Fuel Queries

[eggwhisk]

Hi all.

I have just taken delivery of my first engine (Jetcat P70) and am planning to run it on a test stand tomorrow. I have a question about fuel and hope you may be able to help.

I can't get hold of any JetA until next week, so was wondering if there is any commonly available alternative I could use. Would paraffin from B&Q be ok? If so, is there any particular type I need?

Thanks for your help.

[ronmeister]

Propane and Butane.

[djindivik]

Hiya Eggwisk, was it successfull ?
I'm in exactly the same position that you are in. Just bought my first jet, P70, & am bustin' to fire it up. Have you got 5% turbine oil in the fuel ? The 'no smell greenhouse paraffin from B&Q is ok, from the gardening section. While you are there get some 'BernzOmatic' Butane / propane 70/30 mixed gas, from the tool coraal. you will need a top valve/adaptor from motors & rotors. Good luck & i hope you have a successfull run. What TX are you using ? I'm having trouble with my FF9, but thats just me. Again, good luck. Ray

[eggwhisk]

Ray

Thanks for your response. I used 'Gosystem' propane/butane gas from B&Q, and while I was there grabbed some 'Parasene' heating oil. I got some Mobil Jet Oil from Motors & Rotors and mixed that to 5%.

I had completely forgotten just how awesome these things are! I built a test stand from some MDF and pine plank and bolted the engine to that. I then clamped the board to the garden table. The manual supplied with the engine was actually out of date and so when I went to prime the fuel lines, it wouldn't work if I followed the instructions set out in the manual (incidentally, the latest manual can be downloaded from the JetCat USA website). However, I decided to just hit 'go' and see what happened- no problems. The first start I aborted... because I was a wuss. The second start I was more comfortable, and gave it a good run with no troubles. I just wish I could delete the 'aborted starts' figure from the ECU!

I am using a 14mz radio and had no problem with setup. The ECU makes everything so simple. I did have an FF9 and remember it quite well, let me know if I can help.

Thanks for your help.

Jon

Woops, forgot. Can anyone suggest a way of preventing the gas escaping when I'm done filling the start tank? Also, the quick disconnect items that came with the engine seem to be two different types (the manual was unclear); I have smaller brass ones and larger silver ones. Both seem to fit the quick disconnect sockets ok, but is there a 'correct' one? What are the others for? Thanks.

[newb flyer]

hi,

Im new to airplanes and some told me at the club that you could but anything that burns (butain propain carosien gas diesel....) as long as you but 10% engine oil and you wont damage the engine.

this didnt sound right to me is this true????

[eggwhisk]

The manual for the P70 states 5% oil mixed in the fuel. I am unaware whether other engines need 10%.

Yeah, I gather turbines will run on pretty much anything that can be vaporised, and aren't that fussy... but when you've invested a sizeable chunk of money in an engine... :rolleyes:

I believe that Propane/butane is only used for startup as it is already in a gaseous state, and the engine isn't capable of vaporising liquid fuel at low RPM's or lower temps. Correct me if I'm wrong please.

[newb flyer]

I believe that Propane/butane is only used for startup as it is already in a gaseous state, and the engine isn't capable of vaporising liquid fuel at low RPM's or lower temps. Correct me if I'm wrong please.

sounds about right to me. but what amazed me is that he was putting all kind of junk in his 3000$ motor and i saw him mix his fuel once at the field and did everything by eye he just took a tub of this old diesle stuff and just poored some oil in it and said that doing it by eye was good enought. But couldnt old oil/gas that has all kinds of inpurities damage the turbin?

(you can tell im new at this lol)

[eggwhisk]

I'm new to this too! I know that diesel/gasoline is not as refined as Jet A1 so I would (hopefully correctly) assume that it has more impurities. However, a decent fuel filter should prevent the majority of imperfections from reaching the engine I would have thought. As for mixing oil by eye... hmmmm, I wouldn't risk it. I suppose too much oil would prevent a decent burn and too little would knacker the bearings. I am no master at this, only a noob in fact, but I like to do some reading up before buying anything.

[newb flyer]

humm that might be why his planes smokes like hell. he doesnt even use smoke there is so much smoke that comes out of that jet you wouldnt belive it. (extremly anoying when he smokes the whole pit area up :@.
eggwhisk i think your right he must have too much oil and its not burning so it smokes.

learn somthin everyday

[norite]

I wonder if they'll run on veggie oil, like Diesel engines can.....? :rolleyes:

[newb flyer]

I wonder if they'll run on veggie oil, like Diesel engines can.....? :rolleyes:
I dont know, i dont recomend trying it with your motor. I mean it would be an expensive way to lear somthing in my opioin

steve

[B58]

I suggest you fellows email the manufacturer of your turbines before you decide to burn anything other than filtered jeta or k1. The fuel needles are quite small, easily plugged, and that is a bad thing. Also, the bearings are ceramic and need the specified lube. Too much will coke the combustion chamber and cause problems, as will diesel. Too little will burn them up. Your friend that is just mixing by eye is on borrowed time with his engine. Just 2 cents worth from me, take it or leave it. Come over to RC Universe and read the threads.

[newb flyer]

I suggest you fellows email the manufacturer of your turbines before you decide to burn anything other than filtered jeta or k1. The fuel needles are quite small, easily plugged, and that is a bad thing. Also, the bearings are ceramic and need the specified lube. Too much will coke the combustion chamber and cause problems, as will diesel. Too little will burn them up. Your friend that is just mixing by eye is on borrowed time with his engine. Just 2 cents worth from me, take it or leave it. Come over to RC Universe and read the threads.

Hey im not saying its a good idea actually i think its kinda dumb. i mean that alot of mony i have tolde him that as a bare minimum he should measure the oil/fuel ratio but i dont think he really cares (just too much $$$$ i guess)

[charlieoneseven]

There is no known cure for stupid. Glad your not going to follow his example. Most of us don't throw good $ away.