i have the nexstar and the pictures of it flying on the box dont show it with an air cleaner on. does that mean it doesnt need an air cleaner?

Most if not all engines do not come with a air cleaner. You can
buy air filters to use, I guess in certain conditions there good
to use, But they are not required

ok thanks

I think air cleaners are a good idea, but the only one I know of is the Bru Line which extends into the propeller on many engines. The best thing to do is not taxi your plane around any more than necessary. Carry it to the flight line and take off. When you land, kill the engine and go get your airplane. The longer your plane is on the ground with the engine running, the more dirt and sand it's sucking in.

I live in Florida so sand is a real problem down here. If you live in a place where there's real grass and good top soil, I doubt it can damage the engine much if a little gets sucked in.

Most guys don't use air filters and don't have problems. I like to use them whenever I can just because I'm anal-retentive.

ok thanks cafeenman.i thought u would need one cause i have a buggy and i never would use it w/o an air cleaner.but i guess since it is in the air it really cant get dirt or sand in the engine.

Run an RC nitro car w/o air filter and your engine will last about 1-2 months!!! Planes are not near the ground and its ok but if you want one then use womens stockings ... its cheap and effective. Just get a rubber O ring that fits the carb to hold it on. Thats the cheapest way. My friend does that but his MVVS49 tachs really high ... about 13,500 RPM on a 10x6 and 5% nitro, that is very good for the heat and humidity on my country. So I guess the stocking does not really restrict the air being taken in.

Even with a paved runway an air cleaner isn't a bad idea. You can't always guarantee a runway landing. Unless your racing the minimal drop in RPM won't be noticeable. If you do manage to plant it in the dirt or grass don't turn it over to check the damage. Clean it out first. A piece of sand in the venturi may indicate more inside.

the club that i will be flying at has a grass runway.so should i have an air cleaner?

I dont use them , I used to take off from a sandy baseball diamond and until a major crash my OS.40 worked like a charm. The way I see with a 11x6 prop spining at 25000 rpm or better it has to be hard for little dust particles to be sucked into the engine. This is just my oppinion but if you feel its needed then use it. thats probably your sixth sense giving you a sign.

PS the crash was due to low receiver battery [:@]

ok thanks

Noone in my club that I know of uses air filters.

I think if you used air cleaners for a while and saw how much fine grit particles they pick up, you'd become a believer.Ive had engine last many years of running and changed the elements out once or twice a season. when using them I have NEVER suffered ingestion particle problems which will drive you crazy with lean runs . you can't always garrantee the air will be dust free and in fact there isoften a lot of dust . your engine is sucking in volumes of air along with whatever is along with it. it acts like fine lapping compound .ask Clarence Lee(RCM engine man) on opinions of air cleaners.