RC cars use nitro because nitro fuel is the most powerful fuel for remote control cars and offers the most speed and control. Nitro fuel is highly flammable, and contains nitromethane, an oxygen-bearing compound which reacts with the burning of the methanol to provide additional power.
Nitro fuel is made up of castor oil, petroleum, methanol, and nitromethane and is mainly used in two-stroke RC engine cars. The nitromethane in the nitro fuel helps to increase the exhaust pressure and overall efficiency of the engine which can provide higher power levels than regular gasoline.
Nitro fuel also helps to reduce the chances of the engine overheating, due to the increased levels of combustion and fuel burning. Nitro fuel is essential in helping to improve the performance of the car – it makes it faster, more powerful, and easier to control.
Re-filling a nitro car is generally easier than re-filling a car with electric or battery power, and nitro fuel is also more affordable.
How does RC nitro engine work?
A nitro RC engine works by as a small internal combustion engine, much like the type of motor found in traditional cars, only much smaller in scale. This engine is powered by a mixture of methanol, oil, and nitromethane, which is a chemical compound typically found in explosives.
The nitromethane is used as a fuel additive to provide a sharp increase in power output.
The nitro RC engine runs similarly to the internal combustion engines found in traditional cars. In order to start the engine, the user needs to compress a mixture of nitromethane and methanol with a metal piston inside of a metal cylinder.
This forms a combustible charge that is ignited with a spark plug. The spark ignites the fuel and air mixture, which produces pressure and pushes the metal piston up inside the cylinder and against the mechanical forces of the piston connecting rod assembly which converts the up and down motion of the piston into rotational motion which is transferred to the crankshaft of the engine, which is connected to the axles and ultimately the wheels of the car.
When the fuel and air mixture is burned, gases exit the engine and the process starts all over again. As the engine runs for an extended period of time, the cold nitro engine becomes hot due to the internal components sustaining friction and the fuel burning within the engine.
As it becomes hot, the user must allow the engine to cool down by running the engine at low speeds, allowing the engine time to naturally cool off, or using a cooling system such as an on-board fan to help maintain a cooler running temperature.
Once the proper running temperature is achieved the user can again run the engine at full speed.
Is nitro or electric better for RC cars?
Both nitro and electric RC cars have their pros and cons, making it difficult to definitively say which is “better. ” Nitro cars offer more power and speed than their electric counterparts, plus the sound of engines revving and the smell of burning fuel add to the overall experience.
However, nitro cars require more maintenance and they tend to be noisier than the electric variety.
Electric RC cars, on the other hand, are relatively quieter, require less maintenance, and are perfect for younger drivers as they’re slower and easier to control. Additionally, they’re often cheaper than nitro models, and anywhere you can plug in a wall socket or use a battery pack can be a makeshift racecourse.
Ultimately, deciding which type of RC car to get depends on your skill level, budget, preferred type of motorsports, and frequency of use. If you want more power, speed, and an exciting engine sound, then a nitro car may be the better choice.
If you prefer an easier-to-use model with less maintenance, then you may want to go with an electric.
How does a nitro RC burn fuel?
A nitro RC, or otherwise known as a nitro-powered radio-controlled vehicle, burns fuel in order to move and run. The type of fuel it uses is a mixture of nitromethane, methanol and lubricant oil. This mixture is rich in oxygen which helps to combust the fuel and generate the power needed to drive.
The fuel is stored in a tank located on the vehicle and is released into the engine through a carburetor to create a maximum oxygen/fuel ration. The carburetor then regulates the air/fuel ratio and helps create the combustion needed to power the engine.
The exhaust gases are then expelled via a muffler or exhaust pipe which helps to control the noise and the amount of exhaust. When the fuel is ignited, it causes a chemical reaction which releases a lot of energy.
This energy is then used to rotate the crankshaft located in the engine and create the power needed to propel the vehicle. The crankshaft then transfers the power to the wheels through the transmission which makes the vehicle move and run.
Can you mix nitro with gasoline?
No, you should not mix nitro with gasoline. Nitromethane is a very powerful oxidizer and will cause a very fast and potentially dangerous combustion reaction when it comes into contact with gasoline.
