WD-40 for cleaning engine?
07-10-2007, 02:45 PM
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WD-40 for cleaning engine?
Is using WD-40 on a nitro RC-car engine a bad or good thing?
My friends will usually at first run the engine completely empty, then spray quite a bit of WD-40 directly into the cab while turning the motor for some time. I have heard a lot of different things about WD-40 -- how some people say you should use it for certain things, while others say the direct opposite, that you shouldn't use it, e.g. to clean a motorcycle chain.
Should I do this to my engine?
And question two:
Does it hurt the engine if it is operated normally, then the engine is killed by blocking the exhaust; then letting the car rest for a few months, with the fuel tank half full?
My friends will usually at first run the engine completely empty, then spray quite a bit of WD-40 directly into the cab while turning the motor for some time. I have heard a lot of different things about WD-40 -- how some people say you should use it for certain things, while others say the direct opposite, that you shouldn't use it, e.g. to clean a motorcycle chain.
Should I do this to my engine?
And question two:
Does it hurt the engine if it is operated normally, then the engine is killed by blocking the exhaust; then letting the car rest for a few months, with the fuel tank half full?
07-10-2007, 03:01 PM
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RE: WD-40 for cleaning engine?
WD-40 is safe. I've been using it for years but I usuallyt put some ATF oil in the engine afterwards. I mainly use WD-40 when I take the engine apart and clean or mod it.
07-10-2007, 03:04 PM
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RE: WD-40 for cleaning engine?
Forgot your second question.
I've been slacking off in the maintenance department a bit to. Some timne ago I pulled out a car from 'storage' (it hadn't been run for months) where I had done just that. I though I'd screwed up the engine by neglecting it so I broke it down to check it. To my surprize it looked great inside. I used 30% TQ in that one and no harm done. Usually this is not a good idea.
I've been slacking off in the maintenance department a bit to. Some timne ago I pulled out a car from 'storage' (it hadn't been run for months) where I had done just that. I though I'd screwed up the engine by neglecting it so I broke it down to check it. To my surprize it looked great inside. I used 30% TQ in that one and no harm done. Usually this is not a good idea.
07-10-2007, 03:14 PM
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RE: WD-40 for cleaning engine?
I use WD-40 in the same manner as your friend does.........works great and doesn't get gummy like castor after-run oil does if left for long periods. I do not, however, leave fuel in the tank while in storage. I actually use a ton of WD-40 on my models! I used to clean the model with alcohol but that gets expensive. Now my cleaning steps are air nozzle, 409 w/brush, rinse w/H2O, dry w/air nozzle, spray all metal with silicone, and finally spray all bearings and carb with WD-40. I then put the drill starter on it for a couple turns, wipe it down with a cloth, and put it up.
When I fire the engine it generally take about 20 seconds before the WD-40 cleans out and normal engine operation resumes. WD-40 is simply the best low cost lube for bearings. The only thing that beats it is TRI-FLOW lube which is expensive and really not needed.
When I fire the engine it generally take about 20 seconds before the WD-40 cleans out and normal engine operation resumes. WD-40 is simply the best low cost lube for bearings. The only thing that beats it is TRI-FLOW lube which is expensive and really not needed.
07-10-2007, 05:56 PM
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RE: WD-40 for cleaning engine?
ORIGINAL: lsurber
I use WD-40 in the same manner as your friend does.........works great and doesn't get gummy like castor after-run oil does if left for long periods. I do not, however, leave fuel in the tank while in storage. I actually use a ton of WD-40 on my models! I used to clean the model with alcohol but that gets expensive. Now my cleaning steps are air nozzle, 409 w/brush, rinse w/H2O, dry w/air nozzle, spray all metal with silicone, and finally spray all bearings and carb with WD-40. I then put the drill starter on it for a couple turns, wipe it down with a cloth, and put it up.
When I fire the engine it generally take about 20 seconds before the WD-40 cleans out and normal engine operation resumes. WD-40 is simply the best low cost lube for bearings. The only thing that beats it is TRI-FLOW lube which is expensive and really not needed.
