Why not an OS .18??? I think that sounds better... For getting the sleeve out, try putting a zip-tie head in one of the ports and rotate the piston up, should come right out.
i'm the 1 that got pissed and dremeled mine in half ,,lol
but if the .18 your working on is less then 2 years old from date of purchase just go to www.duratrax.com and get the address and send it in for warranty repair then no need to piss with it
If you are going to replace the piston and sleeve, replace them with OS.18 piston and sleeve. While the DTX is listed as ABC, someone told me they are actually ABN and doesn't last as long as ABC piston sleeves. The DTX18 is made by OS so the parts will work.
How much fuel has been through it?? May be able to take a shim off the head and up the compression? Here is an article that shows how to get the piston and sleeve out. http://www.rccaraction.com/rc/articles/toughtask2.asp Good luck.