Most modern Nitro RC Engines are pretty robust, despite this fact they still require regular maintenance, especially after they have been out for a run around the track. While it's not necessary to to completely strip down the engine after every run, there are some basics which you need to do to ensure long engine life.

After Run Oil | After Burn Oil

One thing that will happen to your engine after a run is that it will start to dehydrate, this is due to the nature of RC Nitro Fuel. By using after burn oil you will keep the engine lubricated between runs.

The major advantages to this are:

• The engine will be easier to start next time your at your radio controlled meeting
• After run oil helps prevent oxidation also know as rust
• Your Nitro RC Engine will last much longer and require less maintenance in the long run.

To apply the after run oil, remove your RC glow plug, and put a couple of drops of oil into the combustion chamber of your Nitro RC Engine. Turn the engine over a few times to ensure the oil is worked into the engine. Add a couple more drops and replace the glow plug, not turn the engine over a few times.

Your almost done, but there is one important concept you must know before we continue, Top Dead Center. The engine is at TDC when the piston is at the top of the combustion chamber, just before it goes back down. Now it's a bad idea to leave the piston in this position after a run, because as the engine cools the sleeve and piston will contract, but not at the same rate. So it's completely possible that the piston will become stuck at TDC.

The ideal position for the piston is Bottom Dead Center, the easiest way to tell is to move the flywheel with your hand, the place where the compression is the most is TDC. It's much easier to check by removing the cooling head. I personally mark the flywheel with some nail polish or permanent marker, this makes it easy for me to find the right location for the piston after a run with my Gas powered RC car.

One final note is that before you open you engine to the outside world, make sure that you clean the places where dirt could fall into the engine. Even the tiniest bit of dirt could possibly destroy your Nitro Engine so be careful.

Happy Racing...