Having just purchased a Savage X 4.6 rtr, I called with my local model shop and asked for some 20% fuel - The stuff they gave me is branded 'Magnum' and is marked 20% 'Heli' - I assume this is technically helicopter fuel. Question is - is whats the difference between 'heli' and car fuel? Is this stuff OK for my Savage (I read somewhere that Heli fuel runs cooler is that true?)
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Fuel Question
- Thread starter Burt25
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Normally, there's more oil content in heli fuel, to help keep the engine cooler in an enclosed canopy.
It will work for you, but you'll get a lot more smoke than you would with car fuel, so don't use that as a gauge for tuning. Also, helis run at a consistant RPM, and don't demand the starting torque off the line that a car or truck does, so your performance will also be down.
It's always best to break in your engine with the fuel you'll most likely be running.
It sounds like your LHS was just trying to make a sale. If you haven't opened it yet, take it back.
If that's all they have, you can order quarts on line without having to pay the hazmat fee for gallons.
It will work for you, but you'll get a lot more smoke than you would with car fuel, so don't use that as a gauge for tuning. Also, helis run at a consistant RPM, and don't demand the starting torque off the line that a car or truck does, so your performance will also be down.
It's always best to break in your engine with the fuel you'll most likely be running.
It sounds like your LHS was just trying to make a sale. If you haven't opened it yet, take it back.
If that's all they have, you can order quarts on line without having to pay the hazmat fee for gallons.
Coach Z
RCTalk Addict
I used about a gallon of 15% cool power heli that my LHS said to use when I got my LST2 and had a lot of tuning problems and the engine ran VERY hot. Some suggested that I switch to 20% odonnels and it dropped the temps by 50 degrees instantly without having touched the needles. Seemed odd to me that higher nitro content would lower temps but after seeing it in action I firmly believe that heli fuels doesn't belong in anything but helis.
As that may sound true, The oil content is really what helps to keep the engine cooler. Higher nitro content is what helps create more compression in your engine which in turn creates more useable power.
Stick to fuel that is made for your ride.
Stick to fuel that is made for your ride.
boody1981
RCTalk Champion
What is the link to this online fuel supplier. I buy it at my LHS for $50/gal. Thats HPI 30% nitro.
scoobydoo2u
RCTalk Addict
boody1981
RCTalk Champion
Jesus H really? I have not seen it for much less than that here in Manitoba. $40-49.99/gal.
Where else should I go??
Where else should I go??
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Wow, what a MAJOR rip off. Twice what any other hobby shop sells it for.
When you buy by the gallon, whether it's 1, a case of 4, or 100, you'll pay between $25 and $35 for a 'Hazardous Material' fee. (Hazmat)
Quarts don't have that fee, so you can order 4, and there's your gallon. All you're paying is shipping.
Higher nitro content does tend to make engines run cooler due to the faster evaporation when it mixes with air in the carburetor. Some people will argue that, but it's a fact.
When you buy by the gallon, whether it's 1, a case of 4, or 100, you'll pay between $25 and $35 for a 'Hazardous Material' fee. (Hazmat)
Quarts don't have that fee, so you can order 4, and there's your gallon. All you're paying is shipping.
Higher nitro content does tend to make engines run cooler due to the faster evaporation when it mixes with air in the carburetor. Some people will argue that, but it's a fact.
boody1981
RCTalk Champion
The LHS sells liters for about $12.99, so its cheaper to by the gallon and then you have it.
I would love to know where else I can get good nitro fuel for my Savage X.
name the brand, name the place and I'll order it.
I would love to know where else I can get good nitro fuel for my Savage X.
name the brand, name the place and I'll order it.
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If you can buy liters locally, go that route. Even though it costs a little more, you get what you need without paying for the shipping.
Do an on line search for RC nitro methane fuel, or brand names like 'Blue Thunder' or O'Donnels 20% and you'll find the sellers. Shop around, there's a big difference in prices.
Do an on line search for RC nitro methane fuel, or brand names like 'Blue Thunder' or O'Donnels 20% and you'll find the sellers. Shop around, there's a big difference in prices.