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How To Start A Nitro RC Car With A Drill? (Great Tips!)

Edited ByJohn Hours Updated onMarch 20, 2023 Categories Guides

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Does your car’s pull start mechanism isn’t functioning or simply want to learn how to start a nitro RC car with a drill to save time and effort?

Whatever the reason is we’ve covered your back.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ve discussed is detailed yet effective process of starting a nitro TC car using a drill.

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We also include some benefits of using this method, the risk involves, and safety precaution to take.

Jump To Right Section
  • How To Start A Nitro RC Car With A Drill
    • Assemble Your Tools and Equipment
    • Prepare Your Nitro RC Car for Starting
    • Install the Cordless Starter Attachment
    • Use the Drill to Start the Engine
    • Tune the Engine
  • Advantages of Starting a Nitro RC Car with a Drill
    • Saves Time
    • Easy to Use
    • More Comfortable
    • Convenient
    • Better for the Engine
  • Troubleshooting Common Issues with Drill Starting
    • The engine Fails to Start
    • The starter Attachment Doesn't Fit
    • The engine Starts but Stalls
    • Drill Battery Runs Out Quickly
    • The starter Attachment Gets Stuck
  • Precautions to Take When Starting a Nitro RC Car with a Drill
    • Wear Protective Gear
    • Use a Stable Surface
    • Keep Others at a Safe Distance
    • Check Fuel Levels
    • Keep the Drill Away from the Engine
    • Follow Manufacturer Instructions
    • Turn off the Engine
  • FAQs
    • Can Any Type Of Drill Be Used To Begin A Nitro RC Car?
    • Is It Safe To Start A Nitro RC Car With A Drill?
    • Can Start A Nitro RC Car With Drill Damage To The Engine?
  • Final Words
How To Start A Nitro RC Car With A Drill

How To Start A Nitro RC Car With A Drill

Starting a nitro RC car with a drill is an excellent way to get your vehicle up and running quickly.

This method is often used by experienced RC car enthusiasts who want to save time and avoid the hassle of pulling the cord repeatedly.

If you are new to this, don’t worry! Here is a step-by-step guide on how to start a nitro RC car with a drill:

Assemble Your Tools and Equipment

Before you start your nitro RC car with a drill, you need to gather all the necessary tools and equipment.

You will need a 7mm socket or wrench, a drill with a cordless starter attachment, and a fully charged battery.

Make sure that your drill is compatible with your vehicle’s engine and that the battery is fully charged to avoid any inconvenience.

Prepare Your Nitro RC Car for Starting

Before you start the engine, you must ensure that your nitro RC car is ready to go.

This means checking the fuel level, and ensuring that the air filter is clean, and the glow plug is functioning correctly.

If any of these components need attention, address them before proceeding.

Install the Cordless Starter Attachment

The cordless starter attachment is a crucial tool for starting a nitro RC car with a drill.

Before you install the starter attachment, make sure that the engine’s piston is at the top dead center (TDC) position.

Once the piston is in the correct position, remove the glow plug with a 7mm socket or wrench and install the cordless starter attachment.

Use the Drill to Start the Engine

With the cordless starter attachment installed, it’s time to start the engine.

Attach your fully charged battery to the drill and insert the starter attachment into the engine’s starter shaft.

Hold the drill steady and press the trigger gently to start the engine. Once the engine starts, remove the starter attachment and reinstall the glow plug.

Tune the Engine

After starting your nitro RC car with a drill, it’s essential to tune the engine to ensure that it is running correctly.

Make sure that the engine’s temperature is in the correct range and that the fuel mixture is adjusted correctly.

Fine-tuning the engine may take some time, but it’s worth the effort to get the best performance from your nitro RC car.

Read Also: Best Nitro RC Truck Review

Advantages of Starting a Nitro RC Car with a Drill

Advantages of Starting a Nitro RC Car with a Drill

Starting a nitro RC car with a drill has several practical advantages over traditional methods like using a pull start.

It saves time, is easy to use, more comfortable, convenient, and better for the engine.

If you’re an RC car enthusiast, using a drill to start your nitro RC car is worth considering. Here are some advantages of using a drill to start your nitro RC car:

Saves Time

Starting a nitro RC car with a drill is much faster than using a pull start.

It can take several attempts to start the engine with a pull start, but with a drill, the engine starts immediately, saving you time and effort.

Easy to Use

Using a drill to start a nitro RC car is very easy, even for beginners. You don’t require any particular skills or knowledge to use a drill as a starter.

Simply attach the cordless starter attachment to the engine’s starter shaft and use the drill to start the engine.

More Comfortable

Pulling the cord on a nitro RC car can be tiring and uncomfortable, especially if you have to do it several times.

Using a drill to start the engine is much more comfortable and less tiring, as you don’t need to use your arm strength to start the engine.

Convenient

Using a drill to start a nitro RC car is very convenient, especially if you’re in a hurry.