I use WD-40 in the same manner as your friend does.........works great and doesn't get gummy like castor after-run oil does if left for long periods. I do not, however, leave fuel in the tank while in storage. I actually use a ton of WD-40 on my models! I used to clean the model with alcohol but that gets expensive. Now my cleaning steps are air nozzle, 409 w/brush, rinse w/H2O, dry w/air nozzle, spray all metal with silicone, and finally spray all bearings and carb with WD-40. I then put the drill starter on it for a couple turns, wipe it down with a cloth, and put it up.
When I fire the engine it generally take about 20 seconds before the WD-40 cleans out and normal engine operation resumes. WD-40 is simply the best low cost lube for bearings. The only thing that beats it is TRI-FLOW lube which is expensive and really not needed.
I will try and find that article soon and post it here.
Here it is: http://www.webbikeworld.com/t2/motorcycle-chain-lube/
07-10-2007, 11:15 PM
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RE: WD-40 for cleaning engine?
WD 40 (Water Displacement 40th try) removes the water to aid in rust prevention, (rust is also a horrible lubricant) then lube stuff.
07-11-2007, 03:21 AM
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RE: WD-40 for cleaning engine?
WD-40 often gets called a lubricant because it frees up parts. It is not however a lubricant and its not a good idea to use it as one with fast moving parts.
07-11-2007, 02:21 PM
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RE: WD-40 for cleaning engine?
ORIGINAL: GRANT ED
WD-40 often gets called a lubricant because it frees up parts. It is not however a lubricant and its not a good idea to use it as one with fast moving parts.
WD-40 often gets called a lubricant because it frees up parts. It is not however a lubricant and its not a good idea to use it as one with fast moving parts.
wd-40 is called a lubricant because its advertised a lubricant:
http://www.wd40.com/Brands/wd40_product_info.html
07-11-2007, 02:30 PM
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RE: WD-40 for cleaning engine?
WD-40 and duct tape will take you through the day.
There is nothing wrong with using WD-40 in your engine. Juat combine it with some light oil and you're good to go, seriously.
There is nothing wrong with using WD-40 in your engine. Juat combine it with some light oil and you're good to go, seriously.
07-11-2007, 02:40 PM
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RE: WD-40 for cleaning engine?
what LOOKIN said. the only good thing is that it displaces moisture in a nitro engine which is a culprit of the nitro fuel sittin in the engine. but it doesnt actually lube anything.
07-11-2007, 03:10 PM
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RE: WD-40 for cleaning engine?
it was said that WD-40 also contains micro bits of sand... I only use it on the outside of my engine and just use afterrun oil to clean the inside
07-11-2007, 06:12 PM
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RE: WD-40 for cleaning engine?
So WD-40 is great for what it is made for -- removing water -- but as a side effect it also removes other types of lubrication, which should not be removed in the process.
So using WD-40, wiping it off to clean the device, then reapplying the lubricant is a good thing?
1. Glow and turn the engine over until it is completely empty.
2. Spray WD-40 into the engine, turn it around.
3. Put oil into the engine and turn it around.
Is this correct? If so, which oil should one use after using WD-40? What is it called and where can I get it?
So using WD-40, wiping it off to clean the device, then reapplying the lubricant is a good thing?
1. Glow and turn the engine over until it is completely empty.
2. Spray WD-40 into the engine, turn it around.
3. Put oil into the engine and turn it around.
Is this correct? If so, which oil should one use after using WD-40? What is it called and where can I get it?
07-11-2007, 07:11 PM
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RE: WD-40 for cleaning engine?
The only thing I use wd40 for is rusted bolts,Other than that its junk.Your engine is not being lubed until fuel reaches it.
I use marval mystery oil,It will not gum up and has very good lub properties.Why risk damage to save a couple bucks on
cheap oil?,By the way marval oil is only $3 a quart will last for years.One more thing never use the carb to put any type
of oil into the engine it may attack seals,Just use the glow plug hole,Because all you really want to lube is the rear bearing and
piston and sleeve,conrod.
I use marval mystery oil,It will not gum up and has very good lub properties.Why risk damage to save a couple bucks on
cheap oil?,By the way marval oil is only $3 a quart will last for years.One more thing never use the carb to put any type
of oil into the engine it may attack seals,Just use the glow plug hole,Because all you really want to lube is the rear bearing and
piston and sleeve,conrod.
