Engine Cleaning
 

Bill,

I've an OS 61FX with ~100 flights that has a bad rear bearing, so I disassembled it last night and ordered some new parts. There was a fair amount of gum & varnish inside, and I had to heat the crankcase up to 350F to get the bearings out. I was thinking about putting most parts except the carb in a slow-cooker with some antifreeze (ethylene glycol) to clean the gunk off the piston, head, crank and crankcase, but didn't want to risk damaging these parts. Is this an acceptable practice, or would it remove valuable "seasoning" of the parts, say piston & liner fit?

Thanks,
Redball8

RE: Engine Cleaning
 

The "crock pot" cleaning method shouldn't hurt the engine. At worst, the aluminum parts may become a bit darkened, depending upon what additives may be in the anti-freeze.

Of course, don't do this in the house, but in an area where there's plenty of ventilation. The crock-pot can NEVER be used for food again after using it to clean an engine with anti-freeze.

RE: Engine Cleaning
 

hey bax,

could you please tell me the easiest way out to clean the engine since i am not good at the mechanics bit. my engine has slowed down a lot.
please advice

RE: Engine Cleaning
 

The "easiest" way, would be as stated above. Just remove the glowplug, rear cover, and carburetor. Drop it into a crock-pot set to "low" and leave it overnight. The crock-pot must be in a well-ventilated area because it will emit fumes that are not good to breathe, so you don't do this in the house. Flush it out with fresh fuel the next morning. Reinstall the rear cover, carb, and glow plug. Remount the engine and run it.