Katerina Swanson
If you're looking to make your own RC diesel fuel, you'll need to know the basics of what goes into it. RC glow fuel ('nitro') is made up of nitromethane, ether, paraffin (kerosene), and oil (either castor or synthetic). The nitromethane content in RC fuels typically falls between 5% and 40%, but it can go as high as 60%. The type and amount of oil used depend on whether the fuel is for RC cars or RC airplanes. Castor oil is traditional but leaves a residue, whereas synthetic oil burns cleaner but may not provide enough lubrication at high temperatures. A blend of the two is often used to get the best of both worlds. It's important to store your fuel properly and be aware that it can go off due to moisture contamination.
How to make RC diesel fuel
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Main ingredients | Ether, paraffin (kerosene), castor oil |
| Lubricant | Castor oil, synthetic oil, or a mixture of both |
| Nitro content | 10% to 40% for RC cars and trucks; 5% to 10% for RC airplanes |
| Oil content | 15% to 20% for general flying |
| Engine type | 2-stroke or 4-stroke |
| Fuel storage | Keep fuel away from moisture to prevent contamination |
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What You'll Learn
Mixture of ether, paraffin and castor oil
Mixtures of ether, paraffin (or kerosene), and castor oil are commonly used as RC diesel fuel. The specific proportions of each component can vary, but a typical mixture might be 35% ether, 35% kerosene, 25% castor oil, and 5% cetane booster.
Paraffin, also known as kerosene, is a thin, clear liquid hydrocarbon with a density of 0.78–0.81 g/cm3. It has a high calorific value and a self-ignition temperature of around 250°C, making it a suitable base fuel for model diesel engines.
Castor oil, on the other hand, is a unique type of oil that is soluble in alcohol due to its molecular shape. It can be purchased from pharmacies and added to pre-mixed fuels to increase the overall oil content and improve engine performance.
Ether is another key component of RC diesel fuel. Diethyl ether, for example, is a thin, clear, aromatic liquid hydrocarbon with a boiling point of approximately 94°F (34.5°C). It is important to handle ether with care, storing and transporting it in cool, dry places.
When mixing these components, it is crucial to use high-quality chemical components to prevent unintended residue that could degrade the engine's mechanical components. Additionally, while commercial "pump" diesel fuel is not generally recommended for model diesel engines, it is possible to modify it with additives to improve its performance.
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Castor oil vs synthetic oil
When making diesel fuel for RC engines, one of the essential ingredients is oil, which is necessary for lubrication. The two main types of oil used are castor oil and synthetic oil, and each has its own advantages and disadvantages.
Castor oil is a natural oil produced from the castor bean and has been traditionally used in model aero engines due to its excellent lubricating qualities. One of the main benefits of castor oil is its ability to protect the engine even during very lean runs. This is because, when castor oil reaches a critical temperature, it breaks down into another lubricant, which then breaks down into yet another lubricant as the temperature increases. This makes it much better at protecting the engine compared to synthetic oil, which, when it reaches a critical temperature, breaks down into its constituent chemicals, none of which are lubricants. Additionally, castor oil is said to lubricate better at sustained high RPMs by breaking down and creating a lubricating film between the piston and liner. For this reason, many people recommend a significant castor content for high-end on-road applications, as they generally pull a lot more RPM and for longer than off-road engines.
However, one of the main drawbacks of castor oil is that it leaves a gummy residue after it burns, which can build up inside the engine over time and cause problems. This residue can also lead to a bigger mess from the model's exhaust. Furthermore, castor oil can cause the engine to be dirtier compared to synthetic oil.
Synthetic oil, on the other hand, is produced from artificial, laboratory-made chemicals. One of its main advantages is that it burns cleaner than castor oil and does not leave behind a gummy residue, resulting in a cleaner engine. Synthetic oil is also generally cheaper than castor oil.
However, synthetic oil has its own set of drawbacks. One of the main concerns is that it can be broken down by the other ingredients in the glow fuel, especially at high temperatures, leaving the engine without adequate lubrication. Additionally, pure synthetic oil evaporates quickly at high temperatures, which can be an issue for the engine's lifespan.
Due to the advantages and disadvantages of both types of oil, many people opt for a blend of castor and synthetic oil to get the best of both worlds. This blend provides the cleanliness of synthetic oil while also offering improved lubrication compared to using synthetic oil alone. It is important to note that the blend ratio can vary depending on the specific performance requirements and engine type (2-stroke or 4-stroke).
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Percentage of nitromethane
The percentage of nitromethane in RC glow fuel (also known as nitro fuel) can vary depending on the intended use of the RC vehicle and the type of engine. For RC airplanes, the nitromethane content can range from 0% to 40%. For RC cars, the range is typically between 10% and 25%.
