DLE -170

Operator’s Manual

Specifications
Displacement: 170cc [10.37 cu. in.]
Performance: 17.5 HP/ 9,000 RPM
Idle speed: 1,100 RPM
Ignition Style: Electronic Ignition
Recommended Propellers: 30 u 12, 32 u 10
Spark Plug Type: CM6
(Gap) 0.018 in. – 0.020 in. [0.45 mm – 0.51mm]
Diameter x Stroke: 2.06 in. [52mm] u1.19 in. [30 mm]
Compression Ratio: 9.5:1
Carburetor: (1) DLE with Manual Choke
Weight: Main Engine − 7.83lbs [3,552 g]
Mufflers (2) − 13.8 oz [391 g]
Electronic Ignition (1) − 5.2 oz [148 g]
Engine Mount Standoffs (4) − 1.4 oz [41g]
Fuel: 87− 93 Octane Gasoline with a 30:1
gas/2-stroke (2-cycle) oil mixture
™

1 © 2010 Hobbico®, Inc. DLEG0170 Mnl

 Parts List

(1) DLE-170cc Gas Engine w/ DLE carburetor

(2) DLE (CM-6 size) Spark plugs
(2) Mufflers w/(2) gaskets
(4) 5x20mm SHCS (muffler mounting)
(1) Electronic Ignition Module w/additional tachometer lead
(4) 20mm Engine Mounting Standoffs
(6) 6x55mm SHCS with 6mm lock washers & 6mm flat washers
(propeller mounting)
(2) Silicone Pick-up Wire Cover/Ignition Wire Cover
(1) Red Three Pin Connector Lead w/ Pig Tail (ignition switch)
(2) Three Pin Connector Securing Clips
(1) DLE-170 Decal Sheet
(2) Brass Pressure Fittings (smoke system use/not included)

Safety Tips and Warnings

● This engine is not a toy. Please place your safety and the safety
of others paramount while operating. DLE will not be held
responsible for any safety issues or accidents involving this engine.
● Operate the engine in a properly ventilated area.
● Before starting the engine, please make sure all components
including the propeller and the engine mount are secure and
tight. It is strongly recommended that a screw sealant is used
(Great PlanesThreadlocker GPMR6060) during engine installation.
● During the break-in period, it is recommended that the engine be
installed on the aircraft or a test stand with an appropriate shock
2
 absorber. Otherwise it is probable that vibration could rebound
back to the engine and serious damages may occur during the
break-in period.
● For your safety and the safety of others, please do not stand in
front or in line with the propeller when the engine is running.
Keep onlookers away from the running engine, especially
small children.
● Always use a balanced spinner and a balanced propeller. An
unbalanced spinner and/or propeller combination will cause high
levels of vibration and may cause the propeller shaft to break.
Always use a high-quality lightweight spinner on your engine.
Lightweight spinners are considered to be those with a cone
wall of 1mm or less. Heavy spinners could cause the propeller
shaft to break. Securely tighten the spinner and propeller on the
engine to prevent them from being thrown off while running.
● Never use a propeller that has impacted the ground. Even though
it may look good from the outside, it may have internal damage
which could cause it to disintegrate while in use. Do not use a
nicked, cracked or split propeller.
● Keep foreign objects away from the propeller. Make sure that
nothing can be “sucked in” by the propeller.
● Never start the engine on loose gravel or sand.
● Do not attempt to stop the engine by throwing anything into the
path of the propeller.
● Make sure the fuel line is well-secured to the engine and to the
fuel tank so that it won’t come off in flight.
● Do not use silicone fuel line because it will be dissolved by the
fuel. Use only gasoline approved rubber fuel line. Always secure
the fuel line away from the cylinder head. The engine’s heat can
damage the fuel line.
● Never touch the engine or muffler immediately after a run. The
engine will be hot.
● Before transporting your model, remove all the fuel from the
fuel tank and fuel lines.
● Always use high-quality oil intended for 2-stroke (2-cycle) engines.
It's a good idea to use a petroleum-based 2-cycle motor oil like
Lawn Boy All Season - Ashless, Generation II oil for the break-in
period. Break-in should be considered about the first 3-5 gallons
you run in the engine. A high quality synthetic 2-cycle oil is
recommended for optimum performance and a longer engine
life. Synthetic 2-cycle oils leave fewer combustion byproducts
than natural oils, which can foul the engine and exhaust ports,
resulting in reduced performance. Synthetic oils also better
3 reduce friction and provide more fluidity at low temperatures.
 ● For optimum performance please use fresh or recently purchased
87 octane gasoline with a 30:1 gas/oil mixture.

