Fuels

What % oil? What oil type? How much nitro?

This is the biggest 'hot potato' in the modelling industry in my opinion - and certainly the most frequent cause of engine 'problems', poor performance, frustration and arguments over warranty work!!

Without writing a book - these notes and tables should help.......

1. If you're looking for the importer, distributor or agent to help with engine problems and free warranty repairs:
   • read the engine instructions and be aware of the best fuel mixes recommended;
   • make sure you know the oil and nitro content in the fuel you are using (or are being sold by your supplier).
   • As not all fuel makers put the contents of the fuel on the outside of the container (a constant source of 'conversation' between Just Engines and Fuel manufacturers), the following tables (and manufacturers web sites) should help;
   • If you don't know the oil and nitro content of the fuel - my advise is; find out - or just don't buy it!
2. In general most 2 strokes will be happy on 18-20% oil (preferably with at least 2% castor) and 5% nitro (eg O.S., Irvine, ASP etc..) - but always check the engine instructions.
3. In general most 4 strokes will be happy on 15-18% oil (preferably with at least 2% castor) and 5% nitro (eg O.S., ASP etc..) - but always check the engine instructions.
4. Yes - you may 'get away' with less oil than most manufacturers recommend - but if you have a couple of lean runs on a hot day - expect a repair bill. So always try to set engines 'a couple of clicks rich' on the ground.
5. It is cheaper to do a 'de-coke' than it is to do a repair!
6. Engines have developed tremendously in power to weight terms over the last 5 years or more. Compare the power of a Merco .61 with say a modern .36 - or the fact that a 1.80 engine can now develop 4HP!! Two extreme examples I know - the point I'm trying to make is this........ Just because you have used the fuel you use for years - does not mean it is still appropriate for the nice new engine you've just bought!

Flair

http://www.flairmodels.co.uk/

Model Technics

www.modeltechnics.com

Southern Modelcraft 'Mo Glo'

Questions

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Tel: 01747 835817, Fax: , Email: justengines@enterprise.net