Mess clean up....

[helipilot2]

What is your prefered method of cleaning the bird after each flight?. After how many flights you tear down the helicopter for more in depth cleaning?

Also, I am using Morgan brand fuel. On the bottle it says not to use after run oil with this fuel....Should I use after run oil anyway?

Thanks
JT

[tdswan]

I just use window cleaner and paper towel to clean mine off. Once in a while, if I notice some buildup in any nooks or crannies, I take some Q-tips to it.
As far as after-run oil, I don't use it at all. If I'm storing it over the winter, I take the engine out and put a few drops of some sort of oil (I use ATF because it's handy) or 3in1 oil, etc. My personal opinion is that you don't NEED to spend the money on after-run oil.

I'm sure there are other opinions out there.

[Felony44]

You clean your bird with Simple Green you can get it from the auto parts store.Its a degreaser and biodegradeable

[Motions]

I use "Perfect Glass" on mine. You don't want to use a cleaner with ammonia in it. It has adverse effects on electronics and some plastics.

[midi0101]

Windex does the trick....I normally rebuild my bird over the winter or after a crash.


To the after run oil, I think it's just a way to get some more money out of our pockets. If you are really concerned with the glow fuel atracting moisture, use a couple of drops of plain vanilla oil or transmission fluid (whatever is handy) and turn the engine over a couple of times.

Just my $.02
Michael

[helipilot2]

I "borrowed" from my mechanic today some LPS Contact cleaner and did wonders removing the dirt around the receiver and servos (careful no to get it around the head and ball links). It was also good removing the grime around the engine.

What I am having problems with, is removing the brownish burnt fuel stains around the pipe.
Any ideas on that??
Thanks

JT

[tdswan]

Switch to a synthetic fuel instead of a castor based fuel. Those brown stains are there to stay unless you scrape or polish them off. I made that mistake ONCE because the LHS was out of my fuel brand. Break out the elbow grease!

[Heliroller]

I've used various things. The best thing I have ever used on any heli cleanup is alcohol. I've used this for years. It's really inexpensive. 1.25 a quart. I use some spray bottles you can get at Walmart that give a good blast. The blast will remove dirt and grime from all the little spots a rag cannot reach. The fuel just basically runs off and it evaporates in just a few seconds. It cleans fuel off your hands as well. It does not leave a residue like the windex, etc.

[heli-fan]

I like Simple Green for cleaning, diluted down then I put some Dawn dish soap in there it works great, you don't need much Dawn. As for the engine go by what the fuel says unless you're storing your bird for a while then take the engine out tear it down and clean it then use some kind of oil for protection I like Marvel Mystery oil.

[AaronS]

alcohol gets my vote, if you are cleaning the canopy, (or an airplane) try adding some alcohol to window cleaner. As for the after run oil, it is only useful in between long periods of no use. the alcohol in the fuel (in the engine) will evaporate and draw moisture, the after run oil prevents rust on the bearings.

[Jorgecajiao]

Simple green diluted down and hair drier to dry it out.
When cleaning the engine I use carb cleaner spray works good
but I take the engine out first. :)

Enjoy......................