KAVAN FS400AR - Instruction manual - Revision history

Mr. KAVAN at 08:10, 29 January 2026

2026-01-29T08:10:59Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 10:10, 29 January 2026
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	[[Category:Manuals]][[Category:Engines]]		[[Category:Manuals]][[Category:Engines]][[Category:Unfinished]]

Mr. KAVAN at 07:42, 29 January 2026

2026-01-29T07:42:38Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 09:42, 29 January 2026
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	* Include a note with your address. It is surprising how often this is forgotten.		* Include a note with your address. It is surprising how often this is forgotten.
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			[[Category:Manuals]][[Category:Engines]]

Mrs. Kavan at 11:03, 21 October 2025

2025-10-21T11:03:23Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:03, 21 October 2025
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	=== Introduction ===		=== Introduction ===
	'''Important:''' ''Before attempting to operate your engine, please read through this instruction manual to familiarize yourself with the controls and other features of the engine. Also, pay careful attention to the recommendations contained in the “Safety notes and warnings” chapter of this instruction manual.''		{{Note\|type=warn\|'''Important:''' ''Before attempting to operate your engine, please read through this instruction manual to familiarize yourself with the controls and other features of the engine. Also, pay careful attention to the recommendations contained in the “Safety notes and warnings” chapter of this instruction manual.''}}

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Mrs. Kavan: Marked this version for translation

2025-10-21T10:54:30Z

Marked this version for translation

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Mrs. Kavan at 10:53, 21 October 2025

2025-10-21T10:53:57Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:53, 21 October 2025
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	=== Introduction ===		=== Introduction ===
	'''Important:''' ''Before attempting to operate your engine, please read through this instruction manual to familiarize yourself with the controls and other features of the engine. Also, pay careful attention to the recommendations contained in the “Safety notes and warnings” chapter of this instruction manual.''		'''Important:''' ''Before attempting to operate your engine, please read through this instruction manual to familiarize yourself with the controls and other features of the engine. Also, pay careful attention to the recommendations contained in the “Safety notes and warnings” chapter of this instruction manual.''
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	* Include a telephone number where you can be reached during the business day and an email address so that the service technician can contact you with additional questions about the repair.		* Include a telephone number where you can be reached during the business day and an email address so that the service technician can contact you with additional questions about the repair.
	* Include a note with your address. It is surprising how often this is forgotten.		* Include a note with your address. It is surprising how often this is forgotten.
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Mrs. Kavan at 10:53, 21 October 2025

2025-10-21T10:53:22Z

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 |-
 |}
-=== Safety notes and warnings ===
+=== Safety Notes and Warnings ===
 ==== Important: ====
 Remember that your engine is not a „toy“, but a highly efficient internal-combustion machine whose power is capable of harming you, or others, if it is
@@ Line 593: / Line 593: @@
 * After every use, always clean the exterior of the engine with a clean cotton cloth. This will prevent oil and dirt from burning, and blackening the exterior of the FS 400.
 * If the FS 400 is not to be run for more than 2 months at any time, remove the glow plugs and rinse out the interior of the engine by injecting kerosene (not gasoline) into the cylinders through the glow plug holes and into the crankcase through the drain nipple. Once the kerosene is injected, slowly rotate the crankshaft to and fro, distributing the kerosene and dissolve residue throughout the engine. Once this has been accomplished, drain out the kerosene mixture by turning propeller to help remove it from cylinders. Finally, add light machine oil through glow plug holes and drain nipple, rotating crankshaft slowly to distribute oil to all working parts.

Mrs. Kavan at 10:05, 21 October 2025

2025-10-21T10:05:01Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:05, 21 October 2025
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	After every flight, close the needle valve slightly until, after at least 10 flights, set the needle valve for maximum power. The carburettor can now be adjusted for optimum throttle performance with the Throttle Valve Adjustments.		After every flight, close the needle valve slightly until, after at least 10 flights, set the needle valve for maximum power. The carburettor can now be adjusted for optimum throttle performance with the Throttle Valve Adjustments.
	See next section.		See next section.