GAS/OIL Mixing Guide

1 Gallon Gasoline (128 fl oz/3.78L)/2-Cycle Oil
(4.26 floz/125.68ml)=30:1 ratio
● Always install an ignition system kill switch on the aircraft used.
● Do not install your throttle servo or kill switch servo inside the
engine compartment. Doing so could cause radio interference.
Install all electronic radio devices at least 12" [305mm] away
from the engine.
● The throttle and choke pushrods should be non-metallic.
● If the engine is not to be used for more than a month, drain the
fuel tank and remove any fuel from inside the carburetor. Do this
by running the engine at idle until it quits by running out of fuel.
Keeping gasoline inside the carburetor over an extended period of
time will damage the diaphragm valve and clog passages inside
the carburetor. Due to the carburetor being more complicated
than those used in glow engines, keep the fuel clean by using an
on-board fuel filter. Use a filter intended to be used with gasoline
engines. Metal filters intended for glow engine are too coarse
and will not screen out finer particles.
● Always filter your fuel by using an appropriate filter before putting
it into the airplane’s fuel tank.
● Gasoline is extremely flammable. Keep it away from an open
flame, excessive heat or sources of sparks.
● Do not smoke near the engine or the fuel tank.
● This engine was designed for use in a model aircraft. Do not
attempt to use it for any other purpose.
● Caution: Running the engine with a lean gas mixture will cause
the engine to overheat and burn the electrode of the spark plug.
Pay close attention to the High-speed Needle adjustment. Running
the engine with the proper gas mixture will cause the spark plugs
to appear slightly yellow at the ignition point.
● Excessive running of the engine at idle speed can result in
seriously carbonized spark plugs.
● Keep the surface of the engine clean to ensure proper heat
dissipation. Ensure proper cooling/ventilation around both
cylinders with adequate air exhaust. A 1:3 ratio of air intake to
4 air exhaust is recommended for proper engine cooling.
 ● To avoid permanent damage to the electronic ignition system,
NEVER rotate the propeller on your DLE engine with the electronic
ignition system switched on and the plugs not installed in the
plug caps.
● If you elect to not use a smoke system with your engine and
aircraft, the two included brass fittings must be installed in the
muffler and then obstructed to prevent exhaust from leaking
into the cowling. To do this use two short segments of neoprene
fuel line and two (GPMQ4166) fuel-line plugs (not included).

Installation Instructions
Prepare the Engine for Installation
Before beginning installation, it’s a good idea to plan the location
of the various components of the engine. Many of the following
steps may need to be completed in a different order than listed.

1. Check to see that all screws and bolts are tight. Check carefully for
any cracks, broken or missing parts.Tighten or replace any damaged
or missing parts before proceeding.

2. Install the silicone wire cover over the pick up lead coming from
the engine (cut the excess silicon wire covers) and connect the lead
to the pick–up lead from the Electronic Ignition Module. Secure
the connection with the included three pin connector securing clip.
5
 3. Connect the ignition kill switch lead to the red connector from
the ignition control module using the lead from the kill switch or
with the included three pin connector with pig tail. Use the included
three pin securing clip to secure the connection.

