Originally Posted by
Tomahawk Sloth
So I finally got my nitro engined fixed and ready to go. Just in time for winter.... The engine is an ofna picco .26. Older version with the purple head. I live in North Dakota and plan to bash my savage x in the snow. Our temps are averaging about 40 degrees F this week. This engine is my designated winter engine and only has to last through this winter. I have a brand new dynamite .28xp for when the weather warms.
I've been advised that cold weather contracts the sleeve around the piston and shaves off life. I am going to buy a heat gun to heat it up before starting. What temp should I heat the engine to? What plug should I run in cold weather? Any other tricks or tips to prepping an engine in cold weather? I've heard of people wrapping it up in a paper towel or even tin foil. Maybe a specialized fuel? Just brainstorming here, any input is appreciated. I got started with electric and am now moving towards nitro so be easy on me with terminology and such heh.
Grab an old tube sock, cut the top portion of the elastic off and fold it to where you have 2 layers. Wrap that around the head.
Originally Posted by
Tomahawk Sloth
I've been advised that cold weather contracts the sleeve around the piston and shaves off life..
Sleeve's have a tapered pinch. As the piston gets up to TDC it gets tighter (obviously). When you heat things up before starting, everything expands, oils in the fuel can do their job better.
To rearrange what you have been advised, every and any outside temp can have the potential to create more wear-n-tear on a engine that is not warmed up before starting. Follow the break in bible and heat cycle it, you will be fine.