Dynamite PLATINUM Series User manual

Congratulations on your purchase of a Dynamite®
Platinum Series (DPS™) .18 racing engine! Precision
manufactured and assembled, your DPS .18 will
provide you with trouble-free performance if you read
and follow these instructions.
Using the Proper Fuel and Glow Plug
Using the proper fuel and glow plug is critical in order
to achieve maximum performance and reliability.
You must use fuel, glow plugs and air filters that
are specifically designed for model car/truck/buggy
applications. Never use any type of model airplane
glow fuel! Use of model airplane fuel can damage
your engine and immediately void any warranty.
We recommend using Dynamite Blue Thunder™
Race Formula fuel with 20% nitro, providing the
best combination of power and fuel economy.
Dynamite Blue Thunder fuels are vigorously tested,
researched and formulated to deliver excellent power
as well as engine protection.
A glow plug has been included and is ideal for
breaking in your new engine. In fact, during the
break-in procedure, it is not uncommon to go through
one or two glow plugs, as microscopic bits of metal
(from the cylinder/piston wearing in) bond themselves
to the plug element causing glow plug failure. We
recommend the Dynamite McCoy MC59 Glow Plug
(DYN2508) as the absolute best glow plug for this
engine. The MC59 Plug has been designed to deliver
an ideal balance of performance and longevity.
All car engines must use a properly oiled air filter to
keep dirt out of the engine. Any dirt that enters the
carburetor can immediately destroy your engine. We
recommend DYN2612 as an excellent choice for a
quality air cleaner.
Carburetor Adjustments
Your DPS .18 engine comes equipped with a precision
rotary carburetor. Take a moment to review the pictures
below to familiarize yourself with the various functions
of the carb. Loosening the nut located on the side of the
crankcase under the carburetor body will allow you to
rotate the carburetor. Make certain to mount the throttle
arm to the side required by your particular vehicle.
Although preset at the factory, some changes in the
needle setting can occur during shipping and handling.
Never start an engine above 1⁄4 throttle.
Immediate damage to your engine can
and will occur.
When the engine starts, the exhaust should emit lots
of blue/white smoke, indicating that the engine is
excessively rich (a good thing during break in). During
the first tank of fuel, you may wish to set a higher than
normal idle speed and/or leave the glow plug igniter
attached in order to keep the engine from stalling.
Drive your vehicle around while “blipping” the throttle
and avoid operating the engine at full throttle for
more than 2–3 seconds at a time. Consume the entire
first two tanks of fuel in this manner. After the first two
tanks of fuel, begin leaning out the high-speed needle
valve 1/8 turn at a time. It generally takes about 5
or 6 tanks of fuel before you’d want to start tuning
for “maximum” power.
Do not skip this process of breaking in a new
engine! Should you choose not to follow these
procedures, you risk damaging your engine
during the first tank of fuel.
Your patience during these procedures will be rewarded
by an engine that performs reliably and to its maximum
power potential. First run attempts can be more
frustrating than with other (less powerful) sport engines,
so take your time—it will be worth the wait. Glow
plug failure is a common occurrence when breaking
in a new engine. To test your plug, let the engine idle
at a properly adjusted low-speed needle setting with
the glow igniter attached. Then, remove the igniter. If
you hear no appreciable change in engine rpm, the
plug is still good. If the engine loads up and the rpm’s
decrease, it’s time to replace the glow plug.
.18 RE Pull Start
Owner’s Manual
Needle Settings
We suggest the following settings for breaking in
your engine:
High-Speed Needle: 2 turns out (counterclockwise)
from closed.
Low-Speed Needle: 1 turn out (counterclockwise) from
closed.
When checking the adjustment of the low-
speed needle, it is crucial that the throttle
slide is closed completely when turning the
needle and that you do not over-tighten the
needle. Use an engine tuning screwdriver to
make this job easier. When you feel resistance
in the needle, immediately stop turning and
begin turning the needles counterclockwise,
counting the number of turns from “closed.”
Starting Your Engine
for the First Time
The first start of your engine is the most critical time
of the engine’s life, dictating how well it will perform.
After installing the engine in your model and inserting
the glow plug, turn on your radio system and attach
a glow igniter to the glow plug. Place your vehicle on
top of your starter box and engage the flywheel to your
starter wheel. Should the engine become difficult for
your starter box to turn over, the engine may be flooded
(hydro-locked). Excess fuel between the cylinder head
and piston will not allow the piston to travel through
its full range of compression, effectively “locking up”
the engine. Should this occur, immediately remove the
glow igniter from the plug. Using a glow plug wrench
(DYN2510), remove the glow plug and turn the model
upside down and rotate the flywheel to clear out the
fuel, re-install the glow plug and start again.
