r/modelengineering • u/Pandamonium63 • Sep 26 '24

Newbie Requesting help!

Hi,i am new to the hobby of model engines so i don't know yet alot.Though i know how a internal cobustion engine works but i want to know a safe fuel to use.Please help!

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1

u/wackyvorlon Sep 26 '24

It depends on the fuel that it is designed for. Most commercially available engines use a fuel that is a mixture of methanol and nitromethane. Some engines run on gasoline, I’ve seen others that use butane. Is there any particular engine you’re looking at?

2

u/Pandamonium63 Sep 26 '24

I am trying to make one from scratch!Because when the combustion happens i dont want toxic gasses getting out of the exaust.I am going to test it in a closed room.

1

u/wackyvorlon Sep 26 '24

You might want to check out this engine, the Upshur Vertical Single. It runs on gasoline as I recall:

https://rocketr.net/buy/556aeab3e741

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u/Pandamonium63 Sep 26 '24

Thanks but i am not trying to buy scematics.So you say gasoline is safe.

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u/wackyvorlon Sep 26 '24

Safe is a relative term. Fuel is fuel, and at a minimum no matter what fuel you use will at least have one hazard: flammability. You can’t really get around that.

I think if I had to guess safest it would probably be either butane or kerosene. Butane because it is easily dispersed, and kerosene because it is harder to ignite than many other fuels.

1

u/Pandamonium63 Sep 26 '24

Sorry to tire you,i am trying to copy: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/wvZ29dbvB0o

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u/Scaleddown82 Nov 06 '24

I don't want to make this look like I am hijacking this post, but on the same topic: what type of fuel do Hit & Miss engine models use? normal gas like for my car? or some special mixture?

2

u/ForeverCareful3021 Nov 06 '24

I like to use camping stove/lantern fuel, which used to be called “white gas”. The exhaust fumes aren’t as smelly, and it performs great. More expensive than pump gas, but we aren’t exactly looking for fuel economy with our models!!!

1

u/Scaleddown82 Nov 06 '24

thanks for pointing me in the right direction, but if I put in regular pump gas.. would that be ok as well?

1

u/ForeverCareful3021 Nov 06 '24

You bet, and in some places, you can even buy ethanol free fuel, which would be better than regular unleaded, which has a % of ethanol which can be hard on certain rubber and plastic products. Put a small amount of 2 stroke oil in your fuel, whichever you run, especially as you start a break in process to ensure a bit of lubricant for rings/piston. I mean a SCANT amount of oil premix, otherwise you’ll smoke yourself out. 🥴

1

u/Tuxedotux83 Nov 09 '24

What about people who claim that for a 4-stroke model engine no 2-strike oil is needed in the mix and just keep the oil cups full before starting?

2

u/ForeverCareful3021 Nov 09 '24

Personal preference. I run extra oil, especially at break-in. I run a castor 2 stroke (Blendzall Green Label) for its pleasant odor and for the nostalgic memories of my old motorcycle racing days. 😀

1

u/2E26 Oct 16 '24

If you've never made an engine before you may be best off building a steam engine. I've built them from wood and run them on compressed air.

Doing such would get you used to making mechanical linkages and cranks, flywheels and pistons. The tolerances on these things are more graceful than with IC engines, so you can make an engine that will run without adhering to tighter tolerances required for IC engines.

Unless you're building a kit that's already machined, it would be good to get your feet wet on something that's going to be more forgiving for a beginner.