Fuel questions

[njsipes]

Hey all,

I'm just getting into nitro RC and am getting a Savage X 4.6 just as soon as I can. Here's my questions:

1) Should I always run the same brand and percentage? Is it bad to switch?
2) Shelf life of fuel? (2 months...4 months...?)
3) I was told that "Power Master Master Basher" would be a good brand. It's 20% nitro and 14% oil.

 

[BamaFan]

1) You can ask 10 people and you will get 10 different answers. So my answer is no you can switch fuel but will have to retune.
2)I have fuel over a year old that I still use if stored properly and never ever leave the lid open or fuel in your fuel tank.
3)20% with 14% oil won't do your savage justice. I would run min 25% with min of 11% oil content. I never run less than 11% oil content. Once again 10 people 10 different answers. You will be fine will the 20% but I personally run 30% with 11% oil. I have engines with 10 plus gallons through them.

 

[njsipes]

Thanks for your input BamaFan. I'll definitely look into the higher nitro content. Wow! Fuel that's a year old?! How/where do you store yours? I was just thinking out in the garage on my workbench. I guess that leads me into another question: how do you know when your fuel has gone bad? Will the engine cut off when you're running it?

 

[BamaFan]

I keep mine in the bottom of my closet. I don't keep it where humidity will be a factor. Yeah pretty much once your fuel has gone bad you will lack performance or it won't stay running. I would say 1 to 1 1/2 years shelf life is pretty much pushing it though. I have about 1/2 gallon left I need to burn up before it does go bad. Long as my cars hold a tune and idle and run well though I will keep running it. I'm still getting great smoke and holding solid tunes so I'm not too worried about it.

 

[njsipes]

Cool, thanks again. Ill be keeping my fuel indoors foresure then.