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What is a glow engine?
R/C models are powered in a variety of ways. Sailplanes and Gliders, for example, need no power source other than mother earth. Nearly all R/C vehicles, aircraft, boats and helicopters use Engines to propel them into action.
Most nitro R/C models use a 2- or 4-stroke glow engine. Typically, they range in displacement from .049 cu. in. to 1.2 cu. in. (80cc to 20cc) but can be smaller or larger.
Glow engines require a special fuel, called “glow fuel.” It contains methanol as the base, with varying amounts of nitromethane to increase the energy that the fuel can provide. Oil, pre-mixed into the fuel, lubricates and protects your engine. This is where our After Run oil Can add protection to your fuel system.
Two-Stroke vs. Four-Stroke
Many R/C models give you the option of installing a 2-stroke OR a 4-stroke glow engine. How do you know which is best?
Two-Stroke simply means that the engine “fires” (ignites the fuel in its combustion chamber) with every revolution of the piston. They’re a good place for new nitro modelers to start. Two-strokes are easier to operate, less vulnerable to problems if misused, and deliver more power for their size and weight.
Note: The engine’s carburetor supplies the fuel and air needed for combustion. A rotating throttle arm controls the AMOUNT of fuel and air that enters the combustion chamber. The high-speed needle valve controls the MIX or proportions of fuel vs. air at mid- to high-speeds. The idle mixture screw is similar to the high-speed needle valve, except that it controls the mix of fuel and air when the engine is only idling. When you’ve adjusted the high-speed and idle mixtures properly, your engine should operate smooth and steady throughout its speed range.
Four-Stroke
engines fire once with every two revolutions. They consume less fuel, sound more realistic, and provide more torque — but cost more, are harder to adjust and require more maintenance. 
How does a glow engine work?
Most glow engines have a simple ignition system that uses a glow plug rather than a spark plug — so there’s no coil, magneto or points. The glow plug is heated by a battery-operated glow starter; meanwhile, the modeler uses a recoil starter, Electric 12V Starter or Starter Box to turn over the engine. When fuel enters the combustion chamber, it’s ignited by the heated glow plug 
— the engine now running, instantly gaining the momentum to continue running after any starter accessories are removed.
electric start |
Start box |
recoil start |
|---|
How do I care for a glow engine?
Take good care of your engine from day one, it will reward you with a long life of optimum performance.
- Keep your engine clean.
- Keep your engine dry.
- Use an after-run engine oil.
- Use a fuel that contains at least the amount of oil recommended by the engine manufacturer.
- Use fuel with the proper percentage of nitromethane, as recommended by the engine manufacturer.
Unlike the above R/C airplanes engines, cars and trucks come in a fairly narrow range of sizes — the most popular choices are 1/10 scale and 1/8 scale. So it’s not surprising that there are also fewer different engine sizes to consider when you set out to equip your R/C vehicle. The 1/10 scale models most often use .10, .12, .15 or .18 cubic inch engines. Drivers of 1/8 scale machines use a .21 to .30 cubic inch displacement.
Boat engine
Boat Engine has a water cooled head.