Nitro fuel is the life of any nitro RC car and it is a very essential component of the car. Whether you are a professional racer or an enthusiast who wants to achieve the maximum from an RC car, the nitro fuel question is vital. The wrong decision can result in poor engine performance, low speeds and even damage to your car engine. In this article, you will learn the criteria that you should use to choose the right nitro fuel for your high-performance RC cars.
Understanding Nitro Fuel Composition
Nitro fuel or glow fuel is a mixture of methanol, nitromethane and oil. The proportion of these components affects the performance and longevity of the RC car’s engine:
Methanol:
Methanol is an alcohol which is the base of nitro fuel and its primary constituent is nitromethane.
Nitromethane:
This is what gives nitro fuel its ‘kick’. The higher the percentage of nitromethane in the fuel, the more power the engine will deliver and the better the throttle control. But, it should be noted that excessive use of nitromethane can cause wear and tear of the engine and overheating.
Oil:
Lubrication is an important aspect of any internal combustion engine. Nitro fuel contains oil, usually castor or synthetic oil, to enable smooth running and reduce engine wear.
How to Select the Right Nitromethane Percentage
One of the first things that you’ll have to decide is what percentage of nitromethane you want to put in your fuel. Typically, the nitro fuels are found to be between 10% and 40% nitromethane. The right percentage depends on your specific needs: The right percentage depends on your specific needs:
Beginners (10% – 20%):
Lower percentages are perfect for new drivers or those who do not use their car very often. The most suitable nitromethane blend is 10% to 20% because it provides an adequate amount of power, economy, and durability. It is also less aggressive and cuts down the chances of harming the engine.
Intermediate Racers (20% – 30%):
For those who wish to use their RC cars a bit more aggressively, a 20-30% nitromethane blend is ideal. This range offers more power and speed while at the same time putting less pressure on the engine.
Advanced Racers (30% – 40%):
Racing at the highest level means that all the power available must be delivered to the car. Fuels containing 30% to 40% nitromethane deliver high performance but at the same time, they cause a lot of wear and tear on the engine as well as low fuel economy. These blends are most appropriate for professional drivers who know how to handle the tuned engines and their regular servicing.
Selecting the Right Type of Oil and Its Content
The type and amount of oil in your nitro fuel are critical for the longevity and performance of your RC car’s engine:
Castor Oil vs. Synthetic Oil:
Castor oil has good high-temperature lubrication and anti-wear properties but tends to form sticky deposits on the surface of the contacting components. The synthetic oils, however, provide cleaner burns and are more refined thus causing less buildup within the engine. Some nitro fuels use both to achieve these benefits in equal measure.
Oil Content (8% – 18%):
There is also low oil content (between 8-12%) in high-performance fuels which are used where maximum power is needed. However, this results in more engine maintenance than the other method described above. Higher oil content (13% to 18%) gives better lubrication and protection which is ideal for new users and long-term use.
Fuel Brands and Quality Considerations
There are many nitro fuels but not all of them are the same. While selecting the fuel, it is recommended to use the brands familiar in the RC world and which are popular among hobbyists. Some popular brands include:
Byron Fuels:
Byron Fuels is well known for its quality and performance of the fuel and they have various blends for different skill levels and racing.
Traxxas Top Fuel:
Designed for Traxxas vehicles, this brand offers decent performance while at the same time protecting the engine from damage.
O’Donnell Racing Fuel:
Favored by competitive racers, this brand is famous for its high quality, high-power blends that deliver maximum power.
Tuning Your RC Car for the Best Fuel Efficiency
Selecting the right nitro fuel is not the end of it as others are better than the ones you have selected. Engine tuning is critical in enhancing the performance of your RC car as well as in preserving the engine of your Custom RC Car.
Here are a few tuning tips:
Adjust the Carburetor:
Adjusting the carburettor enables one to get the right proportion of fuel and air that are required to make the engine run efficiently. A lean mixture that is, too much air and little fuel leads to overheating while a rich mixture that is, too much fuel and little air results in sluggish performance.
Check the Glow Plug:
A glow plug which is worn or damaged may impact on fuel combustion. Ensure that you get the appropriate glow plug for your engine and ensure that it is replaced as often as possible.
Monitor Engine Temperature:
Monitoring the engine temperature is important to avoid the engine overheating and causing some damage. To monitor the performance of the engine, use a temperature gauge to keep the engine within the manufacturer’s specifications.
Storage and Handling of Nitro Fuel
Proper storage and handling of nitro fuel are crucial for maintaining its quality and ensuring safe use:
Keep Fuel Sealed and Stored in a Cool Place:
Nitro fuel is flammable and can go rancid if exposed to air, light or if it is left in a hot place. It should be kept in a cool and dry area and the container should be closed properly when not in use.
Avoid Contamination:
It is also important to note that even the smallest particles of dust can be very damaging to an engine. Pour fuel using a clean funnel-like spout and make sure that the fuel container is always clean.
Dispose of Old Fuel Safely:
However, this fuel may degrade with time, and thus it is recommended that one should always use fresh nitro fuel. If you have old or unused fuel, it is advisable to get rid of it in the right manner as provided by the law.
Conclusion
Selecting the best nitro fuel for your high-performance RC car is a decision that will be based on power output, protection of the engine and fuel consumption. Take into consideration the percentage of nitromethane, the type of oil and its content, and it is always better to stick to well-known brands. Choose the right one and ensure that the engine is properly tuned and well maintained for optimal performance of the RC car. So, it is always important to know what kind of fuel will help you have a good race and turn it into a great one.
