Fuel Revisited

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Bill - 06 Apr 2004 17:39 GMT

I ran across an article about using a couple % of acetone in fuel. Anyone
actually done this? After my LHS switched from 15% Nitro, castor/synthetic
blend to 15% Nitro, 18% straight synthetic, I have had to re-adjust
everything I have used it in. It may be a coincidence, but planes that I
have flown for years and are rock solid performers now need to be
re-adjusted for the fuel change. It doesn't make sense that going from
castor to straight synthetic oil would make such a difference, so far, every
plane with the new fuel needs to have the low end tweaked so it won't die in
flight.
Thanks
Bill

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A.T. - 06 Apr 2004 21:59 GMT

refer to http://homepages.ihug.co.nz/~atong/
"Fuel"

Byron Fuels - mfg plant etc
Castor vs Synthetic - FHS (Red Max) recommendations.
FUELS - John Modistach
Fuels - Brian Hampton
Klotzlube.com - Glo Fuel Blending Chart
Morgan Fuels = Cool Power etc.
Nitromethanol, and/or RC Fuel
Oil test comparisons
Powermaster Hobby Products Inc.
Powermaster - 2st vs 4st fuels - is there a difference?
Powermaster - What is the Oil Content_
Powermaster - Which Oil is Better- Synthetic or Castor_
Nitromethane, The Mystery Ingredient
Storing Fuel for Maximum shelf life
RC Nitro Engines - Fuel properties
Tech Charts - J Modistach
Water in Fuel - test results and effects
Wildcat
Wildcat Hot-Fax Letter

in particular - http://www.holdfastmac.com.au/techfuels.html
and the technical information .
I recommend 3% acetone.
FWIW Mobil racing no 5 fuel is actually 97% Methanol, 2% acetome and 1%
castor.

regards

Alan T.
Alan's Hobby, Model & RC Web Links
http://homepages.ihug.co.nz/~atong

> I ran across an article about using a couple % of acetone in fuel. Anyone
> actually done this? After my LHS switched from 15% Nitro, castor/synthetic
[quoted text clipped - 7 lines]
> Thanks
> Bill

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Brian Hampton - 07 Apr 2004 02:20 GMT

I see some possibilities why you needed to adjust. There may have been a
different % of oil in the original fuel. The needle only tunes the
engine for the flow of methanol/nitro and in this case the oil is only
along for the ride but it takes up part of the total volume. Another
possibility is that the viscosity of the fuel is now different without
the castor (most likely lower) so it'll flow more easily through the
needle. And finally, some of the synthetic may be burning instead of
staying an oil as castor does.
Brian
Adelaide, South Oz

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jeboba - 07 Apr 2004 07:04 GMT

What does the acetone do?

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Sisyphus - 08 Apr 2004 14:02 GMT

Bill,

I am curious to know if acetone would remain in a state that could
disolve or soften plastic. Adding acetone may compromise components
of your fuel system. I would suggest testing by adding say... 30%
acetone to off the shelf fuel and store in an old tank- (1/2 full)-
and tubing of the desired materials and wait a month to see if the
tank geometry or structural integrety has been compromised.

Regards,

Sisyphus

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Sisyphus - 08 Apr 2004 14:08 GMT

P.S.

I would avoid technical grade acetone because it is extremely
hydroscopic. Pure acetone may be difficult to acquire.

Please post the results if you do wish to test.

Thanks,

Sisyphus

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Steve - 11 Apr 2004 23:35 GMT

in message news:<DeednWg8xq_UQO_d4p2dnA@yvn.com>...

> > I ran across an article about using a couple % of acetone in fuel. Anyone
> > actually done this? After my LHS switched from 15% Nitro, castor/synthetic
[quoted text clipped - 7 lines]
> > Thanks
> > Bill

I use a couple of caps of unleaded gas to a gallon of straight synthetic
fuel. Done it for over 10 years, motors run sweet, and no degredation of
fuel tank or pipes. My favourite model is 7 years old and still going
strong.

Steve Fitch

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Model Forum / Radio Controlled / Air Models / April 2004

Fuel Revisited