User Manual
QUICK START and TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE
The following information is provided to get your new Magnum XL .61RFS running right away with minimal effort. We have listed our
recommendations for fuel, propeller, starting procedures and other recommended accessories. Also included is general information about the acces-
sories needed for the Magnum XL .61RFS engine that we hope you will find helpful.
This Quick Start Guide should not be used as a replacement to the Operating Instructions included; rather, it should be used along with the
Operating Instructions. We highly recommend reading through the Operating Instructions to familiarize yourself with each part of the engine, along
with the proper procedures for engine break-in, tuning, care and maintenance.
The following items are recommended for use with the XL .61RFS
engine. These items are recommended for initial start-up and running.
Please read through the Operating Instructions for further details.
❑ Fuel: Power Master 10% 2-Stroke Blend (# 275180) for break-
in. Power Master 10% 4-Stroke Blend (# 275185) for normal use.
We suggest using Power Master brand fuels. Power Master fuels come
in 10 % and 15% nitromethane contents that can be used in the XL .61RFS
engine. Power Master fuels are blended using only high quality ni-
tromethane, methanol, Castor Oil and synthetic lubricants to provide
high power output along with easy starting and unmatched lubricating
and heat dissipation qualities. For the extra lubrication necessary for
break-in, use 10% 2-stroke blend. After break-in, for extra performance,
use 10% - 15% 4-stroke blend.
❑ Fuel Tank: Dubro 10oz. Fuel Tank (# 568501)
The Dubro 10oz. fuel tank is a perfect match for the XL .61RFS. It is
large enough to give you about 15 - 20 minutes of run-time at full throttle,
and is very easy to assemble and maintain.
❑ Glow Plug: Thunderbolt 4-cycle (# 115490)
The Thunderbolt 4-cycle glow plug is designed to be used in four stroke
engines using fuels containing 10% - 20% nitro content and in any envi-
ronment. It is a “hot” type of glow plug perfect for easy starting, excellent
transition and incredible top end. The plug is also very durable and able to
withstand repeated use.
❑ Propeller: APC 12 x 6 Propeller (# 608660)
We have found that the engine runs at its best using APC brand props.
They are designed to be very efficient and run quiet at high R.P.M.’s,
and they are also durable. Use this size prop to break in your engine,
then change to the prop that best suits your application. Use the guide in
the Operating Instructions to help you find the right size propeller.
❑ Glow Driver: Magnum Glow Starter w/Meter (# 237438)
The Magnum glow starter is an excellent choice for heating the glow
plug. It uses a Sub-C Nicad, includes a meter to determine the quality
of your glow plug and it also includes a charger to recharge the battery.
It’s a very economical product to purchase and can be used with any
engine that uses a glow plug.
❑ Motor Mount: Dave Brown Products Motor Mount (# 218141)
The Dave Brown Products motor mount is a glass filled type that
mounts to a plywood firewall in the model. It is easy to install and
rugged, yet, in the event of a crash, will break away to minimize
damage to the engine and/or airframe.
❑ Engine Preparation
❑ 1) Mount the engine to the recommended motor mount. A wood
beam mount built into the airframe would also be sufficient.
❑ 2) Install the muffler and exhaust pipe onto the engine using the
two nuts provided. The muffler assembly can be rotated to better suit
the installation in your model. Be sure to tighten the two nuts securely
to prevent the muffler from loosening.
❑ 3) Using a 1/4” drill bit, drill out the center hub in the propeller.
Install the propeller to the engine using the propeller washer and nuts
provided. Tighten the propeller nut securely using an adjustable wrench.
❑ Engine Starting
❑ 1) Carefully turn the high speed needle valve in completely until
it stops, then turn the needle valve out 2-1/2 turns. This is the mixture
setting for initial starting.
❑ 2) If hand starting, prime the engine by opening the throttle bar-
rel completely, placing your finger over the muffler opening and flip-
ping the propeller through compression 2 -3 times. If you will be using
an electric starter, do not prime the engine. The starter will turn the
engine over fast enough to draw fuel on its own.
❑ 3) Connect the glow starter to the glow plug. Open the carbure-
tor barrel to about 1/4 throttle and start the engine. If you are starting the
engine by hand, you will need to vigorously flip the propeller several
times before the engine will start. Once the engine begins running, im-
mediately turn the high speed needle valve in about 1/4 turn to keep the
engine running.
❑ 4) Advance the throttle to full while slowly turning the high speed
needle valve in to keep the engine running. The engine should be pro-
ducing a very noticeable white exhaust from the muffler and sound like
it is running very rough. Allow the engine to run only for about 5 min-
utes, then shut the engine off.
❑ 5) Now that you have started your XL .61RFS engine it must
be properly broken-in. Proper break-in will seat all of the moving
parts, particularly the piston ring and valves. This procedure takes
about 30 minutes of run-time and is highly recommended. An engine
that is properly broken in will produce more power, be more user-
friendly and last much longer than an engine that does not receive a
break-in period. For this reason we highly recommend following the
break-in procedure detailed in the Operating Instructions before you
run the engine further.
OUR RECOMMENDATIONS
QUICK STARTING