The Guide to Fuel in Model Making
What is Nitro fuel?
Nitro fuel is a fuel used to power the Nitro engine of RC vehicles (cars, boats, planes, etc.). Generally, Nitro fuel is made from three main components: nitromethane, methanol, and castor oil or synthetic oil. A few additives are also included. Nitromethane provides oxygen, methanol generates combustion, and oils are used to lubricate the engine and keep it cool.
What are the different types of Nitro fuels?
Fuel brands Nitro
There are different brands of fuel Nitro, the best known being Byron Originals Sigma, Tornado, and Meccamo. Each has its own manufacturing process and recipe, but what really matters is the percentage of nitromethane.
The percentage of nitromethane
Fuels containing between 10 and 30% nitromethane are available. This percentage is usually indicated in the product name or on the label. The higher the percentage, the more power and speed the fuel provides, but at the expense of the engine, which is less lubricated. Outside of competition, we recommend using more lubricating fuels with only 10% or 15% nitromethane.
Which fuel should you choose for your car?
To find out which type of fuel to choose, it is best to consult the user manual supplied with the car. Generally, fuels with a low percentage of nitromethane are recommended for small engines and fuels with 20 or 25% for larger engines. Using a fuel with a higher nitromethane content makes the car more powerful but reduces the life of the engine.
Precautions to take when handling fuel Nitro:
Nitromethane is a toxic and flammable substance that requires special precautions when handling. We advise modelers to wear gloves when filling the car's fuel tank Nitro to protect their skin, as well as protective eyewear (especially when removing the spark plug from the engine).
Fuel must be stored in the shade, in a dry place away from open flames (to prevent fires and explosions). The fuel container must be kept closed. This will prevent the fuel from evaporating or spilling onto the ground.
