ltllavey

what are the cons of putting an air cooled nitro car engine in a boat? would it overheat quickly? would you steer clear of doing so?

Ron Olson

My Feedback: (1)

It depends on which boat and which motor. I have several .12 powered boats that are running air-cooled car motors. My boats have a low enough profile on them so that getting air to the heads is no problem. I've even taken the top 3 fins off one motor because it cooled so well. The other good things in most boats is that we have cooler air and more air than a motor trapped inside of a Lexan body with a little hole in the windshield. As long as the motor isn't blocked from getting cool air, I see no problem.

laserflyer

I have a traxxas nitro vee with a air cooled dtx .18 in it and it runs great with no overheating[img][/img]

ltllavey

i would be running something very similar to laserflyer, a .16 air cooled megatech in a 30" custom shallow vee boat with all traxxas components, thank you both for the info very helpful and reassuring seeing as i already bought the motor.

Ron Olson

My Feedback: (1)

Keep in mind that some air-cooled motors are better in boats than others. From what I've found, the milder, lower cost motors seem to work better. I had to do a lot of work to find the right prop and the correct tuned pipe length.

ratpower396

with a buggy engine in there is it necessary to leave the hatch off while running for more airflow??

Ron Olson

My Feedback: (1)

You need the cool air not only for the head but for the carb. Warm or hot air can change your needle settings drastically. If you must run a cowling, open it up with some holes for plenty of air to enter and exit.