Nitro Noob needs advice on fuel

[Eckchaz]

I've done search's on here and other forums but cant seem to find a answer i'm after. There was a post on here back in 2008 but it went off topic and again no definate response.

I've just "run in" my 55H on 4 tanks of coolpower 20%. but have a few questions as I'm going to change fuels. I dont want to start another debate, as I know everyone has there own favourites.

Two things.
1, The Coolpower is a good fuel, thats why I brought it dispite the price but I hate the amount of smoke it chucks out.. its like a thick fog! Whats a good fuel thats LOW smoke on the market?
2, I'm only 4 months in on this hobby and still learning to fly, So I think im wasting the 20% mix. Now should I go to 15% or just 10/12%?

I've read alot of pro's for optifuel and on wildcat as its cheap.. So I'll probably get one.. but which fuel has less smoke?

[Jamin_00]

I use Model Technics 20% copta mix as well as a few others down the field and I cant see any difference between that and any other brand down the field inc the popular optifuel.

I have never tried any other myself but to me what I have seen there is very very minor differences

[rapidgaz]

think both opti and wild cat give out simular smoke, i have used both and did not see any differance. dont think i would go any lower than 15%. but thats just me.

[Steve]

The nitro/oil produces the smoke. If you want less smoke then you should consider a lower nitro content. The clouds of fog fade into insignificance once you're tearing around the sky.

[derrick]

Opti 12% is all you need been using it for a year now had no issues, and most people at the club are all using it at differant percentages and all think it's good.

[waveydavey]

Eddie my friend your engine won't be run in with 4 tanks of coolpower just hovering around. It needs a gallon or two at least. You need to build heat up in the engine otherwise it's gonna glaze and it'll never produce the power it should. Stick with 20 %, you can drop to 15% but you'll not notice any difference really except for a few quid. The Align 55 is a performance engine and needs to be throttled mate. Both the fuels you mention are very good and will give you what you need. I struggled with rear bearings on Optifuel and Wildcat was as good as any other. I'll say it now and I'll probably say it again stick with a fuel you can get readily and that works for you. AVA hobbies hold or can supply both Coolpower and Optifuel. I use Rapicon and have found a very good priced fuel that is easy on the engine, a bit smoky and stinks a bit. But hey it's cheap!

[p4ddy]

Funny that, sounds like a 350LC engine......Has to be hammered hard or it just cakes up & performs like a Puch Maxi lol

[smokingtommy]

all fuel is about the same really some have more caster oil than others ,as to it smoking a lot this will calm down some after you break the engine in a bit more and start to lean it out ,as at the moment its proberly running rich and drinking the tank of fuel quite fast .at 4 tanks you could turn it in a few clicks now (just keep a eye on the base plate you should be able to hold your finger on it for 30sec with ease ) leaning it will ease the amount of smoke
as to changing to differant fuel this will not be a problem 10% will be fine for just hovering and doing 8s and will proberly prolong the life of the engine.As to lets say using 30% and blowing the engines brains out flight after flight

[waveydavey]

A Puch Maxi, you must be as old as me, was yours purple?

[Eckchaz]

Eddie my friend your engine won't be run in with 4 tanks of coolpower just hovering around. It needs a gallon or two at least. You need to build heat up in the engine otherwise it's gonna glaze and it'll never produce the power it should. Stick with 20 %, you can drop to 15% but you'll not notice any difference really except for a few quid. The Align 55 is a performance engine and needs to be throttled mate. Both the fuels you mention are very good and will give you what you need. I struggled with rear bearings on Optifuel and Wildcat was as good as any other. I'll say it now and I'll probably say it again stick with a fuel you can get readily and that works for you. AVA hobbies hold or can supply both Coolpower and Optifuel. I use Rapicon and have found a very good priced fuel that is easy on the engine, a bit smoky and stinks a bit. But hey it's cheap!

Thanks Dave, I didnt know AVA done Opti, thought it was just Coolpower. I do find it very smokey compared to what I saw up the club?

I know my 55 isnt properly bedded yet.. but thought changing fuel now and tinkering with it with the new fuel to get it running right! I didnt know it would glaze if I didnt cane it.. will give it more full throttle next time I'm at the field. I could off had a bad crash today. The little screw on the tail pitch came lose fell off and one of the tail blades wasnt working, luckily it was only a few inch's off the floor and not 30-40m and I noticed its odd behaviour and landed it!

I'f I used one of the stunt modes set at 85-100%.. will this help.. or do I need to run a 0-100% throttle and use the full range to help bed it?

[waveydavey]

The engine needs to work Eddie, not cained just loaded. You need heat, next time your hovering do so for a couple of minutes land and feel the backplate with your finger, you should be able to hold it in place for in excess of 10 seconds. If it feels hot and you can't hold your finger there without it burning then it needs richening up. The trouble with hovering is it doesn't create much airflow so will need to run a little richer than flying about.

In fairness you'll probably not notice the difference between an engine that hasn't been run in properly or one that has. I don't think AVA hold it in stock but Alastair will get it for you, of course you can order it yourself.

[Eckchaz]

Ive been running ungoverned 0-100% linear. I'm hovering and then decent power climbs to about 30-40 meters a few time and then landing to check to backplate, it is still running rich and im slowly leaning it out 2-3 clicks at a time.. but the tail failed and I had to pack up and go home!

OK, I'll drop a line to Alastair and take it from there!

Thanks for all your reponses again.. a very friendly place thats helping along great!