This could cause an explosion, potentially destroying your engine and putting you in danger. The use of nitro in engines is typically only done in race-type applications and requires specific nitro-safe parts and proper tuning to ensure maximum performance and safety.
How much is a gallon of nitromethane?
The exact cost of a gallon of nitromethane will depend on a variety of factors, including the supplier, the volume purchased, and any potential shipping costs. Generally, you can expect to pay anywhere from $20 – $60 for a gallon of nitromethane.
Additional factors such as purchasing in bulk, can also bring the cost down further. It’s important to remember to always use nitromethane with the utmost care and caution, as it is highly volatile and flammable.
How much is Nascar fuel per gallon?
The price of fuel for NASCAR varies from track to track and is not publicly available. NASCAR typically purchases fuel from Sunoco and uses a blend of Sunoco Green E15, which contains 15 percent ethanol.
The price of this fuel is approximately $8 per gallon. However, that does not include additional costs such as taxes and delivery fees, which can add anywhere from 10 to 20 percent to the total cost.
NASCAR teams also typically collect test batches of fuel to ensure their cars will perform at the highest level. This involves sending a sample to an independent laboratory to have the fuel analyzed and tested to isolate any irregularities or impurities.
The cost of this sample testing is typically around $800 per batch and is an additional cost that must also be taken into consideration.
How do you get nitromethane?
Nitromethane can be made through a variety of methods. The most common method of preparing nitromethane involves a nucleophilic displacement reaction of trimethyl ammonium iodide with sodium nitrite.
This reaction is usually conducted in a neutral polar solvent to ensure a high yield of nitromethane. The reaction proceeds as follows:
Trimethyl ammonium iodide + Sodium nitrite → Nitromethane + Sodium iodide
Other methods for producing nitromethane are oxidation of methylhydrazine, as well as the dehydration of methyl nitrite and the dehydration of N-methylhydroxylamine. Other less common routes for nitromethane synthesis include the dehydrogenation of isopropyl alcohol in the presence of a nickel catalyst and the oxidation of cyclohexanol.
Nitromethane can also be purchased for use in laboratories and for certain chemical processes.
How long does RC nitro fuel last?
The lifespan of RC nitro fuel depends greatly on how and where you store it. Generally, RC nitro fuel should last for at least one year when stored in a cool, dry, dark location. Nitro fuels are typically composed of methanol and lubricants, which when exposed to light and heat can degrade over time.
That’s why it’s important to keep nitro fuel stored away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. It’s also crucial to make sure the fuel container is tightly sealed to prevent evaporation. If your nitro fuel is stored properly, it will be good for one to two years and should not need to be replaced until you deplete your supply.
Does nitro fuel go off?
Nitro fuel, also known as nitromethane, is a liquid fuel used for powering model rockets, RC cars, and gas-powered RC cars. The fuel consists of nitrogen, oxygen, and methane. However, it does not “go off”.
Nitro fuel is extremely stable and can last for a long time if stored correctly and is not exposed to extreme temperatures. The fuel can be stored for extended periods of time without losing its potency.
If left in the open for a long time, the fuel can evaporate and begin to break down, however, it will not completely go off like some other fuels. When using nitro fuel, it is important to follow the mixing instructions as too much nitromethane can cause the fuel to become unstable and lead to potentially dangerous situations.
Can you put gasoline in a nitro RC car?
No, you cannot put gasoline in a nitro RC car. Nitro RC cars need a special fuel mix of methanol, nitromethane, and oil. This fuel mix helps to provide the power that nitro RC cars require, and is specifically designed for the device.
If you use gasoline in a nitro RC car, it could lead to catastrophic damage to the unit and could even be dangerous as the performance and temperature of the engine could be severely affected. Furthermore, some nitro RC cars also have an onboard glow or spark plug that burns the fuel, and one that is not designed for gasoline could lead to permanent destruction of the plug or engine.
Can a nitro engine run on alcohol?
Yes, a nitro engine can run on alcohol. Nitro engines, also known as nitromethane engines, are a type of internal combustion engine designed to run on a fuel that is mainly composed of nitromethane, methanol, and oil.
