Most of the questions on here from beginner RCers are all about how to build, about flying, finding a club, engines and whatnot. But what about after the flight? How do you keep the engine in it's best shape? Do you have to run something through it to keep it clean so nothing builds up in there? How do you store it? Where should one (ideally) store one that wont be used for quite some time? Also, which engine do I choose? There seems to be a ton of different kinds of 2 strokes out there, which one is good for what I need (Sig Kdet LT-40) Any response would be appreciated it.

thanks,
Ben

I usually disconnect the fuel line from the fuel tank and start the engine until all the fuel in the feed line and carb are burned and the engine dies. I then open the carb and put some type of after run oil. 4-5 drops if you fly weekly, then put your finger over the carb opening and turn the prop several times. Some guys use auto transmission fluid as afterrun oil.

In answer to your engine question, I would look at what the model specifies then buy an engine on the upper end. In other words if the model calls for a .40 -.46, buy a .46. It is easier to throttle down a bit in flight and have extra power when you need it. I recall getting my trainer crossways to the runway when I was just starting, with tall weeds about 20 feet straight ahead. I punched full throttle and up elevator and was able to avoid a nasty wing puncturing experience. A .40 engine would not have provided the power I needed.

As far as what engine, most of the name brands are good. OS and Thunder Tiger are popular. I personally prefer the OS Max 46. I have flown TT with no problems too.

Good Luck and I hope you love the hobby as much as I do.

Terry

I'll second everything n7tb said. And add a few things... Lots of guys use aftre run oil (and transmission fluid IS a good one) and lots of guys don't. I don't use it except for long winter storage.

There are lots of good engines out there. The 2 that were mentioned are very good indeed. If you can aford the OS get it, but if money is tight, The Thunder Tiger will do fine. Whichever brand you get, what you should be aware of is "Bushings vs. Ball Bearings"

An Engine with bushings will be cheaper than an engine with ball bearings, but an engine with ball bearings is considerably better. You can usually tell which is which by looking at the very front of the engine casing (right behind the prop). A Ball bearing engine has a housing for the bearing which makes the casing much thicker than a bushed engine.

I suck the tank dry with the fuel pump and put it away. I have never used after run oil in 25 years, unless like minn flyer stated, I was putting one away for a long time. I use Marvel Mystery oil for that, although there are probably better oils out there. I have never lost a bearing or never had an engine go bad. I still have some of my very old engines that were all taken care of this way and they are all in great condition. I do clean them from time to time to keep the oil from building up on the outside. I don't like black burned on oil on my engines. Most of the guys at our field are insistant on burning out the left over fuel and using after run oil, but as my full scale mechanic states, when you burn out the exess fuel, the engine goes really lean. He fully believes that it is harder on the engine to do that than to leave the fuel in the engine, because it has as much lube as the oil you are puting in and you don't heat things up. Probably not enought to hurt it, but like I said, I have never lost a bearing, and the guys who run the fuel out are always buying bearings.

Flyboy raises some very good points about afterrun oils and leaving fuel in engines. I may have to re-think doing that. Hard to argue with success.

Terry