| Good question! Let's look at what exactly nitro fuel is. | | | | you have stored it. Your best practice, if you have |
| Nitro fuel is composed of three main things - methanol, | | | | nitro fuel that isn't going to be used for several months, |
| nitromethane, and oil. There are also some | | | | you should leave it in its original container, sealed, and in |
| additives...such as anti-corrosion agents or degumming | | | | a cool, dark, dry place. Once you open the container, |
| agents which are added by some fuel manufacturers. | | | | you create a situation where it is more likely that |
| Methanol provides the main energy source for the | | | | moisture will get into your fuel. |
| radio controlled boat engine. The nitromethane is there | | | | It's also best to dispose of any nitro fuel you haven't |
| to deliver oxygen to the engine, which enhances | | | | used from your field fueling bottles if you don't plan on |
| combustion and gives the engine more power. Oil is | | | | using it within a couple of days. Don't return that fuel to |
| necessary to lubricate the engine and help to keep it | | | | the original container for long term storage... you will |
| running cool. The methanol is the most plentiful | | | | only ruin the whole batch! |
| component in the nitro fuel, but the rating of the fuel is | | | | You should be aware of the fact that the methanol in |
| based on the percentage of nitromethane that is used | | | | nitro fuel attracts moisture. Water in your fuel will very |
| in it. | | | | likely hurt a glow engine. Therefore, do not leave your |
| | | | nitro fuel cans open any longer than it takes for you to |
| How do you know which nitro fuel is best for your RC | | | | re-fuel your radio controlled boat. Be careful andlimit |
| boats nitro engine? | | | | your fuels' exposure to air, especially if you live in a |
| My suggestion is that you start out with the type of | | | | humid area. |
| fuel recommended by your rc boat manufacturer. That | | | | |
| probably matters for your warranty! You should also | | | | Always keep your fuel containers tightly sealed, and |
| follow the recommended engine settings for your rc | | | | stored in a dry location. |
| boat. In time, when you have gained some experience, | | | | One more thing you should be aware of is that the |
| and learn just how the different nitro blends affect | | | | nitromethane in nitro fuel breaks down with prolonged |
| your engines performance, it will be appropriate for | | | | exposure to the sun. Once the fuel is degraded, the |
| you to start experimenting with different blends. | | | | nitromethane will not perform as it should. Keep this in |
| Eventually you will find the nitro/oil mix that works best | | | | mind when you are out at the lake, and keep your nitro |
| for the way you run your radio controlled boat. | | | | fuel out of direct sunlight. If you happen to use a clear |
| | | | container for re-fueling, make sure you cover it, or hide |
| Should you use nitro fuel that you've had in storage for | | | | it under a picnic table when you're not using it. (My |
| several months? | | | | suggestion is that you use a container that isn't clear!). |
| Maybe...! Nitro fuel will definitely become unusable if it is | | | | When the day is done, store your tightly sealed |
| exposed to too much moisture and sunlight. For that | | | | containers of nitro fuel in the dark, and out of direct |
| reason, how you store your nitro fuel is more important | | | | sunlight. |
| than how long you have stored it. | | | | If you handle your fuel properly, and store it the right |
| Knowing that, if you have properly stored your nitro | | | | way, you will certainly get much longer use out of it! |
| fuel, it is most likely safe to use no matter how long | | | | |