ORIGINAL: MrGreenSpeed
You have to remove the cylinder first to remove the piston and rod.
A prop hub puller tool is needed to removing the prop driver/hub.
This being said taking apart a good running engine is not a good thing.
If You pull the piston out of the cylinder it will need a new break in period and shorten it life.
Pulling the muffler & removing the head & back plate is all I do to inspect an engine or to flush it out if it's new before break in.
An engine that is running good doesn't need any thing but after run oil and a zip lock bag.
The only time I disassemble an engine is when it's had a dirt nap or needs new bearings, P/L or new ring.
So if it's not broke don't fix it, comes to mind.
Jeff
Well, after reading about some people having bearing failures, I wanted to inspect my rear bearing to ensure its in good shape. I can't inspect it very well with the crank in the way. I'll get the hub puller later this week but if the rod won't come off the crankpin, I'm still stuck.
Also - pulling the piston out of the liner will not need a new break-in period. The piston goes back in the same way it came out - Since its going back into its same position, nothing will have changed.
I agree if it aint broke, don't fix it; However - I pull all of my engines apart after break-in. Being that ABC engines are so tight from the factory, I feel better about looking them over before putting them into fulltime r/c service.