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All Forums >> Glow Engines, Gas Engines, Fuel & Mfg Support Forums >> RC Fuels >> How cold can you fly
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How cold can you fly - 9/22/2002 7:02:34 AM   
TomM



Posts: 285
Joined: 8/13/2002
From: Boyertown, PA, USA
Status: offline 		Thinking ahead- I hope I can fly for another 2-3 months, but just in case the cold spell starts....
How does glow fuel hold up in the 30's. Any tips for starting a cold engine with cold fuel.

Tom
       Post #: 1

How cold can you fly - 9/22/2002 7:33:15 AM   
4*60


 

Posts: 1263
Joined: 3/10/2002
From: Blind Bay, BC, CANADA
Status: offline 		We fly at 10 deg. F and even colder so 30 F shouldn't be a problem. With a starter the engine should start. We fly of skis every winter.

(in reply to TomM)
       Post #: 2

How cold can you fly - 9/22/2002 7:51:46 AM   
TomM



Posts: 285
Joined: 8/13/2002
From: Boyertown, PA, USA
Status: offline 		Excellent news.Thanks
I'll be able to fly off of the frozen lakes at that temp.

(in reply to TomM)
       Post #: 3

COLD WEATHER FLYING - 9/22/2002 8:16:14 PM   
MECHANIC


 

Posts: 25
Joined: 2/23/2002
From: Eastern PA
Status: offline 		I have found that lighter fluid is good for loosening up cold engines. A few drops in the intake will get a cold engine freed up. It sometimes helps to add a couple of ounces of lighter fluid to a gallon of fuel. Coleman fuel is the same stuff and is a lot cheaper. It is basically naptha and will mix with the fuel OK.
Clarence Lee has tried putting a metal shield around the cylinder fins of the engine. This reduces the cylinder cooling from the cold air blasting thru the fins. he seems to think that it works.
Batteries don't do well in the cold, either. I recommend the large NiCad starter with 4000 MAH rating and keep it in your pocket so it stays a little warmer until you need it on the engine.

Regards, Duane

(in reply to TomM)
       Post #: 4

Cold? - 9/23/2002 2:51:36 AM   
Ernie Misner


 

Posts: 3124
Joined: 7/5/2002
From: Tacoma, WA, USA
Status: offline 		From what I have read the main problem will be keeping the glow plug lit, such as at idle, in cold conditions. Starting could be a problem also. The usual recommendations in cold weather is to increase the nitro content and perhaps use less shims in the head. A hot type glow plug may help also. The real answer if you like to fly in the winter is probably a glow driver.

Ernie (rpm14k@aol.com)

(in reply to TomM)
       Post #: 5

How cold can you fly - 10/12/2002 3:00:55 AM   
Dave Harmon


 

Posts: 105
Joined: 7/23/2002
From: Sperry, OK, USA
Status: offline 		The answer to the cold starting problems etc. is propylene oxide. In years past, that stuff was added to mfg fuel but these days I am pretty sure it is not used because of it's cost. You can add 2oz per gallon of fuel and I guarantee that will get you started. I usually pay $5 a pint at your friendly drag race shops that sell nitro etc. It has a unique, pleasant and undescribable smell that you won't forget.

_____________________________

Mix Your Own Fuel....It's Easy!

(in reply to TomM)
       Post #: 6

How cold can you fly - 10/12/2002 9:27:19 AM   
rsieminski



Posts: 1406
Joined: 4/24/2002
From: Sarasota, FL, USA
Status: offline 		Acetone, up to 5%, will make for easier starts, and keep the glow plug going, and is cheaper and easier to get than propylene oxide.


_____________________________

Tons of new content on my site:
[link]http://mywebpages.comcast.net/webmaster01/[/link]

(in reply to TomM)
       Post #: 7

How cold can you fly - 10/25/2002 6:59:11 PM   
bdtsr


 

Posts: 1447
Joined: 9/3/2002
From: Egg Harbor Twp., NJ, USA
Status: offline 		Put the plane on the front seat of the car and direct a vent to the engine for a couple of minutes before flying. This will bring the temp up enough for easy starting. As mechanic stated the lighter fluid works very well. With a good electric starter and 15% fuel, I don't have any problems. For the past 3 years I have been the first to fly in the snow at our club, going for 4 yrs in a row now! Of course we also have a heated building!

(in reply to TomM)
       Post #: 8

Cold here in Canada eh? - 10/26/2002 8:03:51 AM   
J roc



Posts: 227
Joined: 4/23/2002
From: Thunder Bay, ON, CANADA
Status: offline 		I have flown in below zero weather (dont ask me why) but the hardest part Is starting for the first flight. Best thing Ive found is a small propane torch to warm up the cylinder head. Four cycle engines are much harder to start in the cold. Battery capacity of course will be less.

(in reply to TomM)
       Post #: 9

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