I have a G-23 on a 1/4 scale Cub and am using Lawn-boy ashless oil. The oil makes a HUGE black mess on the underside of the plane. I have tried some cleaners and only smeared the oil. What cleaner will work on fabric covering and not take the color out? Thanks for your time and input. Jim

Varsol or kerosene will cut it. Also sounds like your carb is set very rich. Should be coming out clear, unless you are running it rich for breakin.

Not sure what WD40 will do to that type covering, but just a mist of it on the spots and they wipe right off.
Ed M.

I've used 409 on my cowls where the oil smoke trail builds over a # of flights. Am not sure about fabric though. Trya small area and see.

ed

Thanks for the ideas. I am running the engine rich for break-in. The oil is being mixed at 32:1. I know it is a bit heavy, but I like to break-in engines slowly. They seem to last longer.

Get some high-temp silicone tubing from Aerotrend of the appropriate diameter and use it to extend the length of your exhaust stack(s). This won't eliminate the oil mess but will at least move it a little further away from your airframe.

That LawnBoy ashless oil could be contributing to your problem with excessive carbon build up. You might try switching to a high grade/high performance oil more suited to the task.

Thanks guys. I thought about switching oils. Even with my BME I have the same oil mess. Any suggestions on oils? Thanks Jim

Synthetics: Amsoil, Klotz, Honda HP2

Petroleum based for break-in:

Penzoil for air cooled engines
Castrol 2-cycle

I recommend you try a product called "Opti-2". It is a 2 cycle engine lubricant that produces no smoke from the exhaust, and it can be used in any 2 stroke engine (that requires oil mixed in with the gas) - regardless of the mix ratio. From what I understand - it has teflon in it - and it treats the metal to reduce the friction, unlike oil - which just relies on a thin film barrier to reduce friction. I have been using it in my gas 2 strokers - and it is amazing! No smoke, fires right up, and runs like a champ. You can use it in your chainsaw, your weedeater, and your big R/C gasser - regardless of the mix ratio. I got mine from our local Ace Hardware store - and the fellow that owns the store said that if he had his way - Opti-2 would be the only 2 stroke additive he would stock - it's that good! It comes in a small plastic tube in either 1 or 2 gallon sizes. Our CE (Civil Engineering) unit on base has been using it for years on all their 2 strokers - and they "swear" by it!

Kraut, thaks for the info. Thanks again to all. Jim M

I had the same problem. I had a guy on RCU recommend Sthil 2 cycle oil and to use the engine recommended oil to gas ratio. I did and was really amazed at how much cleaner it ran. I use fantastic to clean up after wards and it works well. I also heard from several posters that synthetic oil should not be used for engine run-in. Apparently it can cause the rings to not seat properly. After break in it's ok to use. Just what I have read on the subject. Sure there are different opinions. Thought I would pass along.
I am a first time gas engine user so not an expert and learning.

When all else fails, go to the marine dealer and get some OMC or Mercury outboard oil...SUPERIOR STUFF!! Mix at recommended ratios.

Actually, outboard oil is not designed for air-cooled high performance engines as they get much hotter than a water cooled outboard.

To answer your question, try a couple of spray bottle products called, "Goof Off", and "Goo Gone."

Mix 2 & 1/2 OZ bottle Stihl oil with 2 gallons gas . Dealer says thats about 40 to one . Really works great & very little to clean up . Readily available at about a $1.50. Used it for years .MAX H.

Thanks for all the help. Jim M

I just tried a product called "GOO GONE" recommended by bob-nj. What some great stuff. I just sprayed it on and the oil literally melted and ran off my airplane. It also left it smelling rather fruity. $4.50 at my local Wal-Mart. Thanks to all who replied. It is nice to see people lending a helping hand when needed. Thanks again Jim M

Actually you need 3.2 oz of oil to 1 gallon of gas for 40 to 1 and 2.56 oz of oil for 50:1.

jemilheis,
Keep in mind that if you are getting that much black residue that something isn't quite right to begin with. Your engine is getting too much carbon build up. As mentioned before, try a better 2-cycle oil and see if the mess goes away. That is one of the best things about switching from glow to gas, very little or no mess to clean up.

fishgod: Guess I was in another bottle when I said the large bottle of Stihl oil was 2.5 oz , it is 6.4 oz . That makes like you said 40 to 1 mix. MAX H.

I'm not a gasser as of yet but as far as cleaning up the mess Go-Jo hand cleaner will cut that oil film.

Blackie

Goop Hand Cleaner 14 oz tub from local $ store for about a buck.
The ultimate stain lifter.

Thanks for all the good advice. I did switch oils. Now if I could only get the darn thing to run right. Thanks again.. Jim M