If you want to know why your Nitro car is not running without the ignitor keep reading. Also, learn why these cars run on Nitro fuel and ways to know if your glow plug is broken.
Why Won’t My Nitro RC Run Without the Ignitor?
If your Nitro RC car doesn’t run without the ignitor, there are a few things you should check:
- Glow Plug: Ensure that the glow plug is in good condition. If the filament is damaged or the plug is too old, it may not get hot enough to ignite the fuel-air mixture, even with the ignitor.
- Ignitor Charge: Make sure the ignitor is fully charged. A weak ignitor may not heat the glow plug sufficiently.
- Fuel: Ensure that the fuel is fresh and properly mixed. Old or improperly mixed fuel may not ignite easily.
How Does a Nitro RC Engine Work?
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A Nitro RC engine is a small-scale internal combustion engine that runs on a special fuel blend, commonly referred to as ‘nitro fuel’. This fuel is a mixture of methanol, nitromethane, and oil.
The engine works on the same principle as a full-scale internal combustion engine. It has a piston, cylinder, crankshaft, and other components similar to a real car engine.
Role of the Ignitor
The ignitor, also known as a glow plug igniter, is a device used to heat the glow plug of the Nitro RC engine. The glow plug is a crucial component of the engine as it helps in igniting the fuel-air mixture inside the combustion chamber.
The ignitor heats the filament of the glow plug to a temperature that is high enough to ignite the fuel-air mixture when the piston compresses it.
Why is the Ignitor Necessary?
The Nitro RC engine operates using a two-stroke cycle. During the compression stroke, the piston compresses the fuel-air mixture in the combustion chamber. Without the ignitor, the glow plug will not be hot enough to ignite the mixture. Consequently, the engine will not start or run.
The ignitor is only required to start the engine. Once the engine is running, the heat generated from the continuous combustion keeps the glow plug hot enough to ignite the fuel-air mixture on each subsequent stroke.
Why Do RC Engines Run on Nitro?
Here are the main reasons for this:
High Energy Density
Nitromethane, or CH3NO2, is a fuel that has a higher energy density than gasoline. This means that it can provide more energy per unit of weight, which is essential for RC vehicles that require a high power-to-weight ratio.
The higher energy density of nitro fuel allows RC vehicles to achieve higher speeds and better performance compared to other types of fuels.
Cooling Effect
Nitro fuel has a cooling effect on the engine. When nitromethane combusts, it produces a significant amount of heat, but it also evaporates quickly, which helps to cool down the engine.
This cooling effect is crucial for RC engines, which often operate at high RPMs and can get very hot. The cooling effect of nitro fuel helps to prevent overheating and prolongs the life of the engine.
Ease of Tuning
Nitro engines are relatively easy to tune compared to gasoline engines. Tuning an engine involves adjusting the air-to-fuel ratio to achieve the desired performance.
With nitro engines, this tuning can be done by simply adjusting the carburetor, which controls the amount of air and fuel that enters the engine. This ease of tuning makes nitro engines more user-friendly for hobbyists who may not have advanced mechanical skills.
Better Throttle Response
Nitro engines offer better throttle response compared to gasoline engines. Throttle response is the time it takes for the engine to respond to changes in throttle input.
A quicker throttle response means that the vehicle can accelerate faster and have better control. This is especially important for RC vehicles that need to make quick maneuvers and changes in speed.
How Do I Know If My Glow Plug Is Broken?
Here are the common symptoms of a broken glow plug:
- Hard Starting or Failure to Start: One of the most common signs of a bad glow plug is the engine struggling to start or failing to start at all, especially in cold weather. This is because the glow plug is unable to heat the combustion chamber adequately.
- Excessive White Smoke: White smoke from the exhaust, especially during startup, is another common symptom of a faulty glow plug. This happens because the fuel is not being ignited properly in the combustion chamber.
- Reduced Fuel Efficiency: A malfunctioning glow plug can lead to incomplete combustion of fuel, resulting in reduced fuel efficiency and increased fuel consumption.
- Engine Misfires: Engine misfires or a rough idle can also indicate a problem with the glow plugs. This is because the faulty glow plug causes an uneven ignition of the fuel-air mixture in the combustion chamber.
- Check Engine Light: The vehicle’s onboard computer monitors the performance of various components, including the glow plugs. If a problem is detected, the check engine light may illuminate on your dashboard.
Diagnosis and Testing
Here are some diagnostic techniques you can use:
- Visual Inspection: Start by visually inspecting the glow plug. Remove it from the engine and check for any physical damage, such as cracks, burn marks, or melted electrodes.
- Resistance Test: Using a multimeter, measure the resistance across the glow plug terminals. A functioning glow plug will typically have a resistance between 0.1 and 2 ohms. If the resistance is outside this range or if there is no continuity, the glow plug is likely faulty.
- Voltage Test: Check the voltage at the glow plug terminal while the ignition is turned on. A healthy glow plug should receive between 11 and 12 volts. If the voltage is too low or non-existent, there may be a problem with the wiring or the glow plug relay.
