Question: Why is Rust a problem in Glow Engines: How can it be prevented?

Answer: Rust reduces the power and life of your engine. To inhibit the formation of rust remove all methanol from your engine and use After Run Oil after each day of flying.

Better Answer: Glow fuel consists primarily of methanol, lubricant and nitromethane. Methanol attracts water vapour. This water vapour condenses into water  inside your engine which in turn will cause rust to form on the steel parts of your engine such as the crankshaft and bearings.

Rust does two things, it erodes and pits the smooth surfaces of the crankshaft and bearings and it flakes off as a gritty abrasive when the engine is operated next. The erosion of the surfaces reduces RPM and increases heat and load on the surfaces. The loose rust that flakes off as a gritty abrasive induces wear on all the moving parts including the piston and sleeve. The end result is that RUST reduces performance (RPM and power) and reduces the life of the engine and leads to premature component failure. Bearings are particularly susceptible to failure caused by Rust. Crankshaft front bearing leakage and in particular crankshaft to conrod pin failure are also common problems caused by rust.

There are two simple things you can do to inhibit the formation of rust in your engine:

1) Avoid leaving methanol in your engine.

When you stop using your VMAX engine for the day, run the engine dry by pinching the fuel line feeding the carburetor and let the engine run out of fuel. This will burn up most of the methanol in your engine.

2) Use After Run Oil in your engine after each day of use.

Remove the glow plug and carefully put 6-10 drops of Afterrun Oil (Pacer After Run recommended) into the combustion chamber and another 6-10 drops into the carburetor inlet. Turn the engine over by hand 10 times. Reinstall the glow plug, close the carb and insert a small plug of wadded paper towel into the carburetor intake.

If you are not planning on using your engine for a while please see following information about storage of your engine: