Mercedes Mullins
Nitro fuel is a type of fuel used for RC cars and airplanes. The price of nitro airplane fuel varies depending on the brand and the quality. Typically, nitro fuel contains between 10% to 40% nitro, with some specialty fuels containing up to 60% nitro. The type and amount of oil in the nitro fuel determine whether it is better suited for RC cars or airplanes. Castor oil, synthetic oil, or a blend of the two can be used in nitro fuel, with castor oil being more commonly used in car fuel due to its superior lubrication properties at high temperatures.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Nitro content | 5-40% |
| Oil content | 15-20% |
| Oil type | Castor oil, synthetic oil, or a mixture of both |
| Price | Varies; some users have described nitro fuel as "way too expensive" |
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What You'll Learn
Nitro fuel for RC cars vs RC airplanes
Nitro fuel typically contains between 10% and 40% nitromethane, with some blends containing as much as 60% or as little as 0% (known as FAI fuel). Most RC cars and trucks use blends with a higher percentage of nitro, typically between 10% and 40%. RC airplanes, on the other hand, usually use blends with a lower percentage of nitro, typically between 5% and 10%.
The type and amount of oil in the nitro fuel also play a significant role in determining its suitability for RC cars or airplanes. Nitro fuel may contain castor oil, synthetic oil, or a mixture of both. Castor oil creates a lubricating film when it breaks down at high temperatures, making it ideal for RC car engines that typically run hotter or have less efficient cooling systems. Synthetic oil lubricates well at low temperatures but burns off at high temperatures, providing little protection. Therefore, nitro fuel for RC airplanes usually contains synthetic oil or a blend of synthetic and castor oil.
The price of nitro fuel can vary depending on the brand and the percentage of nitro. For example, Traxxas 20% Top Fuel costs $19.58 with tax, while VP Racing fuel with 20% nitro costs $42.00 plus tax per gallon.
It is important to note that some RC engines run on regular gasoline mixed with motor oil or diesel fuel, while others use propane or kerosene. These are specialty radio-controlled models and are not commonly sold in hobby shops. It is recommended to start with the fuel type and engine settings suggested by the manufacturer and then experiment with different blends to find the optimal mix for your RC vehicle's performance.
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Typical percentage of nitro in nitro fuel
Nitro fuel is a methanol-based fuel with nitromethane and oil added. The percentage of nitromethane in nitro fuel typically falls between 10% and 40%, but it can be as high as 60% or as low as 0% (known as FAI fuel).
The percentage of nitromethane in the fuel can vary depending on the type of engine and the intended use of the vehicle. For example, RC cars and trucks usually have engines that run at higher temperatures and less efficient cooling systems than RC aircraft. Therefore, they require fuel with a higher percentage of nitromethane, typically between 10% and 40%. On the other hand, RC airplanes might use lower nitro blends of 5%-10% nitro.
The type and amount of oil in the nitro fuel also play a crucial role in determining its suitability for different types of vehicles. Castor oil or synthetic oil is added to the fuel to provide lubrication and cooling. While castor oil creates a lubricating film when it breaks down at high temperatures, it can be messy. Synthetic oil, on the other hand, lubricates well at low temperatures but burns off at high temperatures, offering little protection. As a result, RC car fuel typically uses castor oil or a blend of castor and synthetic oil, while RC aircraft fuel usually contains synthetic oil or a blend of both oils.
The percentage of oil in nitro fuel can range from 8% to 25%, with 15%-20% being the standard amount. It is worth noting that switching between different nitro fuels can impact the performance of your vehicle. It is recommended to start with the fuel type and settings suggested by the manufacturer and then experiment with different blends to find the optimal mix for your specific use case.
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Oil types in nitro fuel
Nitro fuel typically contains methanol, nitromethane, and oil, along with additives such as anti-corrosion agents or degumming agents. The oil used in nitro fuel is either castor oil, synthetic oil, or a mixture of both. The type and amount of oil in the nitro fuel determine whether it is better suited to RC cars and trucks or aircraft.
