Picco 90

Vince Fantauzzi · Apr 25, 2015

Hello, gang... over the winter months I have aquired a 48" rigger with an old but new Picco 90 in it. The fellow I got it from told me the rigger has sat built for nearly 20 years and that it has never seen water, which I believe as it is all in pristine condition. The engine is clean and it has a lot of compression, to the point where I have to loosen the plug to get it to turn and start. Since the engine came without any paperwork, and I can't seem to find anything on line that is of help, I was wondering if any of you fellas might be able to help me with such things as starting needle setting and what type of nitro is best for this type of engine, and whatever else quirks I should be aware of.

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happybradboating · Apr 25, 2015

This motor is the Picco Hydro. It looks like an aftermarket carb rather than stock Picco. It is probably unlikely that you will find directions on this old design. I have roughly 4 motors like what you have and would suggest 30% to 40% nitro with plenty of oil in the mixture at roughly 20%. Taking into account finding parts is difficult if not possible I would do anything possible to save the motor.

In the distant past I had one of the bearing housing bolts shake loose. Then it blew the rod though the engine case because air went into the motor like the throttle was held wide open. Since this occurred I use star lock washers and red lock-tite on all the case bolts and torque them down to 22 inch pounds.

I may wait to see what others say before giving additional suggestions.

Danny King · Apr 25, 2015

First thing to do is take the motor apart. Be sure to set the timing disc clearance to about .003" to .005". And be sure to blue locktite the set screw.

Also blue locktite the 8 bolts holding the front and rear plates. The head lots don't need and locktite. But set the head clearance to .010 to .015". 30% fuel is plenty to haul butt.

I can't see the pipe as to say what length.

Don't run the motor lean and it will be a fun fairly fast set up.

Vince Fantauzzi · Apr 25, 2015

Thanks for the input, guys. Yes, the locktite is a definite requirement in this set up, as the engine is bolted directly on a metal plate without any rubber vibration absorbers, and it does vibrate quite a bit...and it is also one noisy SOB; I've fired it up a couple of times...the neighbours aren't too thrilled. ;0)