4. Connect the ignition module battery to the kill switch. Any 4.8-
6.0V, 1000mAh and above capacity battery will work well for this.
Use heat shrink tubing to secure this connection.

5. Install the silicone ignition wire cover over the ignition wires to
the spark plugs.

6 6. Install the spark plugs into the engine cylinders (7-8lbs Torque).
 Switch
Charge Lead (Not included)

Battery Lead

Ignition Control
Switch Wire
(To On/Off Switch)

ELECTRONIC IGNITION
SYSTEM

Ignition Wires
(To Spark Plugs)

Tachometer
Lead/
RPM
Pick-Up
Signal
Sensor Wire
(To Sensor On Engine)
Out-Put

Optional
Tachometer
(Not included)

7. Use the above diagram to install the Electronic Ignition Module

to the engine.
8. Install a 2-56 ball links (not
included) to the throttle & choke
control arms. Use a 2-56 lock nut
to secure the ball links or use (2)
2-56 nuts and thread locker to secure
the links. Once the links are secure,
exercise the throttle and choke levers
7 to ensure that no binding occurs.
 Installing the DLE-170 on Your Airplane
Note: The DLE-170 must be installed on at least a 3/8" [9.5mm]
firewall. The firewall must be securely glued to the airplane. Use
triangle stock and pin the firewall with hardwood dowels to
reinforce the firewall glue joints. Never install the DLE-170 onto
a firewall thinner than specified because it may fail due to the
power of the engine.
Note: The distance from the firewall to the propeller washer is
8.34" [212mm].
1. Use the supplied template (on the back cover of this manual) to
drill the engine mounting bolt holes.
2. Install (4) 6mm blind nuts or tee
nuts (not included) into the back
side (non-engine side) of the firewall.
Install the engine to the firewall
using (4) 6x45mm SHCS with 6mm
lock washers and flat washers (not
included) with the included standoffs. Use some threadlocking
compound, such as Great Planes® Pro™ Threadlocker (GPMR6060)
on the screws where the threads enter the blind nuts.
3. Install the fuel tank in the airframe. Use only gasoline-safe fuel
lines and a gasoline safe stopper.
Supply Line Make connection line
2-LINE SET UP to T-Fitting between T-Fitting and
Carb
Carburetor as short
Fuel Tank as possible.

Clunk Line
T-Fitting
Filler Cap
Fuel fill line or Plug
Drain/Vent Pressure Relief Line
Route to top-front of fuel tank interior, This line must be extended
to prevent siphoning. to exit the bottom of the aircraft.

3-LINE SET UP
Fuel Tank Drain/Vent Pressure Relief Line
Route to top-front of fuel tank
interior, to prevent siphoning.
Carburetor Fuel Inlet
Clunk Lines
Carb
Supply Line
to Carburetor

Fuel fill line This line must be

Plug extended to exit the
bottom of the aircraft.

8
 One line should go to the carburetor via a gasoline approved
T-fitting and the other is to be used as a vent (a vent line is simply
an open ended fuel line from the fuel tank which exits the engine
compartment or the fuselage, most vent lines exit at the bottom of
the firewall).You can fill the tank by using the carburetor line as fill
line if you have access to it or install a third line to be used as fill
line. Installing a third line is the cleanest and easiest way to add
fuel. Be sure to use a filler plug with either a 2-line or 3-line set-up.
It’s a good idea to add an extension to the vent line as shown, that
goes up and to the rear of the tank. This helps to avoid draining fuel
from the tank when the model is pointed down.
4. Install the ignition kill switch on the aircraft so that it is easily
accessible from the outside of the plane.

