temperature, it will speed up
and performance will increase. This occurs because the fuel mixture is
becoming leaner with the increased temperature. You will need to richen
the fuel mixture so that the engine continues to run as described above.
Question and Answer IconNeed help?

Do you have a question about the HoBao Mac Star 28 and is the answer not in the manual?

Summary

Engine Safety and Initial Setup

Critical Safety Warnings

Essential safety guidelines for operating the nitro engine, emphasizing fuel handling and operational hazards.

Pre-Start Checks and Procedures

Steps for oiling the air filter, initial adjustments, and fueling the engine before operation.

Engine Operation Basics

Explanation of air/fuel mixture terms, overheating causes, and methods to test engine temperature.

Initial Running-In Guide

Procedure for the initial break-in period, focusing on fuel mixture and engine seating.

Tuning and Maintenance

Setting Engine for Normal Performance

Guidance on adjusting the high-speed and low-speed mixture screws for optimal engine operation.

Care and Maintenance Procedures

Steps for post-operation cleaning, fuel draining, and engine preservation.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Diagnosing and resolving problems related to glow plugs and fuel mixture settings.

Troubleshooting and Engine Specifics

Pull Starter Operation Hints

Tips for correctly using the pull starter to avoid damage and ensure reliable starting.

Quick Troubleshooting Guide

A reference table for common engine problems and their corresponding solutions.

Engine Flooding and Cooling

Understanding and preventing engine flooding, and addressing cooling issues.

Factory Settings and Parts

Factory Settings for Mac Star 28

Recommended initial adjustment settings for key carburetor components.

Glossary of Carburettor Functions

Definitions and explanations of the main carburetor adjustment screws.

Mac Star 28 Engine Parts List

An indexed list of all available parts for the Mac Star 28 engine.

Overview

The provided manual describes the "TOPRO Mac Star 28" nitro engine, a high-performance engine designed for model cars. It's a complex device that requires careful handling, precise adjustments, and regular maintenance to ensure optimal performance and longevity.

Function Description:

The Mac Star 28 is an internal combustion engine that uses nitro fuel to generate power for model cars. Its core function is to convert the chemical energy of the fuel into mechanical energy, driving the vehicle. The engine's performance is heavily influenced by its carburettor settings, which control the air/fuel mixture, and by proper break-in procedures. It's designed for enthusiasts who require a powerful and responsive engine for racing and high-speed driving.

Important Technical Specifications (Inferred from the manual):

  • Engine Type: Nitro internal combustion engine.
  • Piston and Liner Assembly: ABC (Aluminum Piston, Brass Liner, Chrome Plated) type, which allows for relatively little running-in due to its precision fit.
  • Carburettor: Features a Main Needle Valve (MNV) for high-speed mixture, a Sub Throttle Needle Valve (STNV) for low-speed mixture, and a Throttle Adjustment Screw (TAS) for idle speed.
  • Fuel Type: Specifically designed for glow plug engines, with recommendations for Byron RACE Gen2, Byron RACE Gen2 RTR, and Model Technics Dynaglow fuels containing 10-20% nitromethane. Using other fuels may void warranty claims.
  • Operating RPM: Capable of attaining high RPMs, with some engines reaching 35,000rpm.
  • Glow Plug: Requires a top-quality glow plug for high RPM operation, with McCoy MC9 or RB #6 plugs recommended.

Usage Features:

Safety First:

  • Flammable Fuel: Users must handle highly flammable fuel carefully, keeping it away from open flames or ignition sources.
  • Carbon Monoxide: The engine releases deadly carbon monoxide gas, so it must not be operated in enclosed areas or where prolonged inhalation is possible.
  • Hot Surfaces: The engine can become dangerously hot during operation.
  • Intended Use: Designed exclusively for model cars.
  • Secure Mounting: The engine must be mounted securely in the vehicle.

Starting the Engine:

  • Air Filter Oiling: Essential for keeping dirt out. A foam filter must be oiled with Associated AS7710 foam pre-filter treatment before every run.
  • Fueling: Fuel is added to the tank using a fuel bottle, taking care not to overfill or spill on radio gear or brakes.
  • Priming (Cold Start):
    1. Remove the glow plug.
    2. For tanks with a primer button, press it 10-20 times until fuel reaches the carburettor.
    3. For tanks without a primer, pull the pullstarter rapidly with a finger over the exhaust pipe outlet 10-20 times.
    4. Invert the car and pull the pullstarter rapidly until excess fuel empties from the glow plug hole.
    5. Refit the glow plug with its copper gasket washer, winding it in fully, then backing off 1 to 1.5 turns to allow gas escape and lower initial compression.
  • Starting: The engine may run "lumpily" initially. Keep it running by blipping the throttle. Tighten the glow plug if possible while running or after stalling.
  • Flooding Prevention: The most common cause of engine and pullstarter damage is flooding. If the engine becomes difficult to turn over, remove the glow plug and empty excess fuel before restarting.

Running-In (Break-In) Period:

  • Initial Settings: The engine comes factory-set for easy starting and rich running. Do not alter settings until the break-in period is complete.
  • Rich Setting: Run the engine on a rich setting for the first 6-8 tanks, then a slightly less rich setting for another 6-8 tanks. This allows internal components to seat properly.
  • Patience: Expect potential issues like stalling, inconsistent performance, and fouled glow plugs during break-in.
  • Smooth Throttle: Apply throttle smoothly; sudden bursts can stall the engine.
  • Running-In Fuel: Using a dedicated running-in fuel is recommended.

