Best way to fire up Engine

F1flagger Mon Aug 16, 2021 8:57 am

I haven't ran my Cox Thimbledrome in 25+ yrs. Getting ready to give to my Grandson so...
Best way to fire it up?
Fuel? Where, what to use?
Is there a "Starter" tool or some process to spin the rear wheels to get it to start?
Any Help is appreciated!

**944_Jim** Mon Aug 16, 2021 5:06 pm

Pics would be nice just so we are on the same page. After 25 years, I expect the fuel line to be hard and full of congealed castor/old fuel. At a minimum, I would flush the tank, lines, crankcase with raw alcohol to clear out old fuel. Remove the glow head first so you are not fighting engine compression while cleaning. Clean the plug with alcohol too. Test the plug for only a few seconds. Ensure alcohol is drawn through the needle valve assembly (NVA).

If the engine won't turn, then a teardown/hotsoak will help.
If the NVA won't pass fluids, then a teardown/hotsoak may help. A small copper wire will help unplug the NVA.

For the rest of the car, clean and lube like any other toy car.

Once clean and loose, install glow head and check compression (does it pop?).

Get Glowplugboy fuel from eBay or pickup the Sig 1/2A starter kit with fuel and glow clip. Stick to between 15%-25% fuel. Both I've indicated will have "the right stuff" for a happy, healthy engine.

I hope that is a good start for you.

Yabby Tue Aug 17, 2021 3:49 pm

has anyone on the forum tried using the automotive start spray that is basically either in a can as a way to get a reluctant Cox engine to fire and start sucking fuel and running? I know it works wonders on my old chainsaw. lol!

My old chain saw will not start without it. But with it, I set everything up, prime it,..... then small spray in through the carby and off it goes first pull every time. cheers

Yabby

Oldenginerod Tue Aug 17, 2021 5:19 pm

Yabby wrote:has anyone on the forum tried using the automotive start spray that is basically either in a can as a way to get a reluctant Cox engine to fire and start sucking fuel and running? I know it works wonders on my old chainsaw. My old chain saw will not start without it. But with it, I set everything up, prime it,..... then small spray in through the carby and off it goes first pull every time.

Yabby

How many times have you dislocated your shoulder? lol!

I've always been of the opinion that if it needs that stuff, it needs repair.
With a good glow and good fuel, even a low compression Cox will usually start.

**944_Jim** Tue Aug 17, 2021 5:44 pm

Try it. But keep in mind the chainsaw is gas, and fired-plug vs a glow element.
I have better uses for starter fluid than using it as a cleaning agent, but I get where you are going with the chemical make-up angle. That is why I suggested alcohol...from the other side of fuel.

However....
If it's too plugged up to fuel, then it's too plugged up to fool.
Flush, or tear down. One way you know exactly what you have. Huh...

**Cribbs74** Tue Aug 17, 2021 6:21 pm

Yeah. Unless you tore it down and cleaned it before storing then you need to tear it down to clean it.

Fuel can be found at Sig mfg. or online. Just search for 1/2A fuel. 20% total oil with at least 1/2 castor.

Starting boxes can be found at Cox International or Exmodelengines. They also have props glow heads and anything you might need.

Ron

Marleysky Tue Aug 17, 2021 8:17 pm

There is the Correct way, and there is this:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bx8lpO5d4rE

per Cox Instructions:

cox_049_operation_and_troubleshooting_guide

Sponsored content

Best way to fire up Engine

Best way to fire up Engine

Re: Best way to fire up Engine

Re: Best way to fire up Engine

Re: Best way to fire up Engine

Re: Best way to fire up Engine

Re: Best way to fire up Engine

Re: Best way to fire up Engine

Re: Best way to fire up Engine