We recommend using the DYNP5300 Quick-Fire
Universal Starter Box to start your DPS .18. You may
need to “blip” the throttle on the transmitter (applying
throttle on/off) while trying to start the engine, as
new engines are more difficult to start due to the tight
piston/cylinder fit.
High-Speed
Needle Valve
Fuel Inlet
(Adjustable)
Idle Stop
Adjustment
Leaner
(clockwise)
Faster Idle
(clockwise)
Slower Idle
(counterclockwise)
Idle Stop
Adjustment
Low-Speed
Needle Valve
Low-Speed
Needle Valve

Setting the Needle Valves
When tuning the needle valves for maximum
performance, adjust them in small increments,
1⁄16 turn at a time.
An engine should not be run too lean; doing so
severely shortens the life of the engine. When an
engine is set too lean, it will run very strong at
first but will soon begin to sag and hesitate or stall
when accelerating.
The best way to tune an engine is by using an
infrared temperature gauge, but you can also use
water to check the head temperature (refer to “Tuning
the High-Speed Needle”).
Tuning the High-Speed Needle
To obtain the correct high-speed needle setting, start
the engine and drive your vehicle around for a minute
or two, applying full throttle frequently. Place a drop
of water on the cylinder head. If the water sizzles away
(evaporates immediately), the needle setting is too
lean. A correct needle setting will result in the water
evaporating after 3-5 seconds. If the water does not
evaporate, chances are good that the needle setting is
too rich. Lean the needle 1/16 of a turn and run the
engine again, adjusting the needle setting to get the
desired evaporation time.
Check the temperature each time you change
the needle mixture. Do not let the engine
overheat, as this will damage the engine.
Tuning the Low-Speed Needle
The low-speed needle (also referred to as the idle
mixture or idle needle) should be set after you’re
satisfied with the high-speed needle setting. After
achieving the proper operating temperature, reduce the
engine throttle to idle and pinch the fuel line with your
fingers close to the carb fuel inlet nipple. If the engine
dies immediately, the low-speed needle is set too lean.
If the rpm’s increase dramatically, the setting is too rich.
The ideal setting results in the rpm’s increasing just a
slight amount after pinching the fuel line.
Engine Maintenance
Periodic maintenance must be performed in order
to keep your engine in proper operating condition.
After each day of running, it’s critical to use high quality
after-run oil to protect the internals of the engine and
help prevent corrosion. The methanol used in the fuel
attracts moisture that can cause corrosion (particularly
in the ball bearings). Follow these steps after running
your engine:
1) Empty all fuel from the tank and fuel lines.
2) Remove the glow plug and air filter and add
5 to 6 drops of a quality after-run oil into the
carburetor and cylinder head openings. Turn
the engine over a few times to distribute the oil
throughout the engine.
3) Clean and inspect the engine, air cleaner and
fuel system.
Troubleshooting Guide
Problem
Engine won’t start
Engine starts, then dies
Engine starts and runs
for 1⁄2 tank, then quits
Idle Stop Adjustment
The last setting to be made is the idle stop screw.
Turning this screw clockwise increases the idle speed,
whereas turning the screw counterclockwise will
make the engine idle at a lower speed. Ideally, the
engine should idle just fast enough to be reliable in
acceleration and transition from idle to full speed.
Avoid an idle speed that is too fast, as it will cause
damage to your clutch.
Possible Cause/Solution
• Clogged fuel line
• Bad or improper glow
plug
• Glow igniter not
charged
• Engine flooded
• Pressure line blocked or
disconnected
• Bad glow plug
• High-speed needle too
lean
• Hole or tear in fuel line
• Bad glow plug or idle
speed set too low
• Overheated engine
(too lean)
• Improper needle
settings

Warranty Period:
Exclusive Warranty- Horizon Hobby, Inc., (Horizon)
warranties that the Products purchased (the “Product”)
will be free from defects in materials and workmanship
at the date of purchase by the Purchaser.
Limited Warranty
(a) This warranty is limited to the original Purchaser
(“Purchaser”) and is not transferable. REPAIR OR
REPLACEMENT AS PROVIDED UNDER THIS
WARRANTY IS THE EXCLUSIVE REMEDY OF THE
PURCHASER. This warranty covers only those Products
purchased from an authorized Horizon dealer. Third
party transactions are not covered by this warranty.
