by SteveM » Thu Aug 28, 2014 2:43 pm
Outboards require an electric starter, good glow plug and mid to high nitro content. When you use an electric starter, be sure to connect the starter in reverse polarity. The outboard motors have a reverse rotation crankshaft so you need to spin them clockwise to start them. Spin it in your hand and watch the prop when you spin the motor to see what I mean.
I raced the K&B 3.5cc in IMPBA District 1 races for over 15 years and primarily used Byron 25% nitro fuel with one extra ounce of SIG AA castor added to each jug. Nitro boat racing can be challenging and to finish first, you must first finish. The higher nitro fuels in the 40% to 60% range will give more power, but you rick blowing glow plugs and the high nitro is tough on motors and bearings. Racing 3.5cc outboards is tricky enough due to the hull type which is why I went with the lower nitro and extra oil. I used to run between 12 and 20 thou head clearance depending on the brand and nitro content of fuel as well as the weather.