If you want to know if you can run your Nitro car on Petrol keep reading. Also, learn how much fuel these cars need and if it’s possible to use 2-stroke gas in them.
Can You Run a Nitro RC Car On Petrol?
No. Running a nitro RC car on petrol will not only damage the engine but also pose safety risks. While the idea of using a readily available fuel source like petrol might seem tempting, it’s essential to stick to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Always ensure that you use the correct fuel for your RC vehicle to guarantee its longevity and safety.
What is a Nitro RC Car?
First and foremost, it’s essential to understand what a nitro RC car is. Nitro RC cars are powered by a specific type of fuel known as nitromethane-methanol.
This fuel gives these cars their unique revving sound and provides a realistic driving experience reminiscent of full-sized petrol-powered vehicles.
The engines are small-scale internal combustion engines, similar in principle to those found in real cars but tuned for the specialized fuel they consume.
The Composition of Nitro Fuel:
Nitro fuel is a mixture of nitromethane, methanol, and oil. Methanol acts as the primary fuel, while nitromethane provides additional power and oil aids in engine lubrication.
The proportion of these components varies depending on the specific requirements of the engine and performance expectations.
Why Petrol Isn’t Suitable:
- Combustion Differences: Petrol and nitromethane-methanol have different combustion characteristics. Petrol requires a different air-fuel mixture ratio and has a distinct ignition point compared to nitro fuel. This means that the engine components, especially the carburetor settings and glow plug, are not suited for petrol.
- Lubrication Issues: Nitro fuel contains a specific amount of oil to keep the engine lubricated. Petrol does not have this, which means running an engine on petrol without proper lubrication would result in increased wear and tear, eventually leading to engine damage.
- Performance: Even if a nitro engine could run on petrol, it would not perform optimally. The engine’s power curve, throttle response, and overall driving experience would be significantly affected.
- Safety Concerns: Petrol is more flammable and has different storage and handling requirements than nitro fuel. Using petrol in an engine not designed for it could result in fire hazards or engine explosions.
Some Large-Scale RC Models Use Petrol:
It’s worth noting that there are large-scale RC cars designed specifically to run on a petrol-oil mix. These models often have engines that resemble those in weed eaters or chainsaws. However, these engines are explicitly built for petrol and are substantially different from nitro engines.
How much fuel do nitro RC cars use?
In general 1/10 scale nitro cars: A full tank can last anywhere from 7-15 minutes, depending on driving conditions and style. 1/8 scale nitro cars: Under normal conditions, these can run for around 7-10 minutes on a full tank.
However, the actual amount of fuel depends on the following factors:
1. Engine Size and Type
The consumption rate of nitromethane largely depends on the engine’s size and type. Generally:
Small 0.12 to 0.18 engines, which are common in 1/10 scale on-road cars, typically consume fuel at a slower rate than larger engines.
Larger 0.21 to 0.28 engines, found in 1/8 scale off-road buggies or trucks, will burn through fuel faster due to their bigger capacity and the power they generate.
2. Driving Style and Conditions
- Aggressive Driving: If you frequently accelerate hard, brake sharply, or run at full throttle, your nitro car will consume more fuel.
- Terrain: Driving on rough terrains like gravel or grass increases resistance, causing the engine to work harder and consume more fuel. In contrast, smoother surfaces like tarmac or concrete provide lesser resistance.
- Weather Conditions: Cold weather can increase fuel consumption since the engine must work harder to maintain optimal operating temperatures.
3. Tuning and Maintenance
A well-tuned engine will not only perform better but will also be more fuel-efficient. Regular maintenance, such as cleaning the air filter, ensuring the carburetor is adjusted correctly, and checking for air leaks, can impact fuel consumption.
4. Fuel Tank Size
The fuel tank’s size determines how much fuel an RC car can carry. Most 1/10 scale RC cars have tanks that hold about 75ml, whereas 1/8 scale models can have tanks holding 125ml or more.
However, tank size doesn’t directly correlate to how much fuel is consumed during operation, but rather how long you can run the vehicle before needing a refill.
Can you run a nitro RC car on two-stroke gas?
No. Using two-stroke gas in a nitro RC car can result in poor performance and potential damage. Always ensure you’re using the appropriate fuel for your vehicle to maintain its performance, longevity, and safety.
What is Two-Stroke Gas?
Two-stroke gas, as the name suggests, is designed for two-stroke engines. This type of fuel is a mixture of gasoline and two-stroke oil.
The oil is necessary because two-stroke engines don’t have a dedicated lubrication system like four-stroke engines. Instead, they rely on the oil mixed with the fuel to keep everything running smoothly and prevent wear.
Why you should not run a Nitro RC Car on Two-Stroke Gas
- Different Combustion Properties: Nitromethane fuel and gasoline have different combustion properties. This means they ignite at different rates and require different air-to-fuel mixtures. Using the wrong fuel can lead to poor performance, or the engine might not run at all.
- Lubrication Issues: While nitro fuel contains lubricants suitable for nitro engines, two-stroke gas contains oil designed for two-stroke engines. This mismatch can lead to insufficient lubrication in the nitro engine, causing premature wear or damage.
- Engine Tuning: Nitro engines are tuned specifically for nitromethane fuel. If you introduce two-stroke gas, the engine’s carburetor settings, ignition timing, and other parameters won’t be optimal, leading to reduced performance or potential engine damage.
- Potential Damage: In the worst-case scenario, running two-stroke gas in a nitro engine could cause severe damage, including cylinder and piston wear, overheating, and other catastrophic failures.
Why Would Someone Consider This?
Given the risks, you might wonder why someone would even consider using two-stroke gas in a nitro RC car. One reason might be the cost. Nitromethane fuel can be more expensive than regular gas, leading some to explore cheaper alternatives.
Additionally, in some areas, nitro fuel might be harder to find than two-stroke gas. However, the potential savings or convenience doesn’t outweigh the risks and potential damages.
