Do F2C fliers (and other racers who use diesels) still use Ferrocene? Goran's web site:

http://www.go-cl.se/fc.html

describes the effects of the stuff - apparently the ability to run at higher compressions and get more power. But he warns it's "a Racing thing" at the bottom of the page. Now.. one wonders, though, if modern non F2C 2BB AAC diesels (such as the Parra and the Fora Junior, the Fora 1.5cc and the Fora F2D Diesel) can make use of this stuff, again for added power. A friend in Singapore says also that Ferrocene makes engines (he didn't specify which) easier to start, I suppose if this were true you could still use it even if you don't increase compression to get the added power.

It's not particularly expensive. And I've got a new Fora Junior.

Iskandar

I hadn't heard or read about the stuff until now.
It appears to be a antiknock additive for vintage engines that were designed for leaded gasoline so they can use unleaded gasoline fuels.
I can see where it might be useful for some applications, but I know of no one using it though.
ref http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ferrocene

Not necessary Isky as the folks over at Barton have already suggested.

It's not all that hard to get but The Parra and Fora "sports" diesels run just fine without it.

I understood that it worked best in F2C integral linered AAC racing diesels only since only they can dissipate the extra heat generated through running so much compression..
Apparently they have to be stripped and the residual Fe compounds washed out after each practice session/racing day.

Your Fora Junior just isn't in the same league as the F2c engines, but you won't find starting to be a problem anyway. They're being used in Classic era team racers on ordinary Oliver Tiger brew.

If you like I can put you in touch with a very successful F2C team and you can ask them.

I presume that you've already found Lance Smith's excellent Classic FAI racing fuel page? He uses Fora Juniors.

See: http://web.me.com/flyingkiw1/Classic...ggestions.html


Ray

Ugh. Having to strip and wash the engine after each session would be a major turn-off, of course.

Still, an interesting subject. One wonders whether the stuff can dissolve in alcohol - run higher nitro in glows without detonation? Or stuff some in your car's petrol tank so you can use Regular instead of Premium?

Iskandar

Hmmmm..... Looking through the site mentioned:

http://web.me.com/flyingkiw1/Classic...N_and_DII.html

So it's THAT critical??? I suppose not for sport flying, though.

And apparently there's "good kerosene" and "bad kerosene"...

http://web.me.com/flyingkiw1/Classic...ggestions.html

Not sure where to find "Jet A" around here. Don't have any pilot friends (at least, none who fly jets).

Iskandar

Your local airport should have a Shell dealer. Take a 20L drum and ask for Jet A1. It's just normal fuel for Turbojets and Jets. Very common these days and often cheaper than the other sources.

In my club we use a light grey (dyed for identification) kero from a national Auto Spares store called "Super Cheap Auto". It's basically Jet A1. Various stuff is also put into kero for a variety of reasons which often doesn't help model diesels run well.. Your Singapore contact should be able to give you a rundown of useful brands.

Also see this rather meaty thread on Barton : http://controlline.org.uk/phpBB2/vie...+kero&&start=0

Ray

Unfortunately the only two "local airports" around here are of the big, international sort. There aren't any small, regional ones, though there are Ultralight fields (and they wouldn't have Jet A).

Just went looking for kerosene in the local hardware and paint shops around here. No luck AT ALL - the stuff used to be sold in all the little mom and pop stores, people used it for cooking and it was subsidized. Everyone's since switched to LPG.

Would turpentine make good diesel fuel??? That's available everywhere (though not cheap). I'll bet it'd gum up rather fierce..

Iskandar

Ordinary Auto (pump) Diesel works pretty well if you can get that.

Ray

You could try White Spirit (aka Mineral Spirit).

Pump distallate (automotive diesel fuel) will work pretty well, but your exhaust will be probably be black

FIERY I had run out of my favorite diesel brew ( Davis ABC mix) a while back, It was Sunday hardware store closed thus no kero, got some #2 at filling station having the rest of the stuff john deere ether, cetane booster amsoil, and caster and klotz syn oil made a small batch
Issue although ran ok, lots of smoke and black oil, pulled head lots of soot buildup on the head,think I had an idle issue too and not that instant pickup
on advancing throttle martin