All of this EXTENSIVE discussion about oils and experience, and no one really answering RC Dad's questions (at least not everyone).
RC Dad, your end of day or end of run maintenance will depend on when you forsee the next day of running to be. Prior to each day of running there should be a routine, and after each day of running there should be a routine. Your routine might differ from others, but it should include some of the following.
Pre-run:
1. Check to make certain all screws are tight (more important in areas with moving parts, particularly the ones holding the engine in place).
2. Check fuel tubing for security and integrity. Tubing that is ratty, falling apart, or falling off of its connections ask for fuel leaks or air leaks (both bad for performance).
3. Check electronics for good power. Replace or recharge all batteries as necessary. Note, do this prior to turning the engine over or you might find a very expensive "You gotta see this!" experience in your not to distant future.
3A. With good power, check all servos and radio operations for full range of motion to ensure everything is where it should be and operating the way you expect it to.
4. Oil moving parts as necessary.
5. Make certain your glo-ignitor is charged or has a fresh battery. Also, couldn't hurt to take the glo-plug out and check it in the ignitor to make certain you have a good plug (should burn white or darn close to it)
6. Make certain you have put fuel in the tank.
7. Make certain all filters (fuel and air) are clean enough to run.
8. Last but not least re-check key screws...wheel nuts, engine mount screws, any suspension related screws, and grub screws on any diff cups, universals, or other high rpm parts.
Post-run:
1. Clean the beast off. Either dry wash with an air compressor or wet wash by your method of choice (mine is the kitchen sink with dish soap and the sink sprayer...others might disagree).
2. Check for loose screws.
3. Check for missing screws.
4. Check for damages...broken parts, missing parts, or parts with excessive wear. Note them for replacement or pick up spares in case the next run is the last for whatever part is in question.
5. Now, the engine....depending on when the next run is, you might want to dump in some ARO (not going into the debate on what a proper ARO is, but I have never used nor will I use WD-40 as an ARO in my engines). Realize, that if you are not going to be putting the RC on the shelf for a while, use of ARO will make the next start up sluggish as the engine tries to burn up the excess oil to get the fuel lit off. I always dump my ARO in through the carb opening (as I always take my air filter off for a good cleaning when I know I intend to lay the RC up thus requiring ARO). If you intend to dump ARO into the engine (regardless of which hole) make certain to clean the area around said hole so that you do not put foreign particles into the engine with the oil.
6. De-fueling the tank is something that is also a debate-able point. Yes, nitro is hygroscopic (which means it attracts water...not traps or repels...it attracts water). Nitro does not like sunlight. It also stores just fine in a fuel tank....just pull the fuel line off the engine and clamp it off or put a small machine screw into the end...effectively plugging it. I have actually stored un-used fuel in my RCs for several months with no noticeable problems. If you must defuel the tank, you can use the same method that pushes the fuel to the tank. Pull the tubing off the carb and off the pipe. Then blow in the pressure line while holding the fuel feed line over a dump basin or catch basin. You can do this with a bulb or other type blowing device like a low pressure air compressor. You could also, tip the beast upside down and hold the lid open. Your call. Either way, the ARO cranked through the engine should be sufficient to handle any fuel left in the chamber. Or run it dry (which is another debate, entirely...extreme lean conditions, etc.)
7. Fuel and air filter cleaning. Do it...regardless of when the next run is.
8. Again, check the electronics. Then make certain it is switched off.
From there, the options are up to you. If you intend to use the wet-wash cleaning method, give some consideration to protecting your electronics prior to starting. Bag them, remove them, or just use caution around them with the water (my method).
Hopefully, this helps.
