Importance of Nitro Engine Air Filters 

An air filter is an important component of a Nitro engine. The engine needs a mixture of clean and unrestricted air and fuel to provide power for the RC vehicle. Since nitro engine requires clean and unrestricted flow of air for smooth running and more power the air filter is the first line of defense or the first important component that makes sure that the engine runs to its optimum. All RC vehicles make use of this device to derive the optimum power level for their engines.

The air filter keeps away the dirt, contaminants and other debris getting into the engine. If these foreign particles enter the engine they might seriously harm the engine capabilities and definitely would tune the performance of the vehicle.

There are three types of air filters. Most common of them is Foam air filters which use foam filter oil. These filter oils should be without solvents as filters tend to disintegrate if you use filters oils with solvents in it. Single stage foam filters contain single core. This core is used to filter dust, dirt and similar contaminants. Dual stage foam filters have two levels of protection to prevent contaminants. The second core is thicker and blocks smaller particles.

Cotton air filters are the most common replacements to foam air filters. They have less air resistance as compared to foam ones. Care is required in case of cotton air filters so as to not to over-saturate them. It is important for air filter to dry overnight.

Paper air filters are not recommended for off-road Nitro vehicles. These are usually favoured by some owners for extra airflow for their vehicles.

One need to clean the filters regularly but sometimes an overall replacement might also be necessary. Further, it is also important to know the finer aspects of cleaning an RC Nitro Engine's air filter. Applying oil to the air filter in the right manner is also important. They require special air filter oil for the same. Once the air filter is purchased or cleaned properly it needs to be secured in the right manner in it proper place. Usually most of the air filters stay securely in their place where they are designed to be but one may need to know how put a troublesome one in the proper place. All along choosing a right filter for your model is also very important. For the best performance of your engine, making the right choice of air filter is equivocally important.

Cleaning air filters can save you money but one needs to make a choice sometimes for their replacement. Since they are not a very costly part of an RC vehicle one can easily opt for a replacement if maintenance is required too often. Although larger or better filter may cost more but it really depends upon the model you own. Foam air filters are the most commonly used air filters used in Nitro vehicles.

Air filters are as important to the engine, as the engine itself. Without an air filter, or without a clean one, your engine will quickly degrade in performance and become seriously damaged. Make it a part of your regular after-run routine, to clean or replace your nitro air filters.