5. Install the throttle servo and choke servos at least 12" [305mm]
away from the engine. Make sure that you get the throttle and
choke’s full range of rotation with your servos travel. Be sure to use a
non-metallic linkage for both the throttle and choke linkage. A high-
torque heavy duty metal gear servo is recommended to operate the
throttle on the DLE-170. (Components for the non-metallic linkage
can be purchased through your local hobby shop.)
6. Install the ignition module securely in the airplane forward area. It
is recommended that a thin piece of foam rubber is placed between
the module and the mounting surface, and that Velcro™ is used to
hold the module in place.
9 7. Secure any unsecure connections with heat shrink tubing (Not included).
 8. Connect the ignition wires from ignition module to the spark plugs.
9. Install the mufflers onto the engine with the included gaskets.
Tighten the two bolts on each muffler evenly to ensure a proper
seal. Be sure to use thread locker.
10. Cut all necessary clearance, carburetor adjustment, cooling, and
exhaust holes in the cowl. A 1:3 ratio of air intake-to-air exhaust
area is recommended for proper engine cooling.
11. Make sure the cowl is secured to the airplane and that the spinner
to cowl clearance is at least 1/8" [3.2mm].

Drill and Install the Propeller

The easiest way to drill the propeller to fit the hub is to use a drill
guide. If you do not have a drill guide, you can use the following
method to drill your propellers.

1. Remove the cowling from the aircraft. Use the included propeller
washer to mark the centering hole on the propeller

2. Once the location is established, use a drill press with a 13/32"

(0.406/10.31mm) drill bit. In order to achieve a clean hole opening
on both sides of the propeller, drill only half way through the
propeller with the 13/32" (0.406/10.31mm) drill bit. Then flip the
propeller over and drill completely through the hole.

3. Next, set the engine

near the beginning of the
compression stroke. Note
the position of the ignition
magnet with engine
inverted.

4. Place the propeller on

the crankshaft at the one
o’clock position.

10
 5. Mark the location of
one of the outer holes on
the propeller. Use a GPM
Dead Center Hole Locator
(GPMR8130) to center and
start the hole.

6. Remove the propeller

from the engine and drill
the outer hole on the
drill press using a #35
(.110"/2.81mm) drill bit as
a pilot hole. Next use a
1/4" (6.28mm) drill bit to
finish the hole. In order to
achieve a clean finish on
both sides of the propeller
drill only half way through
the propeller with the finishing drill bit. Then flip the propeller over
and drill completely through the hole.
7. Use one of the 655mm SHCS with 6mm lock washers and flat
washers to align the propeller washer on the propeller and use the
Dead Center Hole Locator to mark the position of the remaining holes.
8. Drill the remaining five holes in the propeller using the same
technique on step 6.
9. Mount the propeller to the engine using the 655mm SHCS with
6mm lock washers and flat washers. Be sure to use threadlocker.

Adjustment of the Engine

Each DLE-170 has been factory preset. However, higher elevations will
influence the performance of the carburetor.To obtain optimum output
of the engine slight adjustment of the carburetor may be necessary.
Engine Functions & Adjustments
1. Choke Control (the choke control should
be used when the engine is cold)
2. Throttle
3. Idle Adjustment Screw (adjust the
idle speed)
4. (H) High-speed Needle (adjusts the
fuel/air mixture at high speeds)
5. (L) Low-speed Needles(adjusts the
11 fuel/air mixture at low speeds)
 Idle Adjustment
Turning the Idle Adjustment Screw (No.3) clockwise will increase the
idle speed. Turning the Idle Screw counter-clockwise will decrease
the idle speed.
Low Speed Needle Adjustment
Turning the Low-speed Needle (No.5) clockwise will lean the fuel/air
mixture at low speeds.Turning the Low-speed Needle (No.5) counter-
clockwise will richen the fuel/air mixture at low speeds. (The default
or factory setting of the Low-speed Needle is as follows; turn the
needle to the fully stop/closed position and then turn back 1.5 turns).
High Speed Needle Adjustment
Turning the High-speed Needle (No.5) clockwise will lean the fuel/
air mixture at high speeds. Turning the low-speed Needle (No.5)
counter-clockwise will richen the fuel/air mixture at high speeds. (The
default or factory setting of the High-speed Needle is as follows;
turn the needle to the fully stop/closed position and then open the
needle 1.25-1.5 turns). It is recommended that the High-speed needle
be adjusted by the use of a tachometer to obtain maximum speed.
Smooth acceleration and deceleration is an indicator of proper
engine performance.

