Radio Control Engines

Keep the Dirt Out!

Your #1 concern: You never want ANY small dirt particles to get inside your engine. Lets say that again. You never want ANY small dirt particles to get inside your engine. There are three major places where dirt can get inside the engine:
1...The Carburetor
Your air filter is very important because it keeps dirt particles from entering the engine through the carburetor. Never run your engine without the air filter. And when removing the filter for cleaning, make certain that particles don’t fall into the exposed carburetor throat. It just takes one particle to ruin the piston and sleeve.

2...The Head
 If the glow plug is removed, it leaves a huge hole that leads straight to the piston and sleeve. Before removing the glow plug, clean the area really well with motor spray and let it dry off. Then remove the glow plug and do it with the car (engine) upside down. That way, no loose particles can fall inside the engine (things don't usually fall upwards). And leave it upside down all the time until that new glow plug is secured in the head.

3...The Fuel Line
 If you disconnect the fuel line from the engine or the gas tank, make sure the tips of the fuel line and the fuel line connectors are clear of dirt particles. Nitro fuel has a nasty tendency to attract dirt particles into this area when you remove the fuel line. The fuel line comes after the fuel filter in the gas tank, so any particles in the fuel line will have a free path right into the engine. Don’t think that an external fuel filter will solve everything because there is still fuel line after the external fuel filter to the engine. Any particles that get in that fuel line will still have a free path right to the engine.

Who should run an air filter
All RC cars should run an air filter at all times, no exceptions.. The close proximity to the ground makes this mandatory.
Boats should also use a filter in an effort to keep water out of the engine.
Most RC Airplanes don't use a filter. Although if you fly from a dirt runway a filter is recommended..