			=== Throttle Valve Adjustment ===
			The carburettor of the FS 400 has been set at the factory for best performance with the fuel tank located in the normal position (close to the back of the
			engine and where the level of the needle valve is at 2/3 height of the tank).
			However, the settings may, in some cases, vary slightly because of variations
			of fuel and climate. Additionally, during engine break-in, the needle valve is
			set rich, thus, the carburettor cannot be expected to show the best response.
			Therefore, it is recommended that the FS 400 be run first with the throttle settings as set at factory. After proper engine break-in, check the operation of
			the throttle according to the “IDLE ADJUSTMENT DIAGRAM” on the following
			page.

			{{Note\|type=info\|'''Note:''' Only adjust controls when necessary.}}

			==== Adjusting the Idle Mixture Control Screw ====
			The special carburettor fitted to the FS 400 controls the amount of fuel entering the engine according to the throttle opening and thus, maintains the
			correct mixture strength at all speeds from idle to full power. As previously
			explained, the idle mixture control screw is set at the factory, but should be
			rechecked after proper break-in:
			# Start the engine, allow it to warm up, and then close the throttle. Allow engine to idle for a few moments and then reopen the throttle for full power. If engine performs well, move to Flight Section. If engine hesitates, move to Step A, B, or C.
			{{Note\|type=info\|'''Note:''' Any adjustments to engine should be done after engine is shut off.}}
			<ol style="list-style-type:upper-alpha">
			<li> If the engine hesitates at this point, while emitting an amount of smoke
			before acceleration, the setting is too rich. If the setting is too rich, turn the Idle Mixture Control Screw clockwise to lessen the mixture. About 1/12 (30
			degrees) turn should correct the mixture setting.</li>
			<li> If the engine stops or is slow to pick up speed, without smoking, it is probable that the idling mixture is too lean. In this case, it will be necessary to turn the Mixture Control screw counter clockwise, approximately 1/ 12 (30
			degrees) turn should correct the mixture setting.</li>
			<li> If the revolutions increase but the engine still appears sluggish, it is possible that one of the cylinders has stopped firing. This can be detected by
			checking for exhaust from all pipes. The cease firing of the cylinder may be
			caused by the idling speed being set ton low or the idling mixture either
			being too rich or too lean.</li>
			* Normal safe idling speeds are in the 2,000-2,200 RPM range.
			* If the idle speed is set too low, reset the idle at a higher RPM using the throttle trim on the transmitter.
			* If the idle mixture is too rich, turn the Idle Mixture Control Screw clockwise
			approximately 1/12 (30 degrees) turn should correct the mixture setting.
			* If the idle mixture is too lean, turn the Idle Mixture Control Screw counterclockwise approximately 1/12 (30 degrees) turn to correct the mixture setting.</ol>
			{{Note\|type=info\|'''Note:''' Please note that a 5 cylinder, 4 cycle engine may appear to have a higher idling RPM than actual. It is strongly recommended to always use a tachometer when determining actual idling RPM.}}
			{{Note\|type=info\|'''Note:''' Readjustment of the carburettor may be necessary whenever a change of glow plug or fuel is made.}}

			==== Resetting the Idle Mixture Control Screw ====
			While carburettor adjustments are being made, it is possible that the Mixture
			Control Screw setting may be unintentionally changed. The pre-set setting
			can be found as following:
			* Carefully tighten the Mixture Control Screw until it is completely closed.
			Then turn the Screw a full 2 revolutions back.
			{{Note\|type=info\|'''Note:''' If an onboard glow plug system is being used with the FS 400, it is proper to have the system operating while adjusting Mixture at idling speed.}}

			=== Flight ===
			==== Engine Check before Flight:====
			* Ensure that all 5 cylinders are firing.
			* As with a full size car or airplane engine, it is essential that the FS 400 is properly warmed before flight. Once started, allow the engine to run at full throttle for at least 10 seconds before releasing the model. NEVER attempt to takeoff immediately after the engine has been started.

