Lack of Fuels in the UK

[DaveG]

I know the answer to this is lack of sales with the electric revolution but would like some clues from the shops or the importers of the various fuels which are in shortage as we seemed to be lumed with Optifuel or Model Technics and i don't much care for either of them.

Rapicon is out of stock at every outlet i can find
Coolpower is also out of stock at every outlet i can find
Byron Rotor Rage is also not very well stocked.
Magnum seems to no longer be brought into the country

So, it seems we are left with Opti'rustyourbearings'fuel or Model Technics Coptamix/Bekra or whatever it is...

[Gixxer]

I'm only guessing, and not trying to suggest that anyone loots their LHS but I don't think the shortage of Rapicon is due to an increase in demand.

I live in Ireland and the demand for Nitro fuel hasn't changed a great deal but Rapicon fuel is in very short supply and I have to shop at two different places now for 20% and 30%, and I'm actually thinking of a panic buy, in case the remaining stock levels are the last available.

I have no idea why such a great fuel would be in such short supply.

[DaveG]

Sorry to bring this thread back up but I'm on my last dregs of fuel and need to find a source before I make the harsh decision and change brands.

Current situation seems no different, all the brands are out of stock everywhere I look except Opti and MT.

Looking for Coolpower Heli 20% or Rapicon Heli 20% if anybody has a secret supplier they wish to let me know about?

Got about a weeks fuel left then it's make or break time, going to have to go Opti/Bekra/Coptamix. So thoughts welcome on those? Would like a fuel with an oil content higher than 18%.

Thanks in advance,
dave

[waveydavey]

I was the same as you Dave in hat i wouldn't use Opti as had loads of issues with rust and the following bearing failure, but Ive been using it for a while now as I can't obtain my usual tipple rapicon and I haven't had any issues with rust or bearing problems. I always make sure the carb is shut and that the pipe is sealed with a bung. Give it a go you might be surprised

[David Drew]

What's wrong with MT?

[tonystevens]

if your worried about rust just fit a stainless bearing, problem solved

[jwatts007]

I have only ever used Optifuel and I just got another couple of boxes...I dont close the carb or run the engine dry and I have no fuel related engine problems I think it is a very good fuel and is always available at a decent price....

[Stuart]

Been using this since last year....

Adrenaline RC VP 23.5% Heli Low Visc 23% Oil US Gallon

[pchristy]

I'm trying to remember how long I've had that Agusta 109 (the 4-blader) that many of you will have seen at Charmouth or other "do's". It must be well over 5 years now. The engine is an ancient OS46FX that has never been removed from the Agusta in all the time I've had it, has never needed adjustment, and recently started first time after 6 months in storage. And its only ever been run on Bekra 16!

I rest my case!

PS: Bear in mind that with MT fuels you get a genuine imperial gallon (4.55 litres), whereas US fuels are a US gallon (only 3.55 litres!). I have a feeling that Opti are either an imperial gallon or 5 litres - not sure which. Remember this when comparing prices......!

[JoeBailey]

Opti is 5 litres, if you want 20% oil use the opti 4stroke version, im 99% sure its 20% oil

Sent from my SM-T315 using Tapatalk

[Stuart]

I used Rapicon for years but it seems to have dried up completely I always prefer a high % oil content. Not bothered if its UK or US or Asian Fuel as long as its runs smooth and has good cooling.

I believe the % for some are based on weight and not measured as others do so you are never comparing apples for apples.

[Jamin_00]

When I flew nitro back in the day I used Model Technics as they are local to me and they never gave any issues at all. I think it was Coptamix 20% I used but may be wrong.

I had never used Optifuel but pretty much everyone else at the club did

[pchristy]

I'm not sure why there is this fixation with 20% oil! That is something that dates from the times when we were all running castor oil. With modern synthetics you don't need so much oil - and remember that each additional 1% of oil is also 1% less fuel!

When Bekra came out at first it was 15% oil (IIRC). They only increased it to 18% because OS insisted that they wouldn't entertain warranty claims if the engine had been run on less than 18%. The only difference the increase made was that there was more residue left on the models after flying......

Bekra also contains a blend of oils, because synthetics tend to have a narrower operating temperature range than castor. Although Klotz makes up the bulk of the oil, there are other synthetics in there too that will take over when the engine is outside the operating range of Klotz. The ultimate high temperature one makes a terrible smell (like burning rubber!) when it starts to break down, and gives a further useful indication that your engine is about to destroy itself.......!

[nightstalker]

One fuel everyone is forgetting about and it's been out for years and there is loads of stock at LHC and it's cheaper than all others. Is Wildcat fuel I use 30% 3D LV with 22% oil it's just under £19 a gallon. Have been using this fuel for over 15 years and never had problems and also stock always there

[robgt]

I believe the issue with imported fuels is the change in customs charges for nitro, making it very expensive to import.
Luckily, we have Optifuel... a British brand made in the UK :-)

Cheers,
Rob