Proof of purchase is required for warranty claims.
Further, Horizon reserves the right to change or modify
this warranty without notice and disclaims all other
warranties, express or implied.
(b) Limitations- HORIZON MAKES NO WARRANTY
OR REPRESENTATION, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED,
ABOUT NON-INFRINGEMENT, MERCHANTABILITY
OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OF THE
PRODUCT. THE PURCHASER ACKNOWLEDGES
THAT THEY ALONE HAVE DETERMINED THAT THE
PRODUCT WILL SUITABLY MEET THE
REQUIREMENTS OF THE PURCHASER’S INTENDED
USE.
(c) Purchaser Remedy- Horizon’s sole obligation
hereunder shall be that Horizon will, at its option,
(i) repair or (ii) replace, any Product determined by
Horizon to be defective. In the event of a defect, these
are the Purchaser’s exclusive remedies. Horizon
reserves the right to inspect any and all equipment
involved in a warranty claim. Repair or replacement
decisions are at the sole discretion of Horizon.
This warranty does not cover cosmetic damage or
damage due to acts of God, accident, misuse, abuse,
negligence, commercial use, or modification of or
to any part of the Product. This warranty does not
cover damage due to improper installation, operation,
maintenance, or attempted repair by anyone other than
Horizon. Return of any goods by Purchaser must be
approved in writing by Horizon before shipment.
Damage Limits
HORIZON SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR SPECIAL,
INDIRECT OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, LOSS OF
PROFITS OR PRODUCTION OR COMMERCIAL LOSS
IN ANY WAY CONNECTED WITH THE PRODUCT,
WHETHER SUCH CLAIM IS BASED IN CONTRACT,
WARRANTY, NEGLIGENCE, OR STRICT LIABILITY.
Further, in no event shall the liability of Horizon exceed
the individual price of the Product on which liability is
asserted. As Horizon has no control over use, setup,
final assembly, modification or misuse, no liability shall
be assumed nor accepted for any resulting damage or
injury. By the act of use, setup or assembly, the user
accepts all resulting liability.
If you as the Purchaser or user are not prepared to
accept the liability associated with the use of this
Product, you are advised to return this Product
immediately in new and unused condition to the place
of purchase.
Law: These Terms are governed by Illinois law (without
regard to conflict of law principals).
Safety Precautions
This is a sophisticated hobby Product and not a toy.
It must be operated with caution and common sense
and requires some basic mechanical ability. Failure to
operate this Product in a safe and responsible manner
could result in injury or damage to the Product or
other property. This Product is not intended for use by
children without direct adult supervision. The Product
manual contains instructions for safety, operation
and maintenance. It is essential to read and follow all
the instructions and warnings in the manual, prior to
assembly, setup or use, in order to operate correctly
and avoid damage or injury.
Questions, Assistance, and Repairs
Your local hobby store and/or place of purchase
cannot provide warranty support or repair. Once
assembly, setup or use of the Product has been started,
you must contact Horizon directly. This will enable
Horizon to better answer your questions and service
you in the event that you may need any assistance.
For questions or assistance, please direct your
email to [e-mail], or call
877.504.0233 toll free to speak to a service technician.
Inspection or Repairs
If this Product needs to be inspected or repaired, please
call for a Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA).
Pack the Product securely using a shipping carton.
Please note that original boxes may be included, but are
not designed to withstand the rigors of shipping without
additional protection. Ship via a carrier that provides
tracking and insurance for lost or damaged parcels, as
Horizon is not responsible for merchandise until
it arrives and is accepted at our facility. A Service
Repair Request is available at www.horizonhobby.com
on the “Support” tab. If you do not have internet access,
please include a letter with your complete name, street
address, email address and phone number where
you can be reached during business days, your RMA
number, a list of the included items, method of payment
for any non-warranty expenses and a brief summary of
the problem. Your original sales receipt must also be
included for warranty consideration. Be sure your name,
address, and RMA number are clearly written on the
outside of the shipping carton.
Warranty Inspection and Repairs
To receive warranty service, you must include
your original sales receipt verifying the proof-of-
purchase date. Provided warranty conditions have been
met, your Product will be repaired or replaced free of
charge. Repair or replacement decisions are at the sole
discretion of Horizon Hobby.
