changing glow plugs

[hypercrtpro]

Hi guys.  What is the best way of keeping the engine head clean,  in the fins and around the glow plug?
I have been using a paint brush and rag for the head and fins but are having a job cleaning around the glow plug. 

How vital is it that the dirt doesn't go into the engine? If it does go in is it recommended to get it out? 

Thanks Matt 

[AdamWild]

The very best way is a compressor, blast any dirt out before you take the plug out,
 failing that a blast of nitro cleaner will generally shift most of the muck out of the head area.

It's vitally important to keep the engine free of dirt as any particles that get inside your motor will usually cause wear or scoring to one or more parts of your engine. a scored piston /sleeve will loose it's compression, best case scenario your engine will run eratically and not give it's best performance gain, worst case, it simply wont work any more....

So to keep your engine free from dirt, make sure you run a clean OILED air filter and replace it when it gets dirt penetration into the element( not when it is completely soiled AND use an inline fuel filter.

[hypercrtpro]

Thanks for that. I will have to go out and get a few air filters, I got the oil around.  I found with the inline fuel  filter it made air bubbles in the pipe line, this only started happening when i had changed the engine. Is this common or has the seal gone on the fuel filter?

[the donkey]

If there is air bubbles in your fuel line you must also take into consideration the fuel tank... low back pressure and not fully sealing the lid will also cause for little changes into engine behavior. I always superglue the top grommet onto the lid to give a 100% seal.

Check for small holes in tubing or if unsure for the price of about £1 for a meter change the fuel tube it is a small price to pay for a loverly running engine and the confidence of a problem free day.

[slicksta]

Also if you havent got any pressurised air around to clean round the engine head, just turn the car upide down when changing the plug.
ive done this on many occasions and it seems to work fine 

[hypercrtpro]

yer i have done it that way to a few times, jus loosen the dirt then shake it out then change the plug while the car is upside down.

[hypercrtpro]

I think I found the cause for the engine not running.  The exhaust gasket was split in a few places and i remember the exhaust coming loose the last time I used it. Hopefully it will run better now fingers crossed. 

[MR Piraterc]

I think I found the cause for the engine not running.  The exhaust gasket was split in a few places and i remember the exhaust coming loose the last time I used it. Hopefully it will run better now fingers crossed. 

That would have caused you alot of grief