Hi

>That almost seems to be saying that TDC *is* the retarded position.
>Although I've never had experience with spark igntion model engines, I have
>rebuilt many motorcycle and car engines, and invariably if my first guess
at
>the igntion timing was too far retarded the engine would fire but not run,
>and major backfires would occaisionaly result.

The behaviour you describe sounds most likely what I am seeing.


>Out of interest have you reduced the compression ratio of the engine?  Glow
>engines run very high compression because alcohol can resist detonation far
>better than petrol.

I'm still running on methanol at the moment. However, I have uncovered an
article in an old R/C magazine that described a homemade electronic ignition
conversion. The author described how he reduced the compression ratio as you
said, until he had a running spark igntion setup and then took it back to
it's original value.

The puzzling thing is that commercial spark conversion kits *do not* mention
anything about changing the compression ratio.


Thanks

Alan

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