Ignition Timing Adjustment

The ignition timing is preset on the DLE-170 at 43° before top dead
center (TDC). The ignition timing can be advanced or retarded by
loosening the (2) ignition sensor Phillips head screws and sliding
the sensor to the full extent clockwise (44° advancing the ignition)
or counter clockwise (42° retarding the ignition). Be sure to retighten
the Phillips head screws after adjusting the ignition timing.
Advancing the timing causes combustion to occur earlier resulting in higher
performance of the engine. However, advancing the timing also causes
higher engine temperatures and can cause premature wear of internal
engine components.

Carburetor Adjustment Troubleshooting

Problem:
If The engine hesitates when accelerated rapidly.
or The rpm increases at idling.
or The engine stops when the throttle is moved from high to low.

Solution:
The low-speed needle “L” is too lean. Open it up about 1/8 of a
12 turn and try again.
 Problem:
If The idle is not steady.
Solution:
The low-speed needle “L” valve is too rich. Close it 1/8 of a turn
and try again.

Problem:
If Engine stops at full throttle.
or Engine hesitates when accelerated rapidly.
or The engine will not come up to full rpm at full throttle.
Solution:
The high-speed needle valve “H” is too lean. Open it up 1/8 of
a turn and try again.

Problem:
If Your engine does not reach full rpm.
or Carbon build-ups appear consistently on your spark plug.
Solution:
The high-speed needle valve “H” is too rich. Close it up 1/8 turn
and try again.

Starting Procedures
If starting the engine the first time and during break-in it’s
recommended that you run the engine without the cowling. Also
for safety reasons do not make adjustments to the carburetor while
the engine is running.

There are two recommended ways to start the DLE-170.

A. Manual Starting
Note: When hand starting the DLE-170, use a thick glove or heavy
duty starter stick to protect your hand.

1. The propeller should be installed on the drive washer at the

one o’clock position and near the beginning of the compression
stroke so that it’s comfortable to flip it through compression.
2. Have someone help you hold the airplane while you start the
engine.
3. Close the choke on the carburetor and open the throttle slightly
from the idle position.
4. Switch the ignition switch to ON.
5. Flip the propeller counter clockwise several times briskly, until a
popping sound is heard. This indicates that the engine is firing.
13
 6. Move the choke lever to the OPEN position.
7. Set the throttle to a high idle. Set the propeller so that it is near
the beginning of the compression stroke.
8. Flip the propeller through compression rapidly. If this is done
properly, the engine will start after several brisk flips of the prop.
9. After starting, let the engine idle for 30 to 45 seconds. Open
and close the throttle slowly until the engine runs smoothly at
idle and at full throttle. Acceleration should also be smooth. If
acceleration is not smooth, adjustments to the carburetor may
be necessary (see Adjustments of the Engine pages 11-13).
10. If your engine does not start, repeat the procedure.

B. Electric Starter Starting

A 24V electric starter is recommended to start the DLE-170.

1. Make sure you use a good quality, lightweight aluminum spinner.

2. Have someone help you hold the airplane while you start it.
3. Close the choke on the carburetor and open the throttle slightly
from the idle position.
4. Switch the ignition to ON and use the electric starter to turn the
engine through compression until a popping sound is heard.
This indicates that the engine is firing.
5. Open the choke.
6. Set the throttle to high idle and use your electric starter to turn
over the engine until it starts.
7. After starting, let the engine idle for 30 to 45 seconds. Open
and close the throttle slowly until the engine runs smoothly at
idle and at full throttle. Acceleration should also be smooth. If
acceleration is not smooth, adjustments to the carburetor may
be necessary (see Adjustments of the Engine on pages 11–13).
8. If your engine does not start, repeat the procedure.