			=== Instructions for Valve Adjustment and Tool Kit ===
			Valve clearances are correctly set before any KAVAN four stroke engine leaves the factory. In normal use, the valve clearances are not necessary to adjust until extended running time of the FS 400. However, in case of loss of
			power after extended running time or when the related parts are replaced
			due to crash, etc., valve clearances should be checked and adjusted.<br>
			Additionally, we suggest that after proper break-in of the FS 400 carefully
			check to ensure that the valve clearances are correctly set.
			{{Note\|type=info\|'''Note:''' ONLY check and re-set the valve clearances when the engine is cold.}}
			{{Note\|type=warn\|'''Important:''' Valve clearances that are too small may cause difficulty in starting your FS 400AR because the valve will not be able to close properly, while valve clearances that are too great may cause loss of power because the valve will not be able to open sufficiently.}}

			==== A: To check the valve clearances:====
			# Remove rocker cover by unscrewing the hex cap screws from the rocker box on the top of the cylinder head. Use the hex key supplied with your FS 400AR to remove the hex cap screws.
			# Turn propeller until compression is first felt. Once you feel compression, turn the propeller an additional 1/4 turn. At this position, both valves should now be closed.
			# With the valves closed, the required valve clearance is between 0.04 mm and 0.10 mm (0.0015 to 0.004 inch) measured between the valve stem and the rocker arm. Use the 0.04 mm and 0.10 mm feeler gauges to check clearances. (See Fig. 29) If tolerances are within range, move to step 4. If tolerances are outside of range, see NOTE and move to step B.
			# It is important to ensure that the valve clearances are consistently within range. It is for this reason that all valve clearance checks are completed. Rotate propeller through compression stroke (approximately 2 rotations) and complete steps 2 & 3 again to ensure that tolerances are within range. Complete step 4 again.
			{{Note\|type=info\|'''Note:''' In most cases, the 0.04 mm feeler gauge should pass through the gap, while the 0.10 mm feeler gauge should not. However, if your engine is starting easily, and running satisfactorily, it may not need any adjustment, even if the valve clearance is below 0.04 mm, and up to 0.14 mm (can be tested by having 0.04 mm and 0.10 mm on top of one another).}}

			==== B: Setting Valve Clearances ====
			If your engine is not starting easily and running satisfactorily and the gap is found to be less than .04 mm, or greater than .10 mm, reset the valve clearance as follows:
			# Using the special offset wrench included with your FS 400, carefully loosen the locknut on the rocker arm about 1/4 to 1/2 turn. See Figure 30.
			# Using either the supplied screwdriver, turn the adjusting screw approximately 1/2 turn counter-clockwise to open gap with matched tool at screw head. See Figure 31.
			# Insert the 0.04 mm feeler gauge between the valve stem and the rocker arm. Using your fingers, turn the adjusting screw clockwise until it stops. See Figure 32.
			# While the 0.04 mm feeler gauge is still in place, use the screwdriver at screw head to hold adjusting screw in place, and tighten the locknut with special offset wrench. See Figure 33.
			# Remove the 0.04 mm feeler gauge and re-check valve clearance by completing Steps A: 1 - 3. If the valve clearance is correctly adjusted, check fit, and secure rocker cover in place.

			=== Care & Maintenance ===
			To ensure that you obtain long life and peak performance from your engine,
			observe the following.
			* Avoid running the engine under dusty conditions. If necessary, lay a sheet of plywood under and around the nose of the model when starting the FS 400.
			* Clean fuel is essential to keeping the carburettor clear and the engine running properly. To ensure clean fuel, following these steps:
			* Rinse the fuel tank with methanol before installing in aircraft.
			* Install a fuel filter between tank and carburettor.
			* Install a fuel filter between fuel pump and tank.
			* Check and clean filters often.
			* Keep fuel can closed whenever not in use.
			* Do not close the needle valve to too lean a setting. This lean setting will cause overheating and slowdown the engine performance.
			* Additionally, this setting will cause internal rusting of the engine due to nitromethane oxide being produced by the high engine temperature. Always adjust the needle valve very slightly to the rich side of the peak RPM setting.
			* After every use, always clean the exterior of the engine with a clean cotton cloth. This will prevent oil and dirt from burning, and blackening the exterior of the FS 400.
			* If the FS 400 is not to be run for more than 2 months at any time, remove the glow plugs and rinse out the interior of the engine by injecting kerosene (not gasoline) into the cylinders through the glow plug holes and into the crankcase through the drain nipple. Once the kerosene is injected, slowly rotate the crankshaft to and fro, distributing the kerosene and dissolve residue throughout the engine. Once this has been accomplished, drain out the kerosene mixture by turning propeller to help remove it from cylinders. Finally, add light machine oil through glow plug holes and drain nipple, rotating crankshaft slowly to distribute oil to all working parts.