Tuning the Engine:

  • Understanding "Rich" and "Lean":
    • Rich: Too much fuel, sluggish performance, excessive smoke, potential glow plug fouling.
    • Lean: Not enough fuel, inadequate cooling/lubrication, engine damage, glow plug damage.
  • High-Speed Tuning (Main Needle Valve - MNV):
    • Adjustment: Small adjustments (1/8th turn increments) are made clockwise to lean (increase speed/cleaner pull) and counter-clockwise to richen.
    • Signs of Rich: Slow pull-away, sluggishness, momentary hesitation, lots of smoke.
    • Signs of Lean: Runs strong initially, then bogs, hesitates, or stalls at high speed; rapid overheating; reduced smoke.
    • Optimal Setting: Engine "cleans out" (sudden speed/RPM increase), strong high-pitched whine, thin whitish smoke trail.
    • Overheating Check: Crucial to monitor head temperature. If the engine stalls due to overheating, severe damage may have occurred.
  • Low-Speed Tuning (Sub Throttle Needle Valve - STNV):
    • Adjustment: Clockwise to lean, counter-clockwise to richen.
    • Test: With the engine warm, idle for 15 seconds, then quickly apply throttle.
    • Signs of Rich: Bogs, erratic acceleration, large puff of blue smoke.
    • Signs of Lean: Speeds up momentarily, then bogs, hesitates, or stalls.
    • Goal: Best acceleration without stalling.
  • Idle Speed Tuning (Throttle Adjustment Screw - TAS): Regulates the throttle opening for idle speed. Clockwise for higher idle, anti-clockwise for lower.

Overheating Detection:

  • Head Temperature Gauge: Recommended for precise measurement (185-225 degrees Fahrenheit is normal).
  • Water Drop Test: Place a drop of water on the cylinder head. If it sizzles away immediately, shut down the engine. If it boils away in 3-5 seconds, the temperature is normal.
  • Other Signs: Steam/smoke from engine surfaces, cleaning out then lagging during high-speed acceleration, popping/clattering when slowing down, surging/diminishing idle speed.
  • Causes: Lean fuel mixture, air leak around carb, loss of muffler pressure, excessive nitro, incorrect oil content, no air filter, poor/contaminated fuel, excessive loads (locked drivetrain).
  • Cooling Air: Ensure adequate airflow to the cylinder head by cutting holes in the car body, especially in the windshield and back window.

Maintenance Features:

Post-Run Care:

  • Drain Fuel Tank: After each use.
  • Burn Off Residual Fuel: Energize the glow plug and try to restart the engine until it fails to fire.
  • Corrosion Inhibiting Oil: Inject into the engine (avoiding the carburettor O-rings) and rotate to distribute.
  • Exterior Cleaning: Use WD-40; avoid gasoline or solvents that could damage silicone fuel tubing.

Air Filter Maintenance:

  • Cleaning:
    1. Wash foam with fuel in a small can, kneading until clean. Dispose of the used fuel.
    2. Dry the filter thoroughly with a paper towel.
    3. Re-apply Associated #7710 Foam Pre-Filter Treatment, kneading it in a plastic bag until saturated.

Glow Plug Maintenance:

  • Consumable Item: Must be replaced periodically for peak performance.
  • Troubleshooting: Often the cause of starting problems or erratic performance.
  • Testing: Remove the plug (using a 5/16" nut driver, ensuring no dirt falls into the engine, and retaining the copper gasket). Touch the plug to a glow plug starter. All coils should glow white. If dim orange, recharge/replace the starter battery. If some coils don't glow, the plug is bad.
  • Recommendations: McCoy MC9 or RB #6 plugs for high RPM operation.

Fuel Mixture Management:

  • Variables: Fuel brand, ambient temperature, and humidity affect mixture settings. Adjustments are often needed due to changes in air quality and temperature.
  • Recommended Fuels: Byron RACE Gen2, Byron RACE Gen2 RTR, and Model Technics Dynaglow (10-20% nitromethane content). Using other fuels may lead to damage, reduced performance, and void warranty claims.

Troubleshooting Guide (Quick Glance):

The manual includes a detailed troubleshooting table covering common issues and their solutions:

  • Engine will not start: Check fuel level, fuel quality, glow starter charge, glow plug, flooding, overheating, carburettor adjustment, exhaust/air cleaner blockage.
  • Starter will not pull: Indicates engine flooding or seizure.
  • Engine starts and then stalls: Check idle speed, air bubbles in fuel line, fouled glow plug, overheating, insufficient fuel tank pressure, exhaust blockage.
  • Engine sluggish / poor performance: High-speed mixture too rich, leaking glow plug, bad/contaminated fuel, dirty/blocked carburettor, overheating, over-geared, clutch slipping, bound drivetrain.
  • Engine overheats: High-speed mixture too lean, blocked cooling air, excessive nitro, excessive load, low-speed mixture too lean.
  • Engine hesitates or stumbles: High-speed mixture too lean/rich, low-speed mixture too rich, overheating, air bubbles, fouled glow plug.
  • Engine stalls instantly when throttle is fully opened from idle: Fouled glow plug, low-speed mixture too lean/rich.
  • Engine stalls while driving around turns: Low fuel level, idle speed too low.

Overall, the Mac Star 28 is a sophisticated engine that offers high performance but demands a thorough understanding of its operation, meticulous tuning, and consistent maintenance to achieve its full potential and ensure a long lifespan.

HoBao Mac Star 28 Specifications

General IconGeneral
BrandHoBao
ModelMac Star 28
CategoryEngine
LanguageEnglish