The nitromethane provides a lot of power to the engine, while the methanol and oil provide the engine with lubrication and cooling. By using alcohol in place of the nitromethane, the engine can still be powered, although it will likely produce less power and it will also cause more wear and tear on the engine components.
It should be noted that running an engine on a fuel other than what it was designed for can cause unforeseen problems. Therefore, it is important to consult with a qualified mechanic before operating a nitro engine on alcohol.
Will a methanol engine run on gas?
No, a methanol engine will not run on gas. This is because methanol is a different type of fuel from gasoline and is not directly compatible with gasoline engines. Methanol is an alcohol-based fuel, whereas gasoline is derived from crude oil.
Additionally, methanol has a higher octane rating than gasoline, which can cause it to burn hotter and cause significant damage in a gasoline engine. Therefore, there is no simple way to use methanol fuel in a gasoline engine without significant modification, such as a complete engine swap.
Can a glow plug ignite gasoline?
No, a glow plug cannot ignite gasoline. Glow plugs are used to preheat the fuel-air mixture in a diesel engine that then ignites the diesel fuel, but they cannot ignite gasoline as its air-fuel mixture is already combustible – no preheating is necessary.
It’s also important to note that attempting to use a glow plug to ignite gasoline can be extremely dangerous, as it could cause an explosion.
Why do gas engines not have glow plugs?
Gasoline engines don’t need glow plugs because they are designed to work in a different way than diesel engines. Gasoline engines use spark plugs, which create sparks when they make contact with the walls of the cylinders.
As the gasoline and air mix, the spark causes the gasoline to ignite. Gasoline engines don’t need the constant heat of a glow plug to keep the combustion chamber hot, in order to reliably ignite their fuel.
Unlike diesel engines, which rely on high compression to initiate combustion, gasoline engines rely on spark plugs to ignite the fuel mixture. Because of this, gasoline engines don’t need the preheating of a glow plug.
The spark plug creates more than enough heat and energy to ignite the fuel quickly, and even in cold weather.
Do cars have glow plugs?
Yes, some cars do have glow plugs. Glow plugs are a component of diesel engines and help preheat the air in the cylinders for faster ignition. This means a diesel engine car can start running quickly even in cold weather.
Glow plugs are used when the engine is cold, so they are not used often in everyday use. Most glow plugs can be manually turned on and off with a key in the ignition, but some newer cars have glow plugs that come on automatically when the engine temperature is too low.
Even though glow plugs are common in diesel engines, they are not present on all car models.
How long will a nitro RC engine last?
The answer to this question depends on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, a nitro RC engine should last for hundreds of hours, if cared for and maintained properly. The lifespan of any nitro engine is directly related to maintenance, oil types, fuels used and other factors.
To ensure that your rc engine will last, you must use the right type and grade of fuel, perform regular maintenance and keep a close eye on all moving parts. For those who want the engine to last a long time, they will need to take nitro rc maintenance seriously and take precautions to ensure proper longevity.
Some of these steps include keeping the carburetor clean and free of debris, checking and adjusting valve clearances, and replacing air and fuel filters on a regular basis. Additionally, making sure that the fuel you are using is fresh and of a good quality is also important.
By taking all of these precautions, you can rest assured that your nitro rc engine will have a long and healthy life.
How do I know if my nitro engine is leaking air?
To determine if your nitro engine is leaking air, you should first inspect the fuel lines for any signs of irregular wear or tear. Visually check for any visible gaps along the lines and look for any fuel build up in areas where the line may be worn.
You should also inspect the O-ring and gasket seals of the engine to make sure they’re seated securely and showing no signs of leaks.
If the visual inspection doesn’t reveal any signs of leakage, you should also perform a compression test. This involves blocking off the air intake and exhaust valves and then cranking the engine to check for a drop in pressure.
If there is a significant drop, the engine is likely leaking air.
You can also perform a smoke test to determine the source of the leak. This involves adding a smoke-producing agent, such as WD-40, to the engine’s fuel lines and then checking to see if any of the smoke is escaping.
If it is, that would indicate a leak in the fuel system.
Ultimately, if any of these tests show that your nitro engine is leaking air, you should take it to a professional mechanic to have it checked and repaired.