RCU Forums - View Single Post - Problems caused by overpropping a 4-stroke
Old 12-03-2002 | 06:43 PM
  #23  
Sport_Pilot's Avatar
Sport_Pilot
 
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 16,916
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
From: Acworth, GA
Default Problems caused by overpropping a 4-stroke

How it responds to nitro depends on the compression ratio. If it is not responding it may be detonating. It matters not if it is supercharged. AA fuel dragsters have been running superchargers and 100% nitro for years, but their total compression ratio is below 5 to 1. Recently the NHRA has banned 100% nitro because of the large number of engines blowing up. The ignition technology has allowed the mixture to get so rich and so much fuel poured into the cylinders that the engines can literally explode. This isn't just the blower blowing up from a backfire or detonation, just the mixture getting too rich and the ignition firing at the wrong time. They must now use a minimum of 10% methanol. The number of engines blown up has been greatly reduced.