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When I run the experiment with the car mounted on the stand, only one of the rear wheels turns. |
The car in the kit is designed to transmit the rotational power of the engine to only one of the rear wheels. If both wheels were fixed, the difference between the turning radii of the inner and outer wheels during cornering would place a large strain on the drivetrain. In an actual car, a mechanism called a "differential gear" is used to take up the difference in the rotational speeds of the right and left wheels. In the kit, the load increase that would be caused by a difference in the rotational speeds is avoided by keeping one of the wheels free. Therefore, when the car is mounted on the stand, only one of the rear wheels turns. |
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Where can I obtain alcohol fuel? |
Ask for "alcohol fuel" at a drugstore or the like. |
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I spilled the fuel. |
Wipe it up with tissue paper or the like. Wet the tissue with water before discarding it. If you are planning to continue with the experiment, make sure any spilled alcohol has dried completely before lighting a flame. |
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The rotation is slow. |
Either the position of the flame is not the most appropriate, or the movements of the piston or gear may be too slow. See pages 22 to 23 in the instruction manual. |
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I cannot run the engine continuously. |
The flame may be extinguished in some cases by the exhaust coming out of the hole on the front of the cylinder. In such a case, move the flame slightly away from the valve. |
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When I engage the gear, the engine stalls, or the rotational speed does not increase. |
If the problem persists even after you try the method explained on pages 22 to 23 of the instruction manual, contact our editorial department. (The piston and the cylinder are manufactured to a precision level of 1/100 mm. However, a compression leak could cause the engine output to decrease.) |
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The engine ran fine the first time, but it would not start again when I tried to start it a second time immediately afterwards. |
If there is dew condensation on the piston or inside the cylinder, it may be difficult to start the engine. Let the engine sit for a while and then try again. |
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The wick tends not to last. |
The wick is 100% cotton, so when the alcohol fuel burns up, the wick starts burning. Be sure to always put out the flame before the alcohol fuel runs out. Just before the alcohol runs out, the flame will become completely orange and there will be a lot of soot. |
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Can I oil the piston and cylinder? |
The piston and cylinder have undergone special processing. They should never be oiled. |
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