O.S. Engines 12TG-PX - Manual (Page 9)

16
NOTES CONCERNING THE RECOIL STARTER
REMINDER!
Do not attempt to disassemble the recoil
starter. If you do so, the very strong spring
inside will be suddenly ejected. This can be
very dangerous.
Do not extend the starter cord more than
40cm (16"). Do not abruptly release the
operating handle. Allow the cord to rewind
smoothly while still holding the handle.
Pull the operating handle straight out when
starting the engine, so that the cord does not
rub against the vehicle body or engine.
This will help prevent the cord from being damaged
by abrasion or engine heat.
Try to avoid spilling fuel over the starter unit and its
cord. Some fuels have a detrimental effect on these
parts.
The starter prevents the engine from being rotated
in the wrong direction.The unit will be damaged if you
attempt to force the flywheel in the opposite direc-
tion (i.e. clockwise when viewed from the crankshaft
end).
Starter Handle
16" 40cm MAX!
It is suspected that the engine is over-primed when
the pulling load is too heavy to pull the starter. In this
case, refer to page 7 and TROUBLE SHOOTING
about over priming.
17
GLOWPLUG
The role of the glowplug
Glowplug life
Particularly in the case of very high performance
engines, glowplugs must be regarded as expendable
items. However, plug life can be extended and engine
performance maintained by careful use, i.e.:
Install a plug suitable for the engine.
Use fuel containing a moderate percentage of
nitromethane unless more is essential for racing events.
Do not run the engine too lean and do not leave the
battery connected while adjusting the needle.
With a glowplug engine, ignition is initiated by the
application of a 1.5-volt power source. When the
battery is disconnected, the heat retained within the
combustion chamber remains sufficient to keep the
plug filament glowing, thereby continuing to keep the
engine running. Ignition timing is 'automatic' : under
reduced load, allowing higher rpm, the plug becomes
hotter and, appropriately, fires the fuel/air charge
earlier; conversely, at reduced rpm, the plug become
cooler and ignition is retarded.
Apart from when actually burned out, a plug may
need to be replaced because it no longer delivers its
best performance, such as when:
When to replace the glowplug
Filament surface has roughened and turned white.
Filament coil has become distorted.
Foreign matter has adhered to filament or plug
body has corroded.
Engine tends to cut out when idling.
Starting qualities deteriorate.
Since the glowplug and fuel combination
used may have a marked effect on per-
formance and reliability, it would be
worthwhile to experiment with different plug types. An
O.S. No.8 glowplug is supplied with the engine. Rec-
ommended O.S. plugs are the No.8 and A5. Carefully
install plug finger-tight, before final tightening with the
correct size plug wrench.