Chris's MailbagQuestion (from Charles P. of Chicago, IL): I've just gotten into 1/8-scale racing. I've run my truck all season long and it just doesn't seem as fast as it used to be. Is it my imagination?
Chris answers: Probably not. Two-stroke nitro engines, once they've been run a considerable amount, typically need to be rebuilt -- but that's not that hard. The parts to focus on are the piston and sleeve (figure A). Replace those two parts, and your engine should run like new again. But remember, you'll have to go through another break-in period with the rebuilt engine, just like you did when it was new.
![PHOTO](javascript:popup("http://img.diynetwork.com/DIY/2004/09/03/rch301_2fm_e.jpg",350,450))