For general sport flying, a nitromethane percentage of 10% to 20% is considered acceptable, with 15% being a commonly used blend. This blend provides a balance between performance and engine protection. Higher nitromethane percentages can lead to increased power and performance, but they also result in faster fuel consumption and potential engine wear.
If you are using your RC vehicle for racing, a higher nitromethane content is recommended. For RC cars, a fuel blend with 25% to 40% nitromethane will provide the necessary power boost. Similarly, for RC planes, a range of 15% to 30% nitromethane is suitable for racing. It is important to note that higher nitro percentages require more thorough maintenance of the engine after each run to check for issues like pitting.
On the other hand, if you are using your RC vehicle for casual fun, it is recommended to use fuel with lower nitromethane percentages and higher lubrication. This will allow you to run your RC for a longer period as there is less nitromethane being combusted. For RC cars, a 10% to 20% nitro content is suitable, while for RC planes, a range of 0% to 10% is recommended.
It is important to consult the engine manufacturer's recommendations and consider the specific requirements of your RC vehicle when determining the appropriate nitromethane percentage. Small changes in nitro percentage may require tuning adjustments, and it is generally advised to avoid sudden switches to much higher or lower percentages to prevent potential engine damage.
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Moisture contamination
Water can enter diesel fuel through various means, including condensation, rainwater penetration, or adsorption from the air. Faulty lids or caps, poorly fitted vent pipes, or general damage to the tank fitting can cause water to get into tanks. Leaky storage tanks, poor or degraded tank seals, and human errors such as leaving a fuel tank cap off can also lead to water contamination. Temperature changes in the tank between day and night and warmer, more humid conditions can also lead to condensation formation in the tank.
To detect water in diesel fuel, a simple DIY test can be performed using water detection paste and a dipstick. This provides an instant visual "yes-no" result. Electronic sensors can also be used to detect relative humidity or PPM (parts per million) of water. While zero water content is ideal, maintaining this is practically impossible. Therefore, a water content of 200 PPM or a relative humidity below 70% is generally considered acceptable.
To prevent moisture contamination, it is essential to follow proper fuelling procedures and maintain fuel tanks and storage facilities. Additionally, investing in a top-tier filtration system can help remove water and protect the engine. Buying diesel fuel from reputable sources with well-maintained dispensing equipment can also minimise the risk of water contamination.
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Commercial fuel options
When it comes to commercial fuel options for RC diesel, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, the fuel blend will depend on the type of engine in your RC model – whether it is a 2-stroke or 4-stroke engine. The standard oil content for general flying usually ranges between 15% and 20%.
The main ingredient of RC diesel fuel is paraffin (kerosene/distillate), which acts as the main power source. Ether is also a key ingredient as it lowers the ignition point. Lastly, oil is essential for lubrication to protect the metal parts of the engine from wear and tear.
There are two main types of oil used in RC diesel fuel: castor oil and synthetic oil. Castor oil is a natural product derived from the castor bean and has excellent lubricating qualities. However, it leaves a gummy residue after burning, which can build up inside the engine over time and cause issues. Synthetic oil, on the other hand, is made from artificial, laboratory-produced chemicals and burns cleaner, without leaving the same kind of residue. However, it can be broken down by the other ingredients in the fuel, particularly at high temperatures, which can compromise lubrication.
A possible solution to this dilemma is to use a blend of castor and synthetic oil, which offers the benefits of both types. This blend can provide the lubrication of castor oil while minimising the residue buildup thanks to the synthetic oil.
When choosing a commercial RC diesel fuel, it is important to follow the engine manufacturer's recommendations. Some well-known companies that offer commercial RC diesel fuel include Davis Products, Red Max, Aerodyne, and Eric Clutton.
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Frequently asked questions
The ingredients you need are ether, paraffin (kerosene), and castor oil.
The proportion of each ingredient depends on the type of RC vehicle. For RC cars, the proportion of nitromethane is typically 10-40%, and the oil content is typically 14-18%. For RC airplanes, the nitromethane content is typically 5-10%. The rest of the fuel mixture is methanol.
You can use castor oil, synthetic oil, or a mixture of both. Castor oil is a natural oil with excellent lubricating qualities, but it leaves a gummy residue. Synthetic oil burns cleaner but can be broken down by other ingredients in the fuel at high temperatures. A mixture of the two types of oil can provide a balance between lubrication and cleanliness.
Yes, it is important to store your fuel properly to prevent moisture contamination. Methanol can absorb moisture molecules from the atmosphere, which will ruin the fuel. Always read the manufacturer's instructions for proper storage.
