Do you want your nitro RC car engine to perform at its best? Then engine service is crucial, but how often you need to service it depends on how well you care for it, the quality of the air filter you use, and your driving conditions. ProTek PRO Team Driver Adam Drake explains how to optimize your nitro RC engine service for maximum performance.
Adam explains how to extend the life of your engine.
- ProTek RC PRO Team Driver
Change Your Filter
First and foremost, ensure that you change your air filter often and use a good quality pre-oiled filter like the ProTek RC filters. Changing filters often helps to prolong the engine's life and increase the time between service intervals. When changing the filter, be careful not to expose it to dust or strong winds, which can damage the engine. Instead, change the filter in a sheltered area.
Use After Oil
It is good practice to use after run oil after a long weekend of racing on a dusty track or before storing your vehicle for a prolonged period. After run oil is inexpensive, especially compared to the cost of a replacement engine. If you live in a humid area and don't use after oil, you will need to service your engine more often.
Don't Run It Dry
Drivers often make the mistake of running their engines until they run out of gas or fuel, which can have a detrimental effect on the engine. Running out of fuel deprives the engine of the oil it needs to stay lubricated, leading to wear and tear. While some oil may still coat the inside of the engine, running out of nitromethane when the engine is already hot can cause additional strain on the engine and lead to serious damage.
Inspect Carefully
Avoid taking apart the engine just to inspect it, as there is little more you can see from the inside that you cannot tell from the outside. Instead, check if the front bearing is leaking, the rear bearing is making a chattering sound, or if you can feel slop at the top dead center. If none of these issues are present, your engine is most likely in good shape.
Service Appropriately
Unlike a full-size vehicle, there is no exact number of gallons or amount of run time at which you should service your engine. As long as your engine is running well and you are changing your filters, using after oil, and following best practices, you can keep running your engine. However, you may want to replace the bearings and put in a new rod if it starts to get a little finicky with the tune or if you are experiencing minor problems with consistency.
By taking good care of your nitro RC engine, you can significantly prolong its life and reduce the frequency of servicing it needs. So, keep up with these tips to ensure your engine performs at its best.
Watch Adam's Nitro Servicing Tips
Extend the life of your nitro engine.
Adam Drake offers tips to increase performance and help extend the life of your RC nitro engine.