You can start the engine quickly and easily with a drill, even if you’re in a tight spot or don’t have much room to move around.

Better for the Engine

Starting a nitro RC car with a drill is better for the engine than using a pull start.

The engine starts more smoothly with a drill, reducing the corrosion on the engine components.

This can help prolong the life of your engine and save you money on repairs and maintenance.

Troubleshooting Common Issues with Drill Starting

Troubleshooting Common Issues with Drill Starting

While starting a nitro RC car with a drill can be a convenient and easy process, there are some common issues that you may encounter.

Here are some troubleshooting tricks to help you overcome these issues:

The engine Fails to Start

If the engine fails to begin with a drill, there could be several reasons.

Check that the battery is completely charged and that the cordless starter attachment is properly installed.

Also, make sure that the engine’s piston is in the top dead center (TDC) position before attempting to start the engine.

The starter Attachment Doesn’t Fit

If the cordless starter attachment doesn’t fit into the engine’s starter shaft, it could be due to a mismatch in size or compatibility.

Check that the attachment is the correct size for your engine and that it is designed for use with your drill.

The engine Starts but Stalls

If the engine starts but stalls immediately, it could be due to a fuel mixture problem. Check that the fuel mixture is correct and that the air filter is clean.

Also, ensure that the glow plug is functioning correctly.

Drill Battery Runs Out Quickly

If the drill battery runs out quickly, it could be due to a low-quality or old battery. Invest in a high-quality battery that can hold a charge for longer periods.

The starter Attachment Gets Stuck

If the starter attachment gets stuck in the engine’s starter shaft, avoid trying to force it out.

Instead, remove the glow plug and use a small tool to gently pry the attachment out.

If you’re still having problem, seek the help of an experienced RC car mechanic.

Precautions to Take When Starting a Nitro RC Car with a Drill

Precautions to Take When Starting a Nitro RC Car with a Drill

Starting a nitro RC car with a drill can be a safe and convenient process if you take the necessary precautions. Here are some precautions to keep in mind:

Wear Protective Gear

Always wear protective gear, including safety glasses and gloves, when handling a nitro RC car.

The engine can get very hot, and fuel can be flammable, so it’s essential to protect your hands and eyes.

Use a Stable Surface

Make sure the nitro RC car is on a stable surface before starting the engine. This will prevent the car from tipping over and causing damage or injury.

Keep Others at a Safe Distance

Keep others at a safe distance when starting the nitro RC car.

The engine can be loud, and fuel can be flammable, so it’s essential to keep a safe distance from people and objects.

Check Fuel Levels

Check the fuel levels in the car before starting the engine. Low fuel levels can cause damage to the engine and make it difficult to start.

Keep the Drill Away from the Engine

Make sure the drill is away from the engine before starting the car. This will prevent the drill from getting tangled in the car’s moving parts and causing damage or injury.

Follow Manufacturer Instructions

Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using a drill as a starter for your nitro RC car. This will ensure that you’re using the drill correctly and safely.

Turn off the Engine

Turn off the engine when you’re finished using the nitro RC car. This will avoid the engine from overheating and causing damage.

FAQs

Can Any Type Of Drill Be Used To Begin A Nitro RC Car?

No, only certain types of drills can be used to start a nitro RC car.

Typically, a cordless drill with a hex driver attachment is used.

The hex driver should fit the size of the hex nut on the RC car’s engine.

Using a drill that is not designed for this purpose can damage the engine or cause injury.

Is It Safe To Start A Nitro RC Car With A Drill?

Starting a nitro RC car with a drill can be safe if done properly.

However, there are some risks involved, such as the potential for injury if the drill or hex driver is not used correctly.

It is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and take appropriate safety precautions, such as wearing protective eyewear and keeping loose clothing and long hair away from the engine.

It is also important to use a drill with enough power to start the engine without putting excessive strain on the motor.

Can Start A Nitro RC Car With Drill Damage To The Engine?

Using a drill to start a nitro RC car engine can potentially damage the engine if done improperly.

If the drill is not powerful enough, it may not be able to start the engine and could cause the flywheel to become stuck, damaging the engine’s internals.

Additionally, if the hex driver attachment is not the correct size or is not properly secured to the flywheel, it can damage the flywheel or the engine’s clutch.

It is important to use the appropriate equipment and follow the manufacturer’s instructions to avoid any potential damage to the engine.

Final Words

Starting a nitro RC car with a drill is a thrilling experience, but it comes with its risks.

As we have discussed in this post, you need to follow some safety guidelines and use the right tools to prevent any accidents.

Remember to wear protective gear, keep the car away from flammable objects, and only use a drill that’s suitable for the job.

With these precautions in mind, you can enjoy the excitement of racing your nitro RC car without any worries. Happy racing!

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John

Chief Editor @The RC Valleys (or, in plain English, I'm the guy responsible for ensuring that every blog post we publish is helpful for our readers.

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