Mrs. Kavan at 12:51, 20 October 2025

2025-10-20T12:51:51Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:51, 20 October 2025
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	=== Operating the FS 400 ===		=== Operating the FS 400 ===
			==== Starting Precautions ====
			* {{Note\|type=info\|'''Note:''' For your safety and the safety of others, please observe the following instructions before attempting to start the FS400.}}
			* Read and follow the „Safety Instructions and Warnings Section“ of these instructions.
			* Make sure that an assistant helps you start the FS 400. Make sure your assistant, while securely aft of the aircraft, uses both hands and firmly holds the aircraft at the leading edge of the wing.
			* Prime the engine properly. Turn the propeller counter clockwise to draw fuel from the fuel tank. BE SURE that the battery is not connected to the glow plugs.
			* NEVER start the engine with the throttle fully open. Doing so will cause the aircraft to move forward abruptly due to the strong thrust of the propeller movement.
			* Never make any adjustments, other than to the needle valve, while the engine is running.
			* The engine should be started by rotating the propeller on counter clockwise, when viewed from the front.
			* The engine may be hand-started; however, the use of a High Torque electric Starter is strongly suggested.
			* After the engine has been run, residual oil will tend to accumulate in the lower 2 cylinders. This also happens in the full size radial engines. Between flying sessions, this accumulation may be great enough to prevent the pistons from passing over top dead centre on the compression stroke, i.e.: a hydraulic lock will occur. Any attempt to start the engine in this condition may cause serious damage. Make sure that this type of damage does not occur by first removing the glow plugs to allow the excess oil to drain out of the glow plug holes.
			* Strongly recommended also is to disconnect the tubing from the fuel tank to the carburettor, especially if the fuel level in the tank is above the carburettor, as fuel can be siphoned into the engine if you do not disconnect the tubing.

			==== Starting Procedure ====
			<ol style="list-style-type:decimal">
			<li>From a completely closed position, open the needle valve 2 - 3 turns.
			* MAKE SURE THAT GLOW PLUG BATTERY IS NOT CONNECTED. THE GLOW PLUGS MUST NOT BE HEATED WHILE THE ENGINE IS BEING PRIMED.</li>
			<li>Prime the engine by opening the throttle valve fully, and closing the choke valve while turning the propeller counter clockwise through 2 full revolutions.
			* If strong compression is felt when trying to rotate the propeller counter clockwise, too much fuel has been drawn into the engine. If this occurs, do not use force! Remove all glow plugs from the engine. Then, ensure that the choke valve is open and turn the propeller clockwise to force fuel out of the engine through the exhaust pipes.
			* Warning!!!! Never close the choke valve when applying the starter to the engine. Doing so will cause too great an amount of fuel to be drawn into the cylinders and will result in hydraulic lock and the risk of severe damage. See Fig. 20
			{{Note\|type=info\|'''Note:'''After the engine has been primed, excess fuel may drip from the carburettor when the choke valve is reopened. Therefore, if your engine is enclosed in a cowl, be sure to fuel proof any surface that may be accessible to these fuel drippings to prevent fuel from penetrating the airframe structure.}}</li>
			<li> Release the choke control and immediately turn the propeller counter
			clockwise several times so that fuel is drawn well into the cylinders.</li>
			<li>From the fully closed position, set the throttle valve approximately half
			open. See Fig. 22.</li>
			<li>Using an Electric Starter with your FS 400:
			* Be sure that the direction of the rotation of the starter is correct.
			* Connect the glow plug battery.
			* Apply the electric starter.</li>
			<li>Hand starting your FS 400:
			* {{Note\|type=info\|'''Note:''' Be sure to us a heavily padded glove or chicken stick when hand starting the engine.}}
			* Ensure that he propeller is fixed in such a way that it is positioned horizontally as compression is felt.
			* Connect the glow plug battery.
			* From the centre of the right blade, firmly swing the propeller counter clockwise.</li>
			<li> Once the engine starts, open the throttle valve completely and allow it
			to run (approximately 10 seconds), with the original needle valve setting.</li>
			<li> Make sure that all 5 cylinders are firing.
			* The engine is running properly if white smoke is emitting from all exhaust
			pipes equally. You will find a slight fuel spray from the exhaust pipe of any
			cylinder that is not firing.
			* If you are not using the onboard glow system and a cylinder stops firing,
			reduce the throttle setting to approximately half open from the fully closed position and re-connect the glow plug battery. You will notice the propeller revolutions will increase once all cylinders are firing consistently.</li>
			<li>The firing order of the KAVAN FS 400AR 5 Cylinder engine is 1, 3, 5, 2, 4 as
			seen from behind the engine. See Figure 2</li></ol>