Engine Troubleshooting
If your engine fails to start after the starting procedures please
check the following.

14
 Symptom Diagnosis Fix
Ignition battery low Charge or replace battery

Replace wires or
Battery wires faulty Re-connect/check
Engine or loose connections
does not
fire Faulty spark plug Replace spark plug
or not firing or check for spark *

Remove plug, rotate

Engine flooded
prop to remove fuel

Engine starts, Fuel not reaching Check for:

then rpm engine a) fuel in tank
increases till b) fuel tubing cut,
engine cuts out blocked, or kinked
c) carburetor clogged

* This can be done by removing the spark plugs from the cylinders of
the engine and contacting the plugs on the outside of the crankcase.
Have an assistant turn the engine over while checking this and be
sure to have the spark plugs firmly plugged into the ignition wires.
Warning: The high voltage from the ignition can cause bodily harm,
especially when checking for spark in this manner.

Optional Digital Tachometer (not included)

An optional digital
tachometer is available that
can be directly connected to
the ignition and display the
RPMs of the engine.This unit
can be installed on the
aircraft or used to spot check
the Engine RPMs. Do not install or uninstall the Digital Tachometer
while the engine is running.

Many of the DLE Ignition

modules have an additional
lead to plug into the optional
tachometer. If your ignition
module does not have this
additional lead, the digital
tachometer can still be used.
Simply use the Y-harness
(included with the Digital Tachometer) to connect to the pick-up lead
from the engine. Be sure to secure all connections and to secure
15 the Digital Tachometer or leads on the aircraft used.
 Engine Maintenance
Please clean the fuel filter in the DLE Carburetor periodically. Failure
to do so may result in miss-calibration of the needle adjustments. In
order to do this it is necessary to remove the Phillips head screws
which secure the carburetor filter cover and the carburetor filter gasket.
Use only carburetor cleaner to spray around the opening of the filter.

16
 Warranty Information
The DLE-170 has a two year limited warranty through Hobby Services
beginning at date of purchase. Please retain your receipt as your
proof of purchase.

Hobby Services Tel: 217-398-8970

3002 N. Apollo Drive Suite #1 Fax: 217-398-7721
Champaign, Il 61822
E-mail: [email protected]

90 mm

80 mm

288 mm

124 mm

20 mm
212 mm
17
18
8
28
7
16
27
31
11 33
1
26
9
25
15
5
29 4 30
6
20 2
20
32 10
21 3
7
10 23 24 13
20
31
24
22
12 20 1
23 4
3 5
25
13
19
18
17
 Key Numbers
#1 Cylinder
#2 Crankshaft w/Rods
#3 Crankcase
#4 Piston
#5 Ring
#6 Electronic Ignition System
#7 Left Muffler (one external mounting hole)
#7 Right Muffler (two external mounting holes)
#8 Carburetor Complete
#9 Engine Mount
#10 Spark Plug
#11 Reed Valve
#12 Inner Bearing
#13 Front & Rear Bearing
#15 Carburetor Heat Block
#16 Carburetor Base
#17 Prop Washer
#18 Crankshaft Extension
#19 Prop Hub
#20 Piston Pin Retainer
#21 Screw Set
#22 Woodruff Key
#23 Piston Pin
#24 Needle Bearing
#25 Cylinder/Crankcase Gasket
#26 Carburetor Heat Block/Reed Valve Gasket
#27 Carburetor Base/Reed Valve Gasket
#28 Carburetor/Carburetor Base Gasket
#29 Ignition Sensor
#30 Carburetor Heat Block/Crankcase Gasket
#31 Muffler Gasket
#32 Spark Plug Caps
#33 Engine Mounting Standoffs

Optional Parts (Not Pictured)

DLEG5525 Onboard Digital Tachometer

19
DLE-170 Mounting Pattern

3.54 in.
90 mm

3.15 in.
[ 80 mm]