Engine Conversion
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RE: Engine Conversion
not likely the engine is to heavy and does not put out enough rpm or torque if you think a bigger prop will work it will never make it in the air. Im sure others will agree
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RE: Engine Conversion
There's been the odd article here & there about converting 'gardening' engines to R/C. Most require major mods, and major weigh trimmings.
The latest I saw was a few years ago, for a Ryobi weed wacker conversion
The latest I saw was a few years ago, for a Ryobi weed wacker conversion
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RE: Engine Conversion
Rustler555
Check the Engines Forum. There is a forum specifically for information on engine conversions. I have converted a Homelite 25cc and been flying it for about 7 years. Most recently, I have converted a McCulloch 28cc engine which will go into a Balsa USA Sopwith Pup (1/4 scale) to be built this year. There are numerous conversions of trimmer and chain saw engines. Visit that forum for lots of information.
(edit for spelling)
Check the Engines Forum. There is a forum specifically for information on engine conversions. I have converted a Homelite 25cc and been flying it for about 7 years. Most recently, I have converted a McCulloch 28cc engine which will go into a Balsa USA Sopwith Pup (1/4 scale) to be built this year. There are numerous conversions of trimmer and chain saw engines. Visit that forum for lots of information.
(edit for spelling)
#5
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RE: Engine Conversion
The ‘Engine Conversions’ forum has more information than can be digested. I am converting two engines now. Did you have a specific question?
Bill
Bill
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RE: Engine Conversion
ORIGINAL: rustler555
I wanted to know if anyone would share information on converting a 2- stroke trimmer engine into an R/C ready airplane engine.
I wanted to know if anyone would share information on converting a 2- stroke trimmer engine into an R/C ready airplane engine.
I've just converted a Homelite and according to the experts at the field, who saw me bench test it, it should out peform a number of specialist gasoline aircraft engines. I'm a little more modest than they are, I just wanted to do it myself and prove it would be feasible.
#7
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RE: Engine Conversion
The engine is a 26cc kawasaki trimmer engine.. it was a very powerful engine while it was a trimmer so i thought it would work well for an airplane. if this engine will work, where would be the best place to get a prop hub?
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RE: Engine Conversion
Thanks for the input bill. i have no exact weight of the engine it weighs between 3 and 5 pounds.... i can take some of the weight off i just wanted to know if it would work. it is a 26cc kawasaki.
#9
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RE: Engine Conversion
Rustler,
I remember seeing some Kawasaki engines being converted in the Engine Conversion forum. A conversion is usually not very hard. Finish all up weight will usually be about 4 #. Gas engines are usually flown on airplanes of 1000 sq in and up and they usually weigh 14 # up.
I leave the magneto/coil on the engine and avoid the $100 an up cost of electronic ignition. I also leave the pull start on the engine if possible for safe starting. Due to a minimum cranking speed many magneto engines cannot be hand started. Prop adaptors are available and cost $15 to $20. A different muffler is not mandatory but almost always desirable.
An engine can be converted for almost no cost that will out last half dozen airplanes. Converson is a good learning experience.
Bill
I remember seeing some Kawasaki engines being converted in the Engine Conversion forum. A conversion is usually not very hard. Finish all up weight will usually be about 4 #. Gas engines are usually flown on airplanes of 1000 sq in and up and they usually weigh 14 # up.
I leave the magneto/coil on the engine and avoid the $100 an up cost of electronic ignition. I also leave the pull start on the engine if possible for safe starting. Due to a minimum cranking speed many magneto engines cannot be hand started. Prop adaptors are available and cost $15 to $20. A different muffler is not mandatory but almost always desirable.
An engine can be converted for almost no cost that will out last half dozen airplanes. Converson is a good learning experience.
Bill
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#14
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RE: Engine Conversion
Rustler,
The two people who most recommended are Peter at Wacker Engines (Florida) and Ken Lambert in Texas. I believe both do good work and are also modelers. It is likely they make parts to support their modeling hobby. Not a bad idea if one is a machinist.
I purchased the last prop adaptor by calling Peter at Wacker Engines and talking with him.
Bill
The two people who most recommended are Peter at Wacker Engines (Florida) and Ken Lambert in Texas. I believe both do good work and are also modelers. It is likely they make parts to support their modeling hobby. Not a bad idea if one is a machinist.
I purchased the last prop adaptor by calling Peter at Wacker Engines and talking with him.
Bill
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RE: Engine Conversion
I wonder ,what do they think we convert engines 'to'? I'm new to this forum stuff and forgive me if I'm wrong but
it seems as if this thread got moved here from somewhere else is that posible ,I mean if they read whats on this forum 'engine conversion its kind of obvious thats exactly what we do ,or did I miss something? I'm not knocking
anyone I'm just confused about how things work on this forum stuff.if I am corect and it did get moved here, hows that happen?
it seems as if this thread got moved here from somewhere else is that posible ,I mean if they read whats on this forum 'engine conversion its kind of obvious thats exactly what we do ,or did I miss something? I'm not knocking
anyone I'm just confused about how things work on this forum stuff.if I am corect and it did get moved here, hows that happen?
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RE: Engine Conversion
If you go to Carrengineering or wackerengines.com they have a whole sight for conversions. Carr's prices are very good. I concert all my own & make my own parts. I just finished a 33cc hommie 14" chainsaw that I got from cummins tool for $79.00 They also have a 25cc hommie string edger for $49.00.
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RE: Engine Conversion
What was the final weight of the Homelite 33? I assume it is the powerstroke. Dou you have the stock ignition or did you do EI? What kinds of performance data can you give?
Tim
Tim
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RE: Engine Conversion
Tim, both the 25 & 33cc weigh about 4 lbs. The 25 is in a bridi old timer stiz running a 16x6x10 zinger prop weighs under 12 lbs. The 33 's are in a Sig 1/4 scale cub & a scratch built from plans from AMA. They both are running 18x6 zinger props. All of my conversations run stock ignition. I uploaded a pic. of the scratch one.
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RE: Engine Conversion
Thanks for the information. I have been considering trying a Homelite. I mostly do Echo's and run them all on CH ignitions. Working on a Honda 4 stroke GX31 now for a 1/4 scale WWI plane.