Nitro fuel chiller...chill fuel before race? Anyone do this?

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Ryan - 21 Jul 2003 15:46 GMT

I do understand nitro is a Methanol-based fuel and is hygroscopic (sucks up
water), but has anyone chilled their fuel before a race? In gasoline
engines, I know the colder the fuel is before its ignited the more potential
energy there is. I was wondering if anyone kept their bottle of nitro on
ice before they topped off at race time? Or does this have a reverse
effect? If it doesn't hurt, then I'd feel confident it could help.

-Ryan

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Jay A - 21 Jul 2003 16:08 GMT

Actually, for gasoline engines, racers don't chill the fuel, they chill the
intake manifold. This is to keep the charge of air coming into the pistons
as cold as possible. This gives you more condensed air which gives more
oxygen which gives more power. Chilling regular gas gives you more
condensed fuel but less oxygen. Nitro fuel may be different, as it has an
oxygen source built in, but I'm guessing that you will have major tuning
issues as the fuel warms up in the middle of the race. In addition you will
get major condensation when the fuel gets in contact with warm air.

> I do understand nitro is a Methanol-based fuel and is hygroscopic (sucks up
> water), but has anyone chilled their fuel before a race? In gasoline
[quoted text clipped - 4 lines]
>
> -Ryan

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TempestNightmare - 23 Jul 2003 02:55 GMT

Actually, they make products such as the Cool Can, which you fill with ice
and your fuel circulates around the can in a copper tube. It chills the fuel
, so you get a denser charge and hence, more horsepower. Keeping the air
cool is also important. Ram air is one way, Hood scoop, but I have never
seen a manifold cooler. the only thing I have seen has been the heat block
offs for under the carb to stop the fuel from expanding to quick.
Jon

> Actually, for gasoline engines, racers don't chill the fuel, they chill the
> intake manifold. This is to keep the charge of air coming into the pistons
[quoted text clipped - 15 lines]
> >
> > -Ryan

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Jay A - 23 Jul 2003 05:54 GMT

You can try a composite carb, as those work better under hot conditions, I
don't know how much good it will do with the charge of air.

> Actually, they make products such as the Cool Can, which you fill with ice
> and your fuel circulates around the can in a copper tube. It chills the fuel
[quoted text clipped - 27 lines]
> > >
> > > -Ryan

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MikeF - 23 Jul 2003 10:40 GMT

i had good luck with the Conley Intercooler on my os cv 12
its just an aluminum tube that holds the carb out about 1/2" from the
crankcase. $25 though.

> You can try a composite carb, as those work better under hot conditions, I
> don't know how much good it will do with the charge of air.
[quoted text clipped - 33 lines]
> > > >
> > > > -Ryan

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Model Forum / Radio Controlled / Land Models / July 2003

Nitro fuel chiller...chill fuel before race? Anyone do this?