Non-Warranty Repairs
Should your repair not be covered by warranty
the repair will be completed and payment will
be required without notification or estimate of
the expense unless the expense exceeds 50%
of the retail purchase cost. By submitting the item
for repair you are agreeing to payment of the repair
without notification. Repair estimates are available upon
request. You must include this request with your repair.
Non-warranty repair estimates will be billed a minimum
of ½ hour of labor. In addition you will be billed for
return freight. Please advise us of your preferred
method of payment. Horizon accepts money orders and
cashiers checks, as well as Visa, MasterCard, American
Express, and Discover cards. If you choose to pay by
credit card, please include your credit card number and
expiration date. Any repair left unpaid or unclaimed
after 90 days will be considered abandoned and will be
disposed of accordingly. Please note: non-warranty
repair is only available on electronics and model
engines.
Electronics and engines requiring inspection or repair
should be shipped to the following address:
Horizon Service Center
4105 Fieldstone Road
Champaign, Illinois 61822
All other Products requiring warranty inspection or
repair should be shipped to the following address:
Horizon Product Support
4105 Fieldstone Road
Champaign, Illinois 61822
Please call 877-504-0233 with any questions or
concerns regarding this product or warranty.
© 2008 Horizon Hobby, Inc.
Dynamite engines are manufactured in
Taiwan and distributed worldwide by:
Horizon Hobby, Inc.
4105 Fieldstone Rd.
Champaign, IL 61822
www.horizonhobby.com 13308

DYNP5526
DYNP5526
DYNP5522
DYNP5524
DYNP5519
DYNP5520
DYNP5517
DYNP5530
DYNP5531
DYNP5532
DYNP5533
DYNP5534
DYNP5535
DYNP5507
DYNP5536
DYNP5540
DYNP5380
DYNP5513
DYNP5515
DYNP5511
DYNP5528
DYNP5537
DYNP5547
DYNP5546
DYNP5545
DYNP5550
DYNP5548
DYNP5549
DYNP5553
DYNP5552
DYNP5550
DYNP5554
DYNP5551
DYNP5551
DYNP5539
DYNP5519
DYNP5521
DYNP5543
DYNP5541
DYNP5519
DYNP5519
DYNP5526
DYNP5542
DYNP5526
Spare Parts Listing
Stock # Description
DYNP5380 Front Bearing: DPS .18RE/.21XP
DYNP5507 Wrist Pin Clips (2): DPS .12/.18RE
DYNP5511 Rear Bearing: DPS .12/.18RE
DYNP5513 Collet: DPS .12/.18RE
DYNP5515 Carb Retainer Post: DPS .12/.18RE
DYNP5517 Cylinder Head Screw(4):
DPS .12/.18RE
DYNP5519 2 Needle Carb O-Ring Set:
DPS .12/.18RE
DYNP5520 High Speed Adj. Needle:
DPS .12/.18RE
DYNP5521 High Speed Needle Holder:
DPS .12/.18RE
DYNP5522 Low Speed Adj. Needle: DPS .12/.18RE
DYNP5524 Idle Screw: DPS .12/.18RE
DYNP5526 Throttle Lever/Boot/Spring/Nut:
DPS .12/.18RE
DYNP5530 Cylinder Head/ Blue: DPS .18RE
DYNP5531 Head Button: DPS .18RE
DYNP5532 Head Shim, .1mm (3): 18RE
DYNP5533 Head Shim, .2mm (3): 18RE
DYNP5534 Piston/Sleeve: 18RE
DYNP5535 Wrist Pin: 18RE
DYNP5536 Connecting Rod:18RE
DYNP5537 Crankshaft Pull Start: DPS 18RE
DYNP5539 Crankcase: DPS 18RE
DYNP5540 Carburetor: 18RE
DYNP5541 Carburetor Body: DPS 18RE
DYNP5542 Throttle Barrel: DPS 18RE
DYNP5543 Fuel Inlet Nipple: DPS 18RE
DYNP5544 Pull Starter Complete: DPS .18RE
DYNP5545 Pull Start Backplate: DPS .18RE
DYNP5546 Backplate O-ring (2): DPS .12/.18RE
DYNP5547 Pull Start One Way Bearing: DPS .18RE
DYNP5548 Pull Start Shaft: PDS .18RE
DYNP5549 Pull Start Cushion Spring: DPS .18RE
DYNP5550 Pull Start Screw Screw Set: DPS .18RE
DYNP5551 Pull Start Handle w/Extension:
DPS .18RE
DYNP5552 Pull Start Recoil Spring: DPS .18RE
DYNP5553 Pull Start Rope/Pully: DPS .18RE