User Manual

The following information is provided to get your new Magnum XLS .52A engine 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 accessories
needed for the engine that we hope you will find helpful.
This Quick-Start Guide should not be used as a replacement for 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 your XLS series engine.
These items are recommended for initial start-up and running. Please
read through the Operating Instructions for further details.
Fuel: We suggest Power Master 10% 2-Stroke Blend (P/N 275180) for
break-in.
We suggest Power Master 15% 2-Stroke Blend (P/N 275198) for
normal use.
We suggest using Power Master brand fuels. Power Master fuel comes in
10 % and 15% nitromethane contents that can be used in your XLS series
engine. Power Master fuels are blended using only high-quality nitromethane,
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 15%
2-stroke blend.
Fuel Tank: Dubro 12oz. Fuel Tank (P/N 568527)
Dubro fuel tanks are a perfect match for your XLS series engine. This
size recommendation will give you about 10-15 minutes of run-time at full
throttle, and they are possibly the easiest fuel tanks to assemble and maintain.
Glow Plug: Thunderbolt # 3 (P/N 115559)
The Thunderbolt # 3 glow plug is designed to be used in high-performance
engines using fuels containing 10% - 20% nitro content and in any
environment. It is a "hot" type of glow plug for easy starting, excellent
transition and incredible top end. The glow plug is also very durable and
able to withstand repeated use, day after day.
Propeller: APC 10 x 6 Propeller (P/N 608460)
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 rpm’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 (P/N 237438)
The Magnum glow starter is an excellent choice for heating the glow plug.
It uses a Sub-C NiCD, 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.
Engine Preparation
XLS .52A AIRCRAFT ENGINE QUICK-START
AND TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE
Engine Mount: Magnum Adjustable Engine Mount (P/N 279951)
The Magnum adjustable engine mount is a glass-filled type that mounts to
a plywood firewall in the model. It is easy to install and adjustable to fit
different sized engines, and it comes complete with mounting hardware.
OUR RECOMMENDATIONS
QUICK-STARTING PROCEDURES
❑ 1) Mount the engine to the recommended engine mount. A wood beam
mount built into the airframe would also be sufficient.
❑ 2) Install the muffler onto the engine using the hardware provided. The
muffler cone can be rotated to better suit the installation in your model.
Be sure to tighten the nut securely to prevent the muffler cone from loosening.
❑ 3) Install the propeller to the engine using the propeller nut and washer
provided. Tighten the nut securely using an adjustable wrench.
❑ 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 barrel
completely, placing your finger over the carburetor opening and flipping
the prop 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 carburetor
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 prop several times
before the engine will start. Once the engine begins running, immediately
turn the high speed needle valve in about 1/4 turn to keep the engine running.
❑ 4) Advance the throttle to full while turning the high speed needle valve
in to keep the engine running. The engine should be producing a very
noticeable white exhaust from the muffler and sound like it is running rough.
Allow the engine to run only for about 5 minutes, then shut the engine off.
❑ 5) Now that you have started your engine, it must be properly broken
in. Proper break-in will seat all of the moving parts, particularly the piston
and cylinder. 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.
Engine Starting