How to Break in a Gas Powered Engine

Although the absolute minimum of running the engine lightly for 1/2 tank of gas and calling it broken in is done by many, we at Redcat Racing have done much research regarding what we believe is the best way to break in a high performance 2-stroke gas engine. Our research has shown, that bringing the engine through several heat cycles provides the best results to achieve the best performance and longest engine life possible from your new Redcat Racing 1/5 scale high performance vehicle. We believe that by putting forth some effort now, you will be greatly rewarded in the future. These high performance engines run on a mixture of 90-93 octane gasoline and two cycle engine oil. A mixture of 20:1 (gas:oil) will be used for break in and 25:1 (gas:oil) can be used for regular running after the entire break in period is complete.

  1. 1
    Using the 20:1 gas/oil mixture, run the vehicle for the first 1/2 tank of gas and repeatedly vary the speed of the engine from stop to 1/2 throttle. Do NOT exceed 1/2 throttle. Let the engine idle 30 seconds and turn off.
     
     
     
  2. 2
    Let the engine cool for ten minutes. (You have now completed one heat cycle)
     
  3. 3
    Repeat step one for a total of 3 full tanks of fuel letting the engine cool for ten minutes at every 1/2 tank interval.
     
  4. 4
    For the fourth full tank of fuel, run the vehicle from a stopped position to full throttle and back to stop. Remain stopped for a few seconds and repeat. Do this for 1/2 tank of fuel, let the engine idle for 30 seconds, and turn off the engine.
     
  5. 5
    Let the engine cool for ten minutes.
     
  6. 6
    Repeat step 4 for the remainder of the tank.
     
  7. 7
    Let the engine cool for ten minutes.
     
  8. 8
    Use the remaining gallon of fuel mixed at 20:1 while driving normally.
     
  9. 9
    Let the engine cool ten minutes in between each full tank of gas.
     
  10. 10
    Break in is now complete. You may mix a 25:1 fuel/oil ratio from here on out