Diesel Engine
 

Hi i don't know if this is the right forum to ask in but, i have a SIG "Cloud Ranger" and it says that i can use between a .049-.061 glow engine and i was wondering about the diesel engines and how they compare to the glow engines. I've heard good and bad about them: You don't need to replace glow plugs, they can spin a bigger prop, but they don't run good in cold temperatures. I live in Utah so it gets pretty cold sometimes and the elevation makes it so i need more power to fly. So would a glow engine work better for me or should i try to find a Diesel? Also who makes good diesel or glow engines? Im kinda new to glow powered park flyers so i can use all the info that i can get. Thanks

RE: Diesel Engine
 

I fly a lot of diesel. My advice is go glow unless you have a friend who regularly flies diesels. Very few people in the USA fly diesels or know very much about them. You will have to order fuel (which I do) or make your own, which I don't recommend (although I have done it). As far as power goes, diesels work fine in the cold and pretty well at altitude. With a glow engine you can run a higher nitromethane content fuel and get more power at altitude. It is just simply going to be much easier to get set up and to get help with a glow engine. (Wonder why I posted here rather than on the diesel forum?;))

RE: Diesel Engine
 

company called PAW makes diesels. also check MECA web site & Davis Diesel. both make conversion kits for glow to diesel. diesels can run much longer on a given amount of fuel, swing bigger props than the same glow size & ( once started ) are fairly easy to adjust. if you have limited space to install a powerplant & need to move a large prop, diesels will work well.
they are not popular in the US for a number of reasons but some negatives are; fuel is harder to obtain contains ether & is very evaporative , neccesitating storage in small quantities. Diesels STINK when they run-- bad, in many peoples opinion. they also throw out a lot of very nasty exhaust that eats all but the most durable finishes, also you will need different fuel lines in EVERYTHING as glow fuel tubing is not compatible. you will need to clean the engine interior after a full season of running.

RE: Diesel Engine
 

If you want the only book available on model aircraft diesels see http://www.cafes.net/doctordiesel/