Barry Burton

Hi all I have recently bought an unrun DAMO FS 218 18cc F/S horizontally opposed twin. Has anyone out there any experience of running one of these, with especial regard to the fuel. The makers recommend 94% methanol, 5% nitromethane, 1% castor and in caps "VERY IMPORTANT: USE PHARMACEUTICAL QUALITY CASTOR OIL ONLY". I am a bit worried about using only 1% oil, even though the engine was originally claimed to require only the lubrication properties inherent in methenol, there is no crankcase breather so any large increase in oil content mary cause problems. Any ideas welcome Regards Barry

  Thanks all for your advice,   I usually use Model Technics D2000 for my diesel sport models and put up with the mess.  As I am about to start work on an RC scale Albatros D11 probably to be powered by an upright Olly Tiger Major (360deg ports) I thought it might be useful to do without the gunge - hence my query.   I have been using synthetic oil based fuels in my glow engines for the last few years and have been pleased with the far cleaner models that have resulted, but have never heard of it being used for diesels.   The remarks about buying diesel ingredients from local chemists are all too true, fortunately ether and ignition retardents are still available at shows from the fuel sellers.   Thanks again'   Barry Burton

  My choices are  #1   Gloster Gamecock  -  the most characterful bipe of all time - and no ARTF or kit  available.   #2   Junkers 88 nightfighter - again no ARTFs or kits.   #3   Gloster Javelin  (EDF)  -  lots of area, large intakes and a great looker.   PS could any prop driven designs be available for both ic and electric

Hi All,   For the first time in many years I am going to build a diesel powered RC scale model and would appreciate details of any fuel formulae (ancient or modern) that reduces the gungy oily exhaust residue.   I would like to use a synthetic oil but am unsure of the ratio required and whether it would mix ok with the other basic ingredients (ether and paraffin); also I would like to replace the paraffin with a cleaner burning alternative.   If I remember correctly, in the fifties ED Universal fuel smelt completely different to the other ready mixed brands (Mercury, Frog, Mills etc), but I can't recall if it ran any cleaner.   Any advice welcome   Barry Burton

 I have now had my OS 55AX returned from Ripmax who replaced the Cylinder/ Piston Assembly and rear ball race - no comment as to cause of problem. I have not yet had a chance to run the engine, I will re-install it in the ever faithful Dactyl, replacing the temporarily installed Irvine 53 - a very nice engine but 1000 revs down on the OS using the same prop/fuel/silencer.

I too have the problem with my OS 55AX cutting out after a few minutes max speed running. I have been using it since early Spring and until recently have been full of praise for it. It is mounted as a pusher in a Dactyl turning an 11x8 prop and running on Irvine Mix fuel (10% nitro 18% synthetic, containing 2% castor). The model is close to 40 years old and has had engines ranging from a Merco 35 to a Rossi 65, all with the tank in the same position. I have checked for air leaks and fuel debris but can find none. I am wondering If the problem is caused by the asymetrical head causing heat distortion in the cylinder liner, particually as in the pusher configueration there is not the same airflow other the head, as in the tractor layout.The first flight of the day is usually OK.  Until I came accross this forum item I did not realise that anyone else had experienced this problem.