model engine cleaner
10-02-2005, 09:29 PM
#3
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RE: model engine cleaner
I guess the proper question is 'What part of the engine do you want to clean?'
The Carburator?, Muffler?, head?, all of the above? - Why?
There are many cleaners and plans out there - some even work without damaging the engine
.
If you do a search of the RCU for "Antifreeze" you will get a number of excellent descriptions of how to "Cook off" the built up varnish off of an engine using an old crock pot and antifreeze. Just be carful, one fellow mentioned that the chunks of carnish came off ok - but then fouled up the tiny fuel ports inside of the engine. Be sure to disassemble the engine first and then wipe it down thoroughly afterwards.
Other methods can damage the metals that you are cleaning. . . personally - if the engine is working well but it just doesn't look 'PRETTY' I prefer to leave well enough alone.
The Carburator?, Muffler?, head?, all of the above? - Why?
There are many cleaners and plans out there - some even work without damaging the engine
.If you do a search of the RCU for "Antifreeze" you will get a number of excellent descriptions of how to "Cook off" the built up varnish off of an engine using an old crock pot and antifreeze. Just be carful, one fellow mentioned that the chunks of carnish came off ok - but then fouled up the tiny fuel ports inside of the engine. Be sure to disassemble the engine first and then wipe it down thoroughly afterwards.
Other methods can damage the metals that you are cleaning. . . personally - if the engine is working well but it just doesn't look 'PRETTY' I prefer to leave well enough alone.
10-03-2005, 12:10 PM
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RE: model engine cleaner
look to the nitro r/c car cleaning stuff. Nitro clean is a good one. Good for a quick hose off.
Once a quarter I'll tear the engine off the model and take apart the carb and clean everything out good with carb cleaner
Once a quarter I'll tear the engine off the model and take apart the carb and clean everything out good with carb cleaner
10-03-2005, 06:30 PM
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RE: model engine cleaner
This is a great question! I wish I could find the information .... but ... there was a process of using anti-freeze and a small slow cooker (like a crock pot) and letting the engine stew overnight. I believe the mixture was a 50/50 solution with water. I saw some pics once and you couldn't tell the cleaned engine from a new one.
10-03-2005, 06:46 PM
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RE: model engine cleaner
I've never heard of antifreeze. If my engines get really fowled, but more for junkers I'll pick up. I'll tear the engine down all the way. I'll get a casorole dish and fill it with castor oil and bake it at 350 for a half an hour to an hour. the engines come out like new every time. I'd still repace the bearing at this point if bad. get em pretty cheap from boca bearing or fagg bearing
10-03-2005, 07:02 PM
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RE: model engine cleaner
I use only straight synthetic oil in my fuel, 20 years in the hobby NEVER burnt up an engine and NEVER had to clean one.
10-03-2005, 07:03 PM
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RE: model engine cleaner
Denatured alcohol works awesome! I mix it 2 parts water to 1 part alcohol and spray it on after every flight or time I go out to the field. It evaporates away leaving the crud on your garage floor! Makes a nice make-your-wife -slip-and-fall product.
10-03-2005, 07:27 PM
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RE: model engine cleaner
A 50/50 mix of antifreeze and water in a never to be used again for food crockpot on low and they come out like new after a 12 to 24 hour bath. High can discolor the aluminum so just use low. Sometimes I brush the real thick caked on with a tooth brush a couple of times during the cleaning process to speed it up.
I tried some of the $10-$12 demon clean and it did nothing.
FEB
I tried some of the $10-$12 demon clean and it did nothing.
FEB
10-04-2005, 01:52 PM
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RE: model engine cleaner
I have never tried the dishwashing powder or the anti-freeze in the crock pot. But what I have had very excellent results over the years was with something you buy in an auto parts store. It's called Aircraft Coating Remover or Aircraft Paint Remover. Over the years different companies have labled it with different names. It's specifically for Aluminum and other metals. In the past I used the Demon Engine cleaner but that stuff was costly for a small can. But with the Coating Remover you get a 32 oz. can for about $11.00. It works great, no greying and all you do is brush or spray it on, wait about 15 minutes and then you just rinse it off with cold water. I got mine in Checker Auto under the name of Tal-Strip II Aircraft Coating Remover.
10-04-2005, 02:27 PM
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