Good maintenance can be as important as having good DU-BRO hardware. Here are a checklist of items that take just a few minutes that can help prevent crashes and keep you model performing perfectly.
· Spinner and prop nut: Remove the screws from the spinner dome and back plate and remove the dome. Tighten the prop nut to make sure it is tight and replace the spinner dome after careful inspection of the dome and back plate for cracks or damage.
· Throttle connection: Inspect the clevis and keeper for damage or corrosion.
· Fuel filter and fuel lines: remove the filer, unscrew, and inspect the filter element for blockage and flush as necessary. There is not directionality on the filter but I position my filters with the o-ring toward the engine. Fuel line clips should be free of any corrosion that could be sharp and cut through fuel lines. Inspect lines for nicks and overall functionality.
· Motor mount bolts: Tighten all motor mount bolts using your DU-BRO ball driver set.
· Nose gear: Tighten all screws, as well as the grub screw for the steering arm. Inspect your steering push rod attachment point as well. Service all collets and inspect for loose grub screws.
· Fuel filler: Tighten the nut that secures it to the airplane and inspect for proper functionality.
· Switch: Tighten the securing nut and check the receiver switch for proper functionality.
· Fuel tank: Remove the fuel tank. Remove the cap and inspect the lines inside for corrosion, nicks, tears, and suitability for service. Replace lines and clips as necessary. Re-install the tank.
· Aileron hinges: Check for evidence of corrosion on the metal pins and glue joining them to the model. Apply new glue as necessary. Lubricate using Rail Zip 2 to keep lubricated and prevent corrosion.
· Main landing gear: Inspect screws and other hardware for secure connection.
· Wheel lubrication: Lubricate the rolling axle portion of all wheels using a PTFE lubricant.
· Servo tray: Inspect all hardware including screws, clevises, ball links, servo screws, Velcro, and antennas. Check wires for chaffing and address immediately.
· Receiver battery: Perform a discharge, charge, and storage charge, to cycle the battery and verify good functionality.
· Control horns: Inspect all control horns for good screw attachment to the control surfaces. Also inspect the connection to the push rods for service.
· Lazer rod lubrication: If needed, remove the entire push rod from the sleeve and apply a few sprays of a Teflon® dry lubricant into the guide tube. Clean push rod of any debris and re-install.
· Elevator and rudder hinges: Inspect and apply Rail Zip 2 as done on the ailerons.
· Engine run: Verify that the entire fuel and electrical systems are working by starting the engine and running it to verify there are no leaks and all the control surfaces are working as expected.
· Glow plug igniter service: Perform a battery cycling of the glow plug igniter as a preventative measure for the any built-in batteries for your igniter.
