Mercedes Mullins
Radio-controlled (RC) cars are typically fuelled by a mixture of nitromethane, methanol, and oil. The term nitro is used to describe these engines due to its impact in marketing copy. The percentage of nitromethane in the fuel mixture can vary, with some RC car engines running fuel with 15-20% nitromethane, and some running fuel with 20% or more. The higher the nitro content, the more power the engine will generate. Nitro engines are typically ignited using a glow plug, which is heated with an electric current.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | Two-stroke engines |
| Fuel | Methanol |
| Additive | Nitromethane |
| Oil Content | 12-30% |
| Ignition System | Glow plug |
| Carburetor Type | Sliding or rotary |
| Needle Type | High speed and low speed |
| RPM | 50,000+ |
| Power | Higher nitro content results in more power |
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What You'll Learn
Nitro engines are fuelled by methanol, often with nitromethane as a performance additive
Nitro engines are fuelled by methanol, which is often mixed with nitromethane as a performance additive. This mixture is commonly used in racing cars, boats, and model engines. The addition of nitromethane, sometimes simply referred to as "nitro", can increase power output by up to 13% when added to methanol. This is due to the additional energy that the additive makes available to the fuel-air mixture.
Nitromethane is an organic compound with the chemical formula CH3NO2 and is the simplest organic nitro compound. It is a polar liquid that serves as a solvent in various industrial applications, such as extractions and cleaning. In the context of RC cars, nitromethane is used as a fuel or fuel additive, providing increased power and performance. The oxygen content of nitromethane enables it to burn with less atmospheric oxygen than conventional fuels, making it suitable for high-speed engines.
The mixture ratio of methanol and nitromethane can vary, with some sources mentioning a 20% nitro/80% methanol mix, while others suggest a 10% nitro/90% methanol blend. The specific ratio may depend on the engine size and performance requirements of the RC car. It is worth noting that nitromethane has a high heat of vaporization, resulting in significant cooling of the incoming charge, which can impact the engine's performance and durability.
The use of nitromethane as a fuel additive has some drawbacks. Firstly, it is considered a human carcinogen and can be toxic. Additionally, it produces nitric oxide (NO) as a major emission product, contributing to air pollution, acid rain, and ozone layer depletion. As a result, some sanctioning bodies have placed restrictions or bans on the use of nitromethane in racing.
Overall, the use of methanol with nitromethane as a performance additive in nitro engines offers increased power and performance, making it a popular choice for RC car enthusiasts who are willing to take on the extra work and potential risks associated with this fuel mixture.
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The percentage of nitromethane in the fuel affects engine performance
The performance of an RC car engine is influenced by the percentage of nitromethane in the fuel. Nitro fuel is a mixture of nitromethane, methanol, and lubricants (synthetic or castor oils). Each ingredient plays a critical role in generating engine power and protection. The extra oxygen in the nitromethane compound allows the fuel to burn faster and generate more power.
Nitromethane is a highly flammable compound consisting of carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen atoms (chemical formula CH3NO2). Its unique properties make it ideal for RC engines, as it can provide an added performance boost. The percentage of nitromethane in the fuel blend can range from 10% to 40% for RC cars, with higher percentages resulting in more power and faster fuel consumption.
For those who use their RC cars for fun, it is recommended to use fuel with lower nitromethane percentages (10%-20%) and higher amounts of lubrication. This type of blend prioritizes engine longevity and component protection by including more synthetic or castor oils. Additionally, lower nitro blends allow for longer running times as less nitromethane is being combusted.
On the other hand, those interested in racing their RC cars should opt for fuel with a higher nitro content (25%-40%). With more combustible material in the blend, these fuels generate increased power output. However, operating RC engines with higher nitro percentages requires more frequent and thorough maintenance to prevent adverse effects on the engine components, such as piston pitting and glow plug dome damage.
It is important to note that engine temperature is not solely dependent on nitro percentage but also on other factors such as engine setup and routine. Additionally, the specific gravity of fuels can vary per batch and purity, influencing the tuning process. Therefore, it is advisable to establish a solid engine routine to understand how different fuel blends affect engine temperature and performance.