07-16-2007, 09:45 PM
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RE: WD-40 for cleaning engine?
I use wd-40 because by comparrison it offers the least resistance which means better acceleration. Have measured friction in just about every type of lubricant there is and only tri-flow works better on bearings. Just use 2 timing marks and a known mass to get acceleration!!!!! You can see for yourself which is best! Of course, being light weight, it doesn't last long and does decrease bearing life if you don't perform routine maintenance!
07-16-2007, 11:14 PM
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RE: WD-40 for cleaning engine?
ORIGINAL: lsurber
I use wd-40 because by comparrison it offers the least resistance which means better acceleration. Have measured friction in just about every type of lubricant there is and only tri-flow works better on bearings. Just use 2 timing marks and a known mass to get acceleration!!!!! You can see for yourself which is best! Of course, being light weight, it doesn't last long and does decrease bearing life if you don't perform routine maintenance!
I use wd-40 because by comparrison it offers the least resistance which means better acceleration. Have measured friction in just about every type of lubricant there is and only tri-flow works better on bearings. Just use 2 timing marks and a known mass to get acceleration!!!!! You can see for yourself which is best! Of course, being light weight, it doesn't last long and does decrease bearing life if you don't perform routine maintenance!
07-16-2007, 11:31 PM
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RE: WD-40 for cleaning engine?
I know WD-40 is not perfect but combined with ATF oil it's good.
When racing RC boats WD-40 was the key to make anything last and it makes sense doesn't it?
When racing RC boats WD-40 was the key to make anything last and it makes sense doesn't it?
07-17-2007, 12:05 AM
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RE: WD-40 for cleaning engine?
ORIGINAL: SManMTB
I know WD-40 is not perfect but combined with ATF oil it's good.
When racing RC boats WD-40 was the key to make anything last and it makes sense doesn't it?
I know WD-40 is not perfect but combined with ATF oil it's good.
When racing RC boats WD-40 was the key to make anything last and it makes sense doesn't it?
07-17-2007, 07:46 AM
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RE: WD-40 for cleaning engine?
Ive read somewhere in the HPI website, WD40 only displaces moisture doesnt absorb it like proper oil. After-run oil is cheaper than WD40 anyway so might aswell go with the proper oil.
Random Fact: WD40 stands for Water Displacer and the number 40 cause they took that many tries to get the mixture right.
As for lubrication, wd40 is a good lubricant, it just doesnt last very long cause its very thin and runny. I use it on my clutchbell bearings and it can freespin the clutchbell for about 1 minute straight with barely any friction or resistance(Only good for about 1 week and another treatment of WD40, make sure you clean the outside of the bearings so it doesnt go on the clutch)
Water would be a good lubricant too, if it didnt rust things up.
Random Fact: WD40 stands for Water Displacer and the number 40 cause they took that many tries to get the mixture right.
As for lubrication, wd40 is a good lubricant, it just doesnt last very long cause its very thin and runny. I use it on my clutchbell bearings and it can freespin the clutchbell for about 1 minute straight with barely any friction or resistance(Only good for about 1 week and another treatment of WD40, make sure you clean the outside of the bearings so it doesnt go on the clutch)
Water would be a good lubricant too, if it didnt rust things up.
07-17-2007, 09:05 AM
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RE: WD-40 for cleaning engine?
ORIGINAL: subbass
It makes more sense spending a couple more dollars for good oil.
ORIGINAL: SManMTB
I know WD-40 is not perfect but combined with ATF oil it's good.
When racing RC boats WD-40 was the key to make anything last and it makes sense doesn't it?
I know WD-40 is not perfect but combined with ATF oil it's good.
When racing RC boats WD-40 was the key to make anything last and it makes sense doesn't it?
WD-40 was great taking out all moisture after a race and then the oil did the rest.
07-17-2007, 09:07 AM
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RE: WD-40 for cleaning engine?
WD40 only displaces moisture doesnt absorb it like proper oil.
Displacing mousture means it absorbs the moisture (displaces it from material) and then you flush out the WD-40 with something else and the moisture is gone.
Water is a terrible lubricant.