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Model Airplane Secrets eBook - Great for Beginners

Nitro Engines

Choosing the right nitro engines for your airplanes is very important. You need to know what engine will meet your needs, and your airplanes needs. Don't get to worried though; it is very easy to choose a great engine that is perfect for you. If you need help fixing your nitro engine, then visit my help page.

2-stroke vs. 4-stroke engines

Gas RC airplane engines are either 2 stroke or 4 stroke. Two stroke engines are cheaper and much easier to operate. They can also be faster then 4 strokes sometimes. Four stroke engines take less fuel, and offer a more realistic look and sound for your plane. Four strokes also provide much more torque then 2 stroke engines. I suggest beginners go with 2 stroke engines, so you can stay within your budget and start off slow.



Ball bearings or Bushings

The crankshaft on the engine can either be supported by ball bearings or bushings. If you don't mind spending the extra money for better quality, then the ball bearings are what you want. If you want to save a little money then the bushings are what you want.

Engine Classes

Before purchasing your new nitro powered engine, you need to know what size engine to get. The numbers after the name of the plane, like 40 or 60, refer to the size range of the engine the airplane needs. The number actually stands for the engines size in hundredths of a cubic inch. For example, if it says "forty" or "40", then you would need a .40 cubic inch engine.

Trainer airplanes fly great with a 40 class engine. More advanced flyers would want something in the middle, like a 65 class engine. If you are flying an aerobatic plane, then you would want the biggest engine possible, which will result in better maneuvers.

Taking Care of Your Engine

Below are a few tips to make sure you have longer engine life, and better flights. And, check out my nitro engines maintenance and tuning page for more detailed care tips and techniques.
  • Keep engine clean
  • Keep engine dry
  • After flying, use after-run engine oil
  • Use high quality fuel with proper amount of nitro methane and oil

Glow Plugs

Most nitro engines have a glow plug rather than a spark plug. For anyone who doesn't know, a glow plug will cause combustion by itself once the engine is running. That's why I recommend everyone get a glow engine, so you won't have to have an on-board battery or ignition system and flights will be easier.



Carburetor

The carburetor in nitro engines is very simple in comparison to real cars and airplanes. All nitro engine carburetors have a venturi to allow air in the engine, a needle valve to control the fuel flow and air mixture, and a rotating throttle barrel or valve to open and close the venturi.

It is important that you have the air-fuel mixture adjustment set correctly. If you consistently fly the engine with a lean setting (little fuel), you will damage your engine. Your engine comes with detailed instructions on the settings, and should be read before using the engine.

Fuel

Buying a good model airplane fuel for your nitro engine is important. What's in model airplane fuel? Model airplane fuel is made up of mostly methanol, a type of alcohol, with about 16-20% oil and 5-15% nitromethane (for increased power and acceleration).

Nitromethane is a fuel additive which increases a model engine's ability to idle low, and improves high speed performance. Ideal nitro content varies from engine to engine. Nitro content in fuel is indicated by the percent of the fuel.

Nitro Engines Book

2 Stroke Glow Engines
If you want a good beginner book on the subject of 2-Stroke Glow Engines , then I recommend this book. Very informative and helpful in fixing your engines.

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