Here are a few basic steps that everyone should follow to keep your nitro engine running smooth and give it long life.

Keep your engine clean. Dirt will act as insulation on an engine. It will not be able to shed heat easily when dirty.
Use a good air filter to keep dirt of your engine and clean it often.
Do not over-lean your engine.
Do not run your engine with little or no load. Don't rev up the engine to full throttle when the wheels are off the ground.
Do not overheat the engine. This goes along with #1 and #3.
Do not use a fuel with a low oil content. Make sure you use a fuel from a reputable manufacturer.
Do not use a fuel with a nitromethane (also called nitro) content of over 20%.
Do not scratch the piston or cylinder sleeve. Use a crankshaft locking tool when removing or re-installing the clutch or flywheel.
Do not use silicone sealer on the engine joints. Silicone sealer contains acetic acid which is corrosive to the inside of your engine.
Do not allow water inside of your engine. Store your engine inside the house, temperature extremes can cause condensation inside the engine.

End of article. Your comments are welcome.

I have a Losi 8ight and the flywheel wrenches won't work on that flywheel. How do I lock the crankshaft into place with something I might have in my tool box or around the house? Can I just hold the flywheel with a pipe wrench or channel lock pliers while tightening the nut?