			==== Adjusting the needle valve ====
			* Abrupt adjustment of the needle valve may cause the engine to stop, especially when it is new and in not fully broken in.

			==== Disconnect the glow plug battery. ====
			* As the speed of the engine does not instantly change with the needle valve readjustment, small movements, with pauses between, are necessary to arrive at the optimum setting.

			==== Re-starting the Engine When Warm ====
			To re-start the engine when warm, simply re-energise the plugs, and re-apply the starter with the throttle in the idling position. If the engine does not start, disconnect the battery from the glow plugs and re-prime by closing the choke valve while rotating the propeller twice with the throttle open. Initially, the high temperature inside the combustion chambers may turn the liquid fuel into gas and emit it through the exhaust pipes. Therefore, repeat the priming procedure once or twice until the cylinders become cool enough for re-starting.

			=== Break-in Procedure ===
			AII internal combustion engines benefit, to some degree, from extra care
			when they are run for the first few times. This process is known as breaking-
			-in an engine. This is to allow the working parts of the engine time to settle
			down after being subjected to high temperatures and stress. However, because KAVAN FS engines are made with the aid of the finest modern precision machinery and from the best suitable materials, only a very short and simple break-in procedure is required and can be carried out with the engine installed in the model. We suggest using an 18 x 10 or 20 x 8 propeller for breaking-in.<br>
			Start the engine and run it for about 10 seconds with the needle valve set at
			half open, allowing engine to reach about 6,300 RPM, then open the needle
			valve to reduce speed to approximately 5,000 RPM and run for 20 seconds at
			this cooler setting. Keep the throttle fully open, using only the needle valve
			to reduce speed.<br>
			Repeat this procedure, alternately running the engine fast and slow with
			the needle valve adjustments, while gradually extending the short period
			of high speed running until the engine has been run at least 10 minutes.
			Once this minimum 10 minute ground break-in has been achieved, continue
			break-in in the air.<br>
			For the first few flights, set the needle valve as rich as possible, consistent
			with necessary take off power and, if necessary, readjust the throttle trim
			on the transmitter so that the engine does not shut off when the throttle is
			fully closed.<br>
			After every flight, close the needle valve slightly until, after at least 10 flights, set the needle valve for maximum power. The carburettor can now be adjusted for optimum throttle performance with the Throttle Valve Adjustments.
			See next section.

