Go Back  R/C Tech Forums > General Forums > Nitro On-Road
Engine has sat idle for 3 years, still good to go? >

Engine has sat idle for 3 years, still good to go?

Community
Wiki Posts
Search

Engine has sat idle for 3 years, still good to go?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 08-15-2010, 02:05 AM
  #1  
Tech Master
Thread Starter
 
DOMOisCOOL's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Daly City, California, U.S.A.
Posts: 1,914
Default Engine has sat idle for 3 years, still good to go?

I haven't been on this site for about 3 years.

A few weeks ago I dug up my old HPI R40 with a JP Modified RS12 (black with purple heatsink).

The last time I ran this was maybe 6 years ago. If I remember correctly, I ran the car and just stored it (without any AR oil, yes, rookie move).

What are the chances that this engine is still in good shape?
DOMOisCOOL is offline  
Old 08-15-2010, 02:45 AM
  #2  
Tech Lord
 
Roelof's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Holland
Posts: 12,338
Default

Just undo the rear plate and take a look on the crankschaft and bearings if you can see rust. Only some surface spots is OK.
Roelof is offline  
Old 08-15-2010, 03:01 PM
  #3  
Tech Elite
iTrader: (70)
 
Wanabrc's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Bay area, California
Posts: 4,828
Trader Rating: 70 (100%+)
Default

Can you turn it over by hand? Does it feel gummy or frozen solid? If it turns freely, put some fuel in and fire it up. If it's either of the last two, it's time for engine disassembly 101
Wanabrc is offline  
Old 08-15-2010, 04:23 PM
  #4  
Tech Elite
 
blis's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Brisbane
Posts: 3,478
Default I wouldnt just fire it up...

Open it up, check carby and backplate seals are not dried out and cracked. Use after run or whatever you use, lubricate and clean and inspect and lube bearings. It's aluminium and it will be oxidised and you dont want the oxide running through your engine.
blis is offline  
Old 08-16-2010, 06:38 PM
  #5  
Tech Addict
 
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 660
Default

I had an engine, actually 2 that sat for 2 years roughly and only had some after run in them. They turned nicely by hand and I fired them up. It took some readjustment of the needles to get them back to normal but no problems.
Dredd is offline  
Old 08-17-2010, 12:16 PM
  #6  
Tech Fanatic
iTrader: (5)
 
Turbo9000's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Austin Texas
Posts: 783
Trader Rating: 5 (100%+)
Default

like these other guys said, disassemble and make sure the bearings are looking good. I just had to rebuild several engines that were sitting for 10 or so years un-oiled.

The front bearing is the hardest to clean up without removing it from the block. Make sure it is free spinning. If you start it up and it makes a loud squealing sound the front bearing is probably seized up.

fuel is good at loosening up old gummed up castor. rinse the bearings out with fuel and see if they free up.
Turbo9000 is offline  
Old 08-17-2010, 12:31 PM
  #7  
Tech Master
 
MikaR's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,696
Default

yes, I did that for an O.S. engine from 1985 last winter and it worked fine after some basic cleaning. It has worked fine since whenever I have fired her up.
MikaR is offline  

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 
Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are Off



Contact Us - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service -

Copyright © 2024 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.