Simple Question
01-21-2008 | 02:55 PM
#1
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 327
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
From: Charlotte,
NC
Simple Question
I am using automatic transmission fluid as an after run oil in my K&B .61 2-stroke. I want to know if I can start the engine with a little bit of the ATF in it. Does it affect how it runs and starts?
01-21-2008 | 03:11 PM
#2
RE: Simple Question
I want to know if I can start the engine with a little bit of the ATF in it.
Does it affect how it runs and starts?
01-21-2008 | 03:40 PM
#4
Senior Member
RE: Simple Question
A drop or two is not nearly enough ATF (or any after run oil) to do much good. You need to get enough into the engine to coat the front and rear bearing and connecting rod bearings in order to do any good. After all, the object is to displace any residual nitro and alcohol to protect the engine from rust or nitric acid (nitro and water form a dilute nitric acid--the water is attracted to the mix by the alcohol in the fuel) That means around a half teaspoon full or more and with you manually rotating the prop a few revolutions after you put in the oil to distribute to the points needed. It helps to rotate the engine while you are rotating the prop to get the oil to all parts. Yes, that means your first start after using ATF will take a bit more effort but the fuel will quickly remove the ATF (or any after run oil) when you go to start it up.
01-21-2008 | 04:29 PM
#6
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 3,204
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
From: Poland,
OH
RE: Simple Question
ORIGINAL: Rodney
A drop or two is not nearly enough ATF (or any after run oil) to do much good. You need to get enough into the engine to coat the front and rear bearing and connecting rod bearings in order to do any good. After all, the object is to displace any residual nitro and alcohol to protect the engine from rust or nitric acid (nitro and water form a dilute nitric acid--the water is attracted to the mix by the alcohol in the fuel) That means around a half teaspoon full or more and with you manually rotating the prop a few revolutions after you put in the oil to distribute to the points needed. It helps to rotate the engine while you are rotating the prop to get the oil to all parts. Yes, that means your first start after using ATF will take a bit more effort but the fuel will quickly remove the ATF (or any after run oil) when you go to start it up.
A drop or two is not nearly enough ATF (or any after run oil) to do much good. You need to get enough into the engine to coat the front and rear bearing and connecting rod bearings in order to do any good. After all, the object is to displace any residual nitro and alcohol to protect the engine from rust or nitric acid (nitro and water form a dilute nitric acid--the water is attracted to the mix by the alcohol in the fuel) That means around a half teaspoon full or more and with you manually rotating the prop a few revolutions after you put in the oil to distribute to the points needed. It helps to rotate the engine while you are rotating the prop to get the oil to all parts. Yes, that means your first start after using ATF will take a bit more effort but the fuel will quickly remove the ATF (or any after run oil) when you go to start it up.
01-21-2008 | 05:06 PM
#7
Senior Member
RE: Simple Question
I've never seen the need for after-run oil and haven't used it in 25+ years. No engine problems. Of course, my engines are kept in a climate-controlled room.
Dr.1
Dr.1
01-21-2008 | 06:19 PM
#8
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 327
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
From: Charlotte,
NC
RE: Simple Question
I had a problem, when running the engine with a drop in the cylinder and approx. 3-4 drops down the carb, it burned it, it ran eratically and lots of smoke and light discolorations on the cylinder head. Should I use something else?
01-22-2008 | 01:34 PM
#9
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 6,544
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
From: Garland, TX
RE: Simple Question
Everyone who uses after run oil has their favorite. Here are a few I've seen recommended:
ATF: any brand but not 'Type F'
Full Synthetic Motor Oil: Mobil 1, Castrol Syntec, etc. The recommendations are usually a low viscosity like 0W-30 or 5W-30
Air Tool Oil: Marvel brand is popular but any brand is fine
Half ATF & half Marvel Mystery Oil (which is different than Marvel Air Tool Oil)
ATF: any brand but not 'Type F'
Full Synthetic Motor Oil: Mobil 1, Castrol Syntec, etc. The recommendations are usually a low viscosity like 0W-30 or 5W-30
Air Tool Oil: Marvel brand is popular but any brand is fine
Half ATF & half Marvel Mystery Oil (which is different than Marvel Air Tool Oil)
01-22-2008 | 01:40 PM
#10
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 4,987
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
From: Laurel, MD,
RE: Simple Question
I'm curious, why not Type-F ATF?
Personally, I use ATF (and I think it IS type F, though I'll have to check when I get home).
I don't use any oil after a normal day's flying. But if I'm going to store an engine or if it eats dirt or water or something (I fly combat, it happens a lot), then I really fill the engine full and put it in a plastic bag because it's going to leak oil everywhere).
Your brand of fuel also matters a lot, I rusted bearings in 2 engines before changing fuel brands, and no problems since then.
Personally, I use ATF (and I think it IS type F, though I'll have to check when I get home).
I don't use any oil after a normal day's flying. But if I'm going to store an engine or if it eats dirt or water or something (I fly combat, it happens a lot), then I really fill the engine full and put it in a plastic bag because it's going to leak oil everywhere).
Your brand of fuel also matters a lot, I rusted bearings in 2 engines before changing fuel brands, and no problems since then.