Mrs. Kavan at 12:04, 20 October 2025

2025-10-20T12:04:30Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:04, 20 October 2025
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	==== Carburettor Cleanliness ====		==== Carburettor Cleanliness ====
	It is vitally important for all engines, including the FS 400, that the fuel entering the carburettor is pure and clean. For this reason, it is recommended that the fuel is passed through a filter when the tank is filled and that a good in-line filter is installed between the fuel tank and the carburettor.<br> Additionally, occasionally remove the needle valve holder from the carburettor and rinse out the locations shown in Figures 5 & 6 with methanol or fuel. Be careful not to lose the gasket when removing the needle valve holder from the carburettor.		It is vitally important for all engines, including the FS 400, that the fuel entering the carburettor is pure and clean. For this reason, it is recommended that the fuel is passed through a filter when the tank is filled and that a good in-line filter is installed between the fuel tank and the carburettor.<br> Additionally, occasionally remove the needle valve holder from the carburettor and rinse out the locations shown in Figures 5 & 6 with methanol or fuel. Be careful not to lose the gasket when removing the needle valve holder from the carburettor.

			=== Propeller Choice ===
			The choice of propeller for your FS 400 depends on the size, weight, and performance level of the model. Determine the best propeller size after practical experiment. As a starting point, refer to the propeller chart below for expected RPM with specific propellers:
			{\| class="wikitable" style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"
			!Propeller
			!RPM
			\|-
			\|18×10“
			\|8 200–8 400
			\|-
			\|18×12“
			\|7 200–7 400
			\|-
			\|18×14“
			\|6 800–7 000
			\|-
			\|20×8“
			\|7 900–7 200
			\|-
			\|20×10“
			\|7 000–7 200
			\|-
			\|22×8“
			\|6 900–7 100
			\|}
			Be sure to use only well balanced propellers only. An unbalanced propeller
			causes vibration and loss of power. It is also important to ensure that the
			propeller has no nicks, splits, or cracks and shows no other signs of wear.
			{{Note\|type=info\|'''Note:''' For safety reasons, at all times keep your face, hands, and rest of body well away from the path of the propeller during all operating procedures, including starting, and needle valve adjustments. Please refer to the Safety Instructions and Warnings in this Manual for added safety cautions.}}

			==== Securing the Propeller to the FS 400AR ====
			When securing the selected propeller to the FS 400, it is recommended to use the Propeller Safety Locknut Assembly, included with the engine, to prevent the propeller from flying off or splintering, even if it loosens. Be sure to securely tighten the propeller nut.<br>
			Installation of the propeller is as follows:

			# Ream the propeller centre hole 17/32 inch.
			# Balance the propeller.
			# Ensure that the Woodruff Key and drive washer are property and firmly attached. The Woodruff key allows the drive washer to lock into place, as it is the only place where the washer can slide into place to meet the crankshaft.
			# Fit the propeller nut and washer to the propeller, and screw onto the engine shaft. Tight nut firmly with wrench.
			# Insert the Propeller Safety Locknut Assembly and tighten firmly with wrench, being sure not to use excessive force.
			# It is important to remember, especially with wooden propellers, that there is a tendency for propeller materials to shrink due to wear or to heat. Always check to ensure that the propeller is properly secured to the shaft. Tighten the propeller nut if necessary after loosening the Propeller Safety Locknut. RE-Tighten Locknut once propeller nut is secure.

			=== Glow Plug Heating ===
			A 4 cycle engine fires every 2 revolutions, and it is imperative that a proper
			glow plug be fitted to the FS 400. Five 4 Cycle Glow Plugs are included with
			the FS 400AR. The original glow plug is recommended for best all around
			performance with this engine.

			{{Note\|type=info\|'''Note:''' If you choose glow plugs other than the original 4 Cycle, it is important to use the same type for all cylinders.}}