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The ignition system of a nitro engine is a glow plug
Nitro-powered RC cars are fuelled by a blend of methanol and nitromethane, which ignites when it comes into contact with the heating element of a glow plug. The glow plug, made from platinum, is an integral part of the ignition system of a nitro engine.
To start the engine, a direct current of around 3 amps and 1.5 volts is applied to the glow plug from a "glow plug igniter" or "glow driver", powered by a rechargeable battery. This current heats up the platinum filament, causing it to glow red-hot. The engine is then spun manually or with a built-in starter, introducing fuel into the chamber. Once the fuel ignites, the electrical connection can be removed, as each combustion keeps the glow plug filament hot, sustaining the power cycle.
The glow plug must produce enough heat to cause the fuel mixture to reach its ignition point just as the piston is approaching top dead centre (TDC). If the plug is too hot, the fuel will ignite too early; if it's too cold, it will ignite too late. The correct glow plug must be used to correspond with the methanol content in the fuel. A higher methanol concentration requires a glow plug that will react less to the methane during the catalytic reaction, allowing the plug to reach the necessary temperature for ignition at the right time.
The ambient temperature also affects the required glow plug temperature. In cold weather, hotter plugs are needed. Additionally, the operating speed of the engine must be considered. If the engine runs at high RPM, a lower plug temperature is more efficient, while a lower RPM requires a hotter plug.
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Nitro engines are usually two-stroke engines
The simplicity of two-stroke engines also makes them easier to maintain and tune. They have a higher power-to-weight ratio and produce more power per cc than four-stroke engines. This is because they fire once every time the engine rotates, while four-stroke engines fire only every other rotation. Additionally, two-stroke engines have less compression, allowing the engine to rev higher and providing a better spread of power.
However, it's worth noting that four-stroke engines have their advantages too. They are more efficient, less polluting, and have better fuel consumption than two-stroke engines. Four-stroke engines also produce more torque at lower RPMs, which means they can use larger diameter propellers.
Nitro engines in RC applications typically refer to engines powered by fuel containing a portion of nitromethane mixed with methanol. The percentage of nitromethane usually ranges between 10% and 40%. Nitro engines in RC vehicles are usually found in on-road and off-road settings, with on-road engines designed for high RPM and speed, and off-road engines offering more torque and impressive speeds.
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The carburettor can be sliding or rotary
RC cars can be powered by either electric or nitro fuel. Nitro RC cars have engines that can be equipped with either a sliding or rotary carburettor. The carburettor is the component responsible for mixing air and fuel in the engine.
A sliding carburettor offers more direct and less turbulent airflow through the carb. This results in a touchy throttle response and more bottom end, making it necessary to be careful with the throttle to avoid lighting up the tires. However, it may encounter issues such as binding, which can prevent the slide from moving smoothly.
On the other hand, a rotary carburettor has a barrel with a hole that rotates, requiring more servo movement to fully open. This results in a less touchy throttle response and less bottom end, leading to smoother throttle control. While rotary carburettors offer these benefits, they may be less reliable and prone to issues such as dirt, which can cause engine damage and poor performance.
Some RC car models, like the Nitro TC3, can accommodate both sliding and rotary carburettors right out of the box. Additionally, optional parts are available for purchase to adapt a car to a different carburettor style.
When choosing between a sliding and rotary carburettor, it's essential to consider the desired performance, durability, and ease of use. Each type has its own advantages and drawbacks, and the decision should be based on specific requirements and preferences.
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Frequently asked questions
RC car fuel is typically a mixture of nitromethane, methanol, and oil. The nitromethane acts as a performance additive, with the oil acting as a lubricant to prevent the engine from wearing out.
The percentage of nitromethane in RC car fuel can vary, but typically it falls between 15-25%. The higher the nitro content, the more power the engine will generate.
Most RC cars use a two-stroke engine, which means that it takes two strokes of the piston (one revolution) to complete the engine cycle.
A glow plug is electrically heated and used in nitro engines, whereas a spark plug is used to ignite the fuel/air mixture in a petrol engine.
