jonawald

I am planning to convert a 32cc Engine I got off a weed whacker, and am wondering if anybody has moded this type of engine and what success they have had. The tag says that the engine is Sears, Roebuck and Co. but I don't think that it is the make of the engine.
Here are some images to help.


Jonathan

{EDIT}
Here is the information off the side of the weed Whacker

Sears, Roebuck and Co. USA
2000 US EPA PH1
Family: YPWES.0324LT:EM
DISP. 32CC
Model 944.510560

Jburry

Can't be sure, but Sears has typically used Tecumseh 4 strokes and Poulan 2 strokes in their own-branded equipment. My bet is on poulan.

joseph.batson

Looks like a Ryobi 31cc long shaft, I converted one with the short shaft with a conversion kit from a guy in Florida that machines them. Ran good with an 18x8 prop.

rangerfredbob

My Feedback: (13)

I have two of those, should convert like a ryobi, just trim the heck out of the back plate, throw on a ryobi long shaft prop hub (or make your own, the ryobi should be fairly close) all it really needs is a spacer to get the prop out far enough to have the nut on the shaft, then a prop washer, prop, spacer then flywheel, simple setup

only problem with this engine is the muffler, it's held on by springs and the outlet is the entire way around the thing, so you don't want it on a cowled plane or anything where there's going to be fuselage behind the muffler... unless you make a custom one

indianatinyengines

That is definetely a Poulan 32. They are a bit heavier than a ryobi. They have chunky big cooling fins and a full length crank that adds weight.
Go to www.indianatinygasengines.com to see one of those finished and more.

jonawald

One of the first things I noticed were the huge cooling fins. I wondered if one could get away with sawing them down a bunch since this thing was designed to be encased in plastic and dirt while running it should be ok with less fin when it is in the open with lots of air moving.

jonawald

If you move the flywheel out that far, how does it create a spark? Doesn't the flywheel stay right next to the motor so that I can use the taper and original pin to hold it in place?


I guess you accomplish this by having the motor sit high enough on the firewall?

jonawald

I could not find a picture of a converted motor that looked anything like mine at the website. I would really like to see one. It might help me out.

rangerfredbob

My Feedback: (13)

I might have said that backwards, I meant something like what is attached, you're not spacing the flywheel out, you're putting a spacer between the flywheel and the prop to get it spaced out enough to put a nut on the end of the crankshaft holding the prop on, it's a simpler prop hub than most other conversions in that it doesn't need to be threaded all the way through, just needs a hole...

I just re-read what I said last night, I started at the prop nut and worked my way to the engine, while you were thinking about it the other way... figured a picture would help more anyway also, on indiana's poulan engine gallery, page 5 and the first image on page 6 is one of these engines converted

jonawald

Ok thanks. I thought you might have worded that backwards. I found the other picture too. It looks good and simple enough too. Thank you.

Jonathan

jonawald

Is it normal for the head gasket to come completely apart when taking off the head? Mine was stuck to the block in areas and stuck to the head in other areas. It was completely destroyed when I took the head off. I trust I need to get a new gasket.

Jonathan

jonawald

Hi, I am having a bit of difficulty locating a new head gasket for my motor. I was told yesterday that any poulan 32cc head gasket would work and to find a model number for anything with a poulan 32cc motor so that they could find the gasket. This was at a poulan dealer in Winnipeg. I read somewhere that this is the same motor as a poulan 31cc would be. Is this true?

Can anybody help me connect with the proper replacement gasket?

rangerfredbob

My Feedback: (13)

I would just make one, or if there's room, run without one and just use some ultrablack silicone...

at any auto parts store they should have rolls of gasket material, get something thin like 1/64" