Youtuber Liumutou’s Toyan V8 Model Engine Guide: What First-Time Builders Need to Know | Stirlingkit

by danna cai March 26, 2025

I’m Liu Mutou, and cars have been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. Growing up, I was the kind of kid who spent hours sketching cars, disassembling toys just to see how they worked, and building small DIY projects that probably didn’t impress anyone but me. But those early moments sparked something in me—a fascination with how things are made and the magic of creating something with your own hands.

That spark stayed with me through my years at the Academy, where I studied design. But it wasn’t until I graduated that I really understood what I wanted to do. I didn’t want to just design things on paper—I wanted to bring them to life. So, I gave myself a challenge: build a 1:5 scale replica of the 3rd Mengshi Gen Off-Road Vehicle entirely by hand.

It took 150 days. 150 days of sanding, cutting, shaping, and adjusting every single part by hand. I recreated everything—the suspension system, the powertrain, even the smallest details in the body design. It was exhausting at times, but there was something incredibly satisfying about watching it all come together, piece by piece.

When I finally shared the process online, I wasn’t expecting much. I just wanted to document the journey. But to my surprise, people connected with it. They weren’t just impressed by the final model—they were moved by the story behind it. The late nights, the failed attempts, the moments of doubt, and the pure joy of making something from scratch—it all resonated.

That wasn’t the first project I tackled. Before the Mengshi, I spent 60 days building a 1:10 scale wooden model of a Porsche 918 Spyder. That project taught me the importance of patience and precision, two things I’d need when I stepped into a whole new world: micro engine models.

Around that time, Stirlingkit reached out and encouraged me to try assembling miniature engines. I wasn’t sure if I was ready. I had no experience with engines on this scale, but I was curious—and sometimes curiosity is all you need to get started. My first project was a Hown inline-6 engine . It wasn’t easy. I made mistakes, got frustrated, and had to start over more than once. But by the end, I’d learned so much more than I expected.

Then came the Toyan V8 engine. I thought it would be just as challenging, but to my surprise, it was one of the most satisfying builds I’ve ever done. The design was intuitive, the debugging was simple, and everything just clicked into place. It was in this moment that I realized something: the magic of building these miniature engines doesn’t just lie in the final product—it’s in the process itself. It’s about taking something complex, breaking it down, and watching it come to life, piece by piece. It’s a journey of discovery, and for me, that’s what makes working with model engines so captivating.

Looking back, I never imagined I’d be building miniature engines and sharing my journey via social media. But that’s the beauty of following your passion—you never know where it will take you. Cecily recently encouraged me to share some tips for beginners, especially those tackling their first engine build. I know how intimidating it can be at the start, but trust me, you’ll learn more than you ever thought possible.

At the end of the day, this is what it’s all about for me—learning, creating, and sharing that journey with others. Every project, no matter how small, has a story worth telling. And I’m grateful to be able to share mine with you.

Here are the key insights I gathered while assembling and operating the Toyan V8:

1. Check the Crankshaft Bearings

During my initial assembly, I noticed that improperly installed bearings on either side of the crankshaft caused noticeable wobbling. Normally, the bearings should prevent excessive play. If there is some wobble but the crankshaft output remains stable, it usually won’t affect startup. However, always check that the bearings aren’t damaged and are properly installed.

2. Timing Alignment: A Critical Step

If the engine fails to start, improper timing is often the culprit. Misaligned timing disrupts the ignition sequence, preventing the engine from running properly.
When assembling, ensure the timing marks on the crankshaft and camshaft gears are perfectly aligned.

What is engine timing?
Timing refers to the synchronization of key engine components, such as the crankshaft, camshaft, and valves. It ensures that the valves open and close at the correct moments, which is essential for proper combustion.

Why adjust timing?
Even though the engine’s timing is preset at the factory, slight shifts can occur during shipping or assembly. Regular use may also cause tiny deviations due to wear and tear. Therefore, it’s a good idea to manually check and realign the timing marks after assembly.

If you’re unsure about timing accuracy, turn the crankshaft manually and check that the valve and piston movements match the timing marks. If needed, adjust the camshaft and crankshaft positions until the marks line up, ensuring smooth rotation without resistance.

3. Fuel and Oil Mixture Ratio

I found that using a mix of 95-octane gasoline and oil at a 25:1 ratio yields optimal results. While the engine can run on pure gasoline, adding oil improves lubrication and reduces internal wear.

4. Check the Power Supply Voltage

The starter motor requires a steady 12V power source. A voltage drop below 12V can cause startup difficulties, so make sure the battery is fully charged before starting the engine.

5. Carburetor and Choke Adjustment

At first, I mistakenly thought the choke should be slightly open during startup, based on my experience with other engines. However, with the Toyan V8, the choke must be fully closed to start the engine.
If your engine won’t start, check that the choke is completely closed—it’s a crucial step, especially for cold starts.

Why keep the choke fully closed?
The choke controls the air intake. When closed, it reduces airflow and increases the fuel concentration, making it easier to ignite the mixture during startup. If the choke is even slightly open, too much air enters, diluting the fuel and making ignition harder.

6. Don’t Overtighten Screws

The Toyan V8 uses small screws, so be gentle during assembly. Over-tightening can strip or break the screws.
I learned this the hard way when I accidentally overtightened a screw on an inline-6 engine and snapped it. Now, I use a power tool to tighten screws gently, followed by a manual 30° adjustment to secure them without causing damage.

7. Installing the Spark Plugs

Spark plug installation can feel a bit tight, but it’s usually fine if you keep turning until it’s fully sealed. A loose spark plug may cause oil leaks or ignition issues, so ensure it’s securely tightened.

8. Understanding Crankshaft Balance

Many users worry about crankshaft wobble, but slight movement is often normal in micro engines like the Toyan V8. As long as the crankshaft doesn’t interfere with the support frame, it shouldn’t affect performance.

Why does the crankshaft wobble slightly?
The crankshaft is calibrated using counterweights to ensure balance. During factory calibration, precise adjustments minimize vibration. However, due to the compact size and light components of micro engines, slight wobbling may still occur.

Does it affect performance?
No—provided there are no obstructions or friction between components, minor crankshaft wobble won’t impact engine function. These engines are designed with precision tolerances that account for such movement.

By keeping these tips in mind, you can enhance your Toyan V8 assembly experience and avoid common pitfalls. Remember, patience and precision are key when working with miniature engines. I hope my experience helps you build your engine more smoothly—especially if it’s your first time!

Happy assembling, and enjoy the thrill of bringing your micro V8 engine to life!

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Youtuber Liumutou’s Toyan V8 Model Engine Guide: What First-Time Builders Need to Know | Stirlingkit

1. Check the Crankshaft Bearings

2. Timing Alignment: A Critical Step

3. Fuel and Oil Mixture Ratio

4. Check the Power Supply Voltage

5. Carburetor and Choke Adjustment

6. Don’t Overtighten Screws

7. Installing the Spark Plugs

8. Understanding Crankshaft Balance

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