ppkk

How does this engine perform (power, reliability, etc.)?

http://www.hobbypeople.net/gallery/211280.asp

combatpigg

My Feedback: (3)

The performance is adequate for sporty flying but at $50, they might wear out a little fast. If you're the kind of guy who only puts in 10 flighta a year, it wont seem to matter.....but if you like to put in 10 flights a day, different story. Always run them with castor oil. I've never, ever seen anyone use too much castor. IIRC, some FOX fuel is 28% castor.

Andrew

Quality control is spotty at best. Most engines ship full of junk, so dis-assemble and clean thoroughly. They can be quite leaky; check all screws for tightness. I usually replace the cylinder screws with socket head screws that extend below the crankcase flange. If I ever snap one off, then I can back it out from the bottom. The needle valves do not have a tight thread fit; Slip a piece of fuel tubing over needle valve and either run it up tight against the throttle arm nut or over it. If I pull the carb body, I usually replace the carb O-ring with a silicone doughnut cut from a piece of fuel tubing. It is softer and will conform and seal better. Toss the aluminum head shim and replace it with an aftermarket copper shim. I'm convinced that OEM head shim is theprimarycontributor to leaks around the plug. The muffler end cap is a loose fit and can separate in flight. I usuallydecidewhat directionI want the exhaust stinger to point and JB Weld theendcap to the muffler. The throttle stop screw serves no real purpose and can be removed set your throttle throw withyour servo endpoints.

Even though bushed, the crank had side play out of thebox each one I've seen,so a good percentage of castor oilwill help maintain seal and slowwear.

Towerhad shown them as discontinued and no longer liststhe engine at all. Hobbypeople may be selling off remaining stocks, soif you want one, I would suggest pulling the trigger.

andrew

ppkk

Thanks for the replies - I think I'll stay clear of this one!

combatpigg

My Feedback: (3)

mission accomplished [8D]

If you want to fly 1/2A, seek out a Norvel.

Andrew

Yeah - they built a better mousetrap and everybody beat a path to their door. Then they locked the door.

ppkk

Speaking of Norvel, Ihave noticed SIG has some inventory of larger 0.4 sized engines on hand. IknowNorvel's smaller engines are great (if you can find one), but how to thelarger one compare to others out there?

http://www.sigmfg.com/cgi-bin/dpsmar...FV4.html?E+Sig

Bipe Flyer

The Norvel .25 and .40 are just like the little ones.  Light and powerful.

Bipe Flyer

Ain't that the truth?

Nikolas K

I have 2 such engines. I have been running the one for about a year now. It is reliable, good idler, responsive and powerful. And I have to mention that I broke it in with totally synthetic oil. I do not know whethe it will be durable enough or not however. It seems to be an AAN combination, although they mention "true  ABC construction". This must be the lie behind this engine. This may affect its durability in time, but never mind, it costs only 45 euro! 

smoknDave

I've also been running one for about a year.  It took a little time to break it in.  But, it starts easy and idles well now.  I use Fox missle mist with a bit of extra castor added.  Checking all the screws is sound advice.  I had trouble with the carb screws coming loose because I didn't check them.

Dave

combatpigg

My Feedback: (3)

Man, you guys who've been running your APs for the last year......at 4 ozs per hour I come up with about 200 gallons burned in that amount of time, [allowing for some eating, sleeping, changing glow plugs, etc.] [X(]