Running on alcohol

[Gru734]

Is it possible to run the TRX 3.3 engine off of a mixture of alcohol and oil?

[dgechrgr469]

Is it possible to run the TRX 3.3 engine off of a mixture of alcohol and oil?

Based on my knowledge of auto engines I would think 100% methanol would make it hard to start and decrease the power substantially because of the lower btu content. You might consider 5 to 10% nitro to alleviate this. On an auto engine you could change timing and rejet the carb or increase injector size or timing to overcome this, not something easily done on a two stroke engine.

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[Gru734]

Ok thanks! That answers my question.

[CarGuy7a]

All Nitro RC fuel is methanol based already with added nitro for these small engines to have power and 2 cycle lubricant for well (lubrication). Just straight methanol and 2 cycle oil, no it wouldn't work there isn't enough engine displacement for it to work correctly.

[Vevage]

Probably won't work. The plug is kept hot by catalytic action of methanol on the platinum element.

[stampedejim]

Probably won't work. The plug is kept hot by catalytic action of methanol on the platinum element.

It can be done. I've done it. 75%methanol and 25% Castrol Benol racing castor. I had a TRX 2.5R (T-Maxx)engine that lasted through 15 gallons of it before it wore out. You need a hot plug. In my Nitro Sport Used this fuel but it ran inconsistently (due to the low performance design of the Pro 15) so I switched to Omega 15% airplane fuel. It runs like a champ now.