			==== Glow Plug Ignition ====
			For best performance, use an onboard battery to ignite the glow plugs when the throttle is set at half throttle or less. The onboard glow will ensure that all glow plugs stay „hot“ even when the engine RPM slows.
			* The FS 400AR includes 10 (5 for spare use) spring loaded connectors for connecting the glow plugs to the battery. These special connecting heads will snap onto the head of the glow plug to ensure firm contact.
			* Once the connectors are secure to the glow plugs, join the 5 glow plug leads together. If the connecting wires need to be extended once they have been joined, use an AWG16 or larger wire to employ a single lead.
			* The glow plug wires should be connected to the positive battery terminal when in use.
			* The Ground Wire can be connected to the motor mount, and will connect to the negative battery terminal.
			* A 15 amps or larger capacity switch should be wired into the negative lead to turn the system on and off during transport and priming procedures. The switch should be easily accessible on the outside of the aircraft.
			* A second 15 amps or larger switch should be wired into the same line as well and linked to the throttle servo to turn on when the throttle is set below + throttle. (Or you can use a suitable electronich glow heating device available in model hobby shops.)
			* The battery source should be above 1.2 volts, and no more than 1.5 volts, and needs to have a capacity of 6-10 Ah. The use of a small lead acid battery or 4 -5 (wired in parallel) sub-C batteries has shown to work perfectly and should easily be carried by your aircraft.
			* As an option, you may want to have a separate power source to use during starting procedures. The use of a separate battery will extend the time between charges of the on-board battery.
			* Remember, if using an external battery, the onboard battery should be off. See Glow Plug Battery Section Below.

			==== Glow Plug Battery ====
			When starting the FS 400, it is necessary to use a glow plug battery of large
			capacity, 10 Ah or greater to heat 5 glow plugs simultaneously. A heavy duty
			1.5 volt dry battery or preferably a 1.2 volt rechargeable NiCd battery may
			be used. A 2 volt lead acid cell (accumulator) may also be used but only if a
			method for reducing the voltage at the plugs is in place, since the plugs are
			only rated at 1.5 volt. See Below for instructions for 2 volt.
			* If a lead acid 2 volt lead acid rechargeable cell is used, it is necessary to reduce the applied voltage at the glow plugs to approximately 1.5 volt. The recommended method is to insert an appropriate resistor in each individual plug lead. It is seriously discouraged to use a rheostat attached to the 2 volt cell, or to use extra long leads of at least 2 meters in length, to obtain the required drop in voltage. The disadvantage of this system is that if 1 glow plug should become disconnected, voltage to the remaining 4 glow plugs will be increased dramatically and may cause burning out of the elements.

			=== Fuel ===
			For consistent performance and long life of the engine, it is advisable to use
			good quality fuel containing not less than 18% lubricant, castor oil preferred,
			until a total of 1 - 2 hours of break-in has been achieved. Once break-in has
			occurred, the running characteristics of the FS 400 can be improved using a
			slightly lower lubricant content fuel, however, it may also shorten engine life.
			See Chart for Fuel Specifications:
			{\| class="wikitable" style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"
			! colspan="2" \|Break-in
			\|-
			\|10-15%
			\|Nitromethane
			\|-
			\|18%
			\|Castor Oil
			\|-
			\|67-72%
			\|Methanol
			\|}

			==== Lubrication ====
			* AII parts of the FS 400 are automaticIy lubricated by the oil content of the fuel mixture.
			* During the running of the engine, as well as while the engine is sitting properly mounted with the drain nipple pointed down, the excess oil will leave through the drain nipple. To protect your airplane, connect silicon tubing to the drain nipple and have it release the oil outside of your aircraft.
			* After you complete your day of flight, run engine dry (removing fuel line from tank) to remove all methanol from the engine. The remaining castor oil in the engine will protect the engine. Be sure to use after run oil, SEE NEXT STEP!
			* Make a habit of using after-run oil in your engine after each flying session. This will prevent rusting in the crankcase as well as preventing the excess castor oil from solidifying and locking the engine.

			=== Operating the FS 400 ===

Mrs. Kavan at 11:17, 20 October 2025

2025-10-20T11:17:52Z

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
 === Introduction ===
+'''Important:''' ''Before attempting to operate your engine, please read through this instruction manual to familiarize yourself with the controls and other features of the engine. Also, pay careful attention to the recommendations contained in the “Safety notes and warnings” chapter of this instruction manual.''
 === Specifications ===
 {| class="wikitable" style="width: 100%; text-align: center;"
 |Displacement
@@ Line 24: / Line 22: @@
 |2800 g. (6.17 Ibs.) incl. motor mount
 |}
 ==== Dimensions (mm) ====
@@ Line 249: / Line 246: @@
 |-
 |}