RC Engine Cleaning Query.

[Losi-HPI]

Hey this is kind of related to the last thread I posted, but I was just wondering what I can use to clean my engine with and my carb. I was told once but I forgot. Is it rubbing alcohol? Also, whatever I use, can I just like dip the whole part into the solution, whatever it may be, and let it soak for a while? One last question, when I am all done cleaning it using a given solution and a given method, can I use WD-40 for lubrication after or should I use something else for lubrication? Thanks a lot, peace.

 

[Loser]

i know for a fact that you can soak a carb in denatured alchohol and it'll clean it right up for lubricant id just add a couple drops of after run oil to it and kinda open and close the carb a few times to work it in. not sure if you can do this for the actualy engine but from what i can figure it wouldnt hurt :hammer:

 

[olds97_lss]

With the engine off the vehicle and completely apart, I use automotive brake cleaner and a tooth brush, then I rinse with water. Then I completely dry it with canned air and oil everything with 3-in-1 oil. Then I re-silicone the backplate, carb neck and carb banjo (high speed needle/fuel inlet) and let it sit overnight before running it.

 

[Losi-HPI]

I heard the brake cleaner theory once but remember hearing some trick to it, is there some kind of brake cleaner that you CAN'T use? Like, with some chemical in it or anything like that?

 

[olds97_lss]

Sorry, I don't know. I do know that every brake cleaner I've used is very hard on rubber and probably silicone, so you want to be sure to remove any o-rings prior to spraying it on. That's also why I rinse the parts with water right away. I use the brake cleaner to clean the grease/oil/baked on dirt and water to wash away any brake cleaner residue.

I know it burns your hands if you have girly fingers like me.

 

[Loser]

I know it burns your hands if you have girly fingers like me.

... LOL

I've also heard of using brake cleaner also it probably wont hury it any. (exept for o rings like olds siad.)

 

[canadian-mgt]

you should use non-chlorinated brake cleaner,it's probably what you heard before.
if I'm just cleaning the outside of the engine (as in not tearing it all down) after racing,I just soak it down with brake cleaner or rubbing alcohol,scrub it down with a a toothbrush and small paint brush then spray it off again with the alcohol or brake cleaner.let it sit and it all dries off in a few mins.if I do an engine tear down,I use after run oil to relube everything up.

personally,my choice would be the rubbing alcohol,I can get a bottle of it for $2 whereas the brake cleaner costs me around $6 a can.I just use a small spray bottle that I bought at the local dollar store to spray the alcohol.oh yeah....if you have any recent cuts on your hands or fingers,make sure to use some gloves cuz you'll find out in a hurry if you have any within the first couple seconds

 

[Losi-HPI]

It's coming back to me now thanks guys.