RC Nitro Truggy, Buggy and Monster Truck. Joneh FC Tech Style.

Horatio second update on the STS 30M

STS D.30 update:

Well, the STS .D30 is very similar in size to most NS series engines. It fits in the stock engine mount without too much drama. However, I did need to relieve the inside edges of the engine mounts so that it fitted the STS .D30 crank case.

I left the head shims in place for the break-in/running-in period. I checked the main needle position, closed it off gradually - whilst blowing down a scrap piece of fuel line - until the main needle was shut off. I opened it 3 turns from this position. Note - I didn’t crank it all the way down till it couldn’t physically move anymore! That’s not my definition of ‘closed’ for any main needle, which at the end of the day is a precision metering device.

A lot has been said about the STS factory needle position already, with certain people even arguing with respected dealers like Ryan. At the end of the day, the exact number of turns is arbitrary anyway. But you do need to find a rough ball-park starting point. 3 turns open from the shut off point is a good place to start for most engines.

Before I could start the engine, I needed to install it into the truck with my choice of clutch - the Fioroni Turbo Slider, with carbon shoes. The flywheel was actually designed for Kyosho buggies, so there was an element of doubt whether it would actually be compatible with the HPI Savage. Most people use Mugen size flywheel. But I figured a work around, and so far it seems ok. The holes in the engine mounting plate had to be enlarged slightly to move the engine rearward slightly.

Clearance between the clutch bell and the 49t spur is minimal using the Fioroni set up, but so be it. I should be using a 46t spur anyway!!

After installation, I needed to adjust the linkage to the carb and make a slight bend as well. I also needed to physically remove the servo horn and adjust it accordingly. The brake linkage needed adjustment and both the sub-trim and EPA needed to be re-set on the radio. This is due to the different carb, and the slightly larger slide travel compared to the old NS .25 engine. Nothing too taxing here, but worth noting.

The engine started firing on the second pull after ‘priming’, but the engine was far too rich to stay running, even with the glow starter attached. The engine sprang into life after I turned the main needle in about 1/2 a turn. I warmed the engine for about 2 minutes, then blipped the throttle and removed the glow. I ran 3 tanks through, with the Savage lifted clear off the ground.

I’ll finish off the initial running tomorrow!!

[ratings]

Related post: Horatio on STS: - Initial review | Other STS review, videos & tips

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