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How to Know If RC Fuel Is Bad

Gas-powered radio-controlled cars use a special blend of fuel commonly referred to as "glow fuel," which is a blend of methanol, oil and usually nitromethane. Methanol is an alcohol-based fuel which has natural properties that attract water -- a common glow fuel contaminant. Exposing glow fuel to direct light breaks down the nitromethane. Contaminated fuel is typically noticed when the engine will not start or runs erratically.

Things You'll Need

Empty container
Fresh fuel supply

Instructions

- 1
  Check to see if the car starts. If the car does not start, proceed to step 3.
- 2
  Check how the vehicle runs. If the car sputters or dies, proceed to step 3. If the car runs normally without sputtering or stalling, the fuel is not bad.
- 3
  Drain remaining fuel from car. Fuel should be drained and stored in a separate container clearly labeled "bad fuel".
- 4
  Determine if the fuel was stored properly. Proper storage includes a humidity-controlled environment and a location out of direct sunlight. Sunlight breaks down the nitromethane in the fuel.
- 5
  Examine the bottle of fuel for water drops on the sides of the container. Methanol attracts moisture. The moisture is pulled directly out of the air. Water drops are primary indicators of bad fuel. Discard the remaining fuel.
- 6
  Fill the car with fresh, non-contaminated glow fuel.

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