Cleaning parts

[NitroNewb]

Now that I have the engine out and the rest of the car apart, I was wondering if the Nitro fuel would be a safe cleaner for the parts?

Would anything need to be lubricated after cleaning??

 

[savagefan04]

i wouldnt use fuel. its just too pricey to waste like that not to mention it usually leaves a sticky film. try using Simple Green cleaning solution diluted with some water. that works great for me. it leaves the plastic nice and shiney without leaving a sticky film. as for what to lube after washing, your should lube the bearings any hinge joints

 

[CharliesTheMan]

Something that I have personally found works good for a quick cleaning is the Windex, I think multi-surface, that has a lil vinegar in it. I used it cuz I was in a bind one day and needed something simple and quick, and it worked great. I only spray it on a towel though and wipe the stuff down, I don't spray it all over the car because it can't be good for it as far as getting down in the cracks and grooves and all that. But if you do need to wipe down the chassis or aluminum parts and stuff like that to get the grease and fuel and mud off, it has worked great for me. Just be careful, I always try it on the bottom or something thats not seen to make sure it will not hurt the surface.

If you have a LHS nearby, you may want to pick up some nitro-cleaner. Its especially designed for all of the surfaces on an RC and it breaks down the old gunk left by fuel really good.

I know you weren't happy with the performance and quality of the first car that you bought, which is why you came on here. But since you already have it, you should put a cheap motor in the car and get it running again and then you and your son can run them together and both have a lot more fun for a lil while.

 

[NitroNewb]

Would this "Nitro Cleaner" be good for cleaning the carb and needles and piston and crank and that stuff now that I have it apart??

It wasn't that I was unhappy with the last car. I neglected it to death. That's why I'm on here now. To find out all the rights and wrongs of running and maintaining the new one when I get it.
My thought was the same as yours.Get the old one running so I can run with my son.

I'm just not sure how to tell if the piston or sleeve or carb need changing.I'll probably take it to the LHS and see if they can advise me.

 

[ohmygahitscoby]

I don't think so. You should use after-run oil after every run. A few drops down the plug hole and spin the flywheel a few times to distribute it.

 

[Plaidfish]

if you have the piston and sleeve out push the piston as far as it will go into the sleeve...if it's close to the top rim of the sleeve it's probably close to done..if it goes to the top it's done....as long as there is no severe pitting or wear lines you should be able to have the sleeve pinched...it's been a while since I had it done but I'm sure some members here know where to have it done.....
and yes the nitro cleaner will be fine to clean your carb....I use brake cleaner (has to be the non-clorinated or chlorified some chloro word dammit) , simple green or D/A, then spray all the rubber seals with a silicone lube so they aren't dried out.....denatured alcohol works and simple green diluted, WD-40 works too but leaves a white film on everything......any plastic or rubber parts should be LUBRICATED after the cleaning with any of those mentioned products as they all contain alcohol and will dry out any porous materials (ie plastic and rubbers).....