Castor oil tends to make the fuel foam up a little more in the tank, and when it breaks down at high temperatures, it creates a lubricating film, which is desirable but messy. Synthetic oil, on the other hand, lubricates well at low temperatures, but at high temperatures, it burns off and provides little protection.
RC car engines typically run hotter or have less efficient cooling systems than RC aircraft, so nitro fuel for cars usually uses castor oil or a castor oil/synthetic oil mix. RC aircraft fuel typically uses synthetic oil but may also use a castor oil/synthetic oil mix. The percentage of oil in nitro fuel might range from 8% to 25%, with 15%-20% being the typical amount.
The cost of nitro fuel also depends on the type of oil used. For example, castor oil is cheaper than synthetic oil, as it does not require additional defoaming agents.
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How to store nitro fuel
Nitro fuel is highly combustible and sensitive to heat and pressure. It is therefore important to take precautions when storing it. Firstly, nitro fuel should be stored in a cool, dark place, out of direct sunlight. The storage area should have a fairly constant temperature and be free from sources of ignition. It is also important to keep the fuel in airtight containers with tight-fitting lids, as air reacts with the fuel over time and can cause moisture to build up inside the container. This moisture can contaminate the fuel and cause issues with your engine. For this reason, it is also best to avoid storing nitro fuel on concrete, as this can also introduce moisture to the container. Instead, keep the container off the ground and store the fuel in a closet or cupboard.
It is also important to note that nitro fuel should never be stored in bottles that have previously been used for drinks. This is because the fuel is very poisonous and could be dangerous if consumed. Keep the fuel out of reach of children.
Nitro fuel should always be stored in its original container with its original lid. If your fuel container has fuel fittings in the cap, replace this with a solid, airtight cap. It is also better to store the fuel when the bottle is mostly full, as this helps to prevent excess moisture from entering the bottle each time it is opened.
Finally, nitro fuel should be kept away from static electricity and sparks, which could cause an explosion.
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Where to buy nitro fuel
Nitro fuel typically contains between 10% and 40% nitro, but this can be as high as 60% or as low as 0%. The type of nitro fuel you need will depend on whether you are fuelling a car, truck, or aircraft.
Nitro fuel for cars usually contains castor oil or a castor oil/synthetic oil mix, as car engines tend to run hot. In contrast, nitro fuel for aircraft may use lower nitro blends of 5-10% nitro, and synthetic oil, which lubricates well at low temperatures.
Some online retailers where you can purchase nitro fuel include VP Racing Fuels, Hyperfuels, and Amazon. VP Racing Fuels offers a range of premium RC nitro fuels for all levels, from beginners to professionals. Their Master Basher fuel is ideal for RTR vehicles, while their RC Pro Race fuel is designed for competitive racing.
Hyperfuels sells 99.9% pure nitromethane in various quantities, including gallons, quarts, 5-gallon containers, 42-gallon drums, and 53-gallon drums. Their products are shipped nationwide.
Amazon also offers a selection of nitro fuels, such as the TORCO RC Fuel 15% Nitro Airplane Air Gallon, which has received positive reviews from customers for its quality and ease of use.
Additionally, other online retailers like AMain and Morgan Fuels also provide nitro fuel in different blends and quantities.
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Frequently asked questions
The price of nitro fuel depends on the brand and the quality. Some users have described it as "way too expensive", while others have described it as "decently priced".
RC airplanes may use lower nitro blends of 5%-10% nitro. However, some users have reported using 15% nitro fuel for their RC planes without any issues.
The three main ingredients in RC nitro fuel are nitromethane, methanol, and oil. The oil can be synthetic, castor, or a mixture of both.
Nitro fuel for RC airplanes can be purchased from online retailers such as Amazon, as well as specialty stores such as Grayson Hobby in Atlanta, Georgia.
