Diesel For model aircraft

[gpsnuts]

Hi,

I wonder if anyone in Singapore is using model diesel engine for their model?

[chiadennis]

Most people uses diesel engines for control lines only.

[gpsnuts]

Sorry I am not familiar with control line. Are there any specific requirements for the control line application? I believe, with simple mod, a diesel engine can be used in the regular RC aircraft. Any idea about the power to weight ratio? I wonder if there are comparable by the glow in term of power.

[chiadennis]

Sorry I am not familiar with control line. Are there any specific requirements for the control line application? I believe, with simple mod, a diesel engine can be used in the regular RC aircraft. Any idea about the power to weight ratio? I wonder if there are comparable by the glow in term of power.

I might be wrong but I think diesel cannot have throttle. That means you set at full throttle you cannot reduce. When we talk about diesel, we not referring to the diesel we get from the petrol station. Model engine diesel uses, kerosene, oil, ether and amynitrate. (Must check with Tony)
It does not use glow plug instead it uses compression to ignite the fuel. So unless you plan to use full power from start to end, diesel dont work for RC. Also the bigger your engine, the higher the compression torque.

[chiadennis]

BTW
Tony=Ghostfit

[gpsnuts]

I am not sure about this, but there are people who had converted their glow engine to the diesel engine. There are also commercially available diesel engine such as Enya.

I figure..if I can convert a glow engine to diesel engine, and save money from nitro. Why not? Probably the biggest incentive is the fuel consumption. It is much more fuel efficient like a petrol engine. So, you get to enjoy longer flight time with a small fuel tank. Of cause, the other part of the equation is to obtain the fuel for these engine.

[joe yap]

There are disadvantages as well. Ether and Amyl Nitrate are hard to find these days.

Also, our usual Mylar covering film like Monokote and Solarfilm are not diesel fuel proof. Polyester films liek Oracover and Solarkote are fine.

[chiadennis]

I am not sure about this, but there are people who had converted their glow engine to the diesel engine. There are also commercially available diesel engine such as Enya.

I figure..if I can convert a glow engine to diesel engine, and save money from nitro. Why not? Probably the biggest incentive is the fuel consumption. It is much more fuel efficient like a petrol engine. So, you get to enjoy longer flight time with a small fuel tank. Of cause, the other part of the equation is to obtain the fuel for these engine.

I admire you enthusiastic approach. I did this once while in school to convert my cox conquest from glow to diesel. You need a lathe machine to machine your compression piston. You might need to strengthen your con-rod, crank shaft and gudgeon pin to take the extra compression and not forgetting piston and cylinder fitting needs to be very good to prevent piston leak.

[gpsnuts]

There are saying "slow engine operates like a diesel engine". If the compression ratio of the glow engine is same or higher than the diesel engine, it is no need to modify the existing glow engine. Otherwise, no point spending the effort.

Are both Ether and Amyl Nitrate toxic substance? if there are, probably no chance getting them. I wonder what kind of kerosene fix for the model jet turbine?

[chiadennis]

There are saying "slow engine operates like a diesel engine". If the compression ratio of the glow engine is same or higher than the diesel engine, it is no need to modify the existing glow engine. Otherwise, no point spending the effort.

Are both Ether and Amyl Nitrate toxic substance? if there are, probably no chance getting them. I wonder what kind of kerosene fix for the model jet turbine?

My information on diesel engine is very old. I have not touch one of these baby for over 30 years.
Amyl nitrate is use to treat heart problem. I am not sure if those F2C guys are still using this or there better chemical?
ether is an anesthetic.
You can use kerosene from those DIY hardware store. Not sure if anybody ever try JetA1 fuel?

[chiadennis]

Oh yes don't forget oil too. I think it's castor oil.
sorry F2C guys, my knowledge very old. you guys have leaps and bounces with diesel fuel.

[msc]

I am not sure about this, but there are people who had converted their glow engine to the diesel engine. There are also commercially available diesel engine such as Enya.

I figure..if I can convert a glow engine to diesel engine, and save money from nitro. Why not? Probably the biggest incentive is the fuel consumption. It is much more fuel efficient like a petrol engine. So, you get to enjoy longer flight time with a small fuel tank. Of cause, the other part of the equation is to obtain the fuel for these engine.

Wow, people who thinks like us nuts are still around.......I converted my Super Tiger 2.5 glow to a diesel many, many years ago. Some of my buddy converted their Nelson glow to diesel also.
I think some did that to their Cox conquest also.

Glad to see that you are unfazed by the many challenges on your initiative to convert glow to diesel....Yes, go ahead and try.

Please keep us posted of your progress!

MS

[joe yap]

I read reports of converted diesel engine being knock-out by the increased compression ratios. Some glow engines are simply incapable of withstanding the increased stresses of diesel conversions.

[marzin]

Hi Guys!,

I had a chance to listen those control line diesel engines during the indoor
pylon race and the sound from those engines are very addictive !!

Even better den any nitro 4 strokes or gassers!

Would like to hear them again ! A RC plane with them would be heavenly !

ps .. Nelson how ar hehe

[Deedubya]

And don't forget the sweet smell of burnt castor oil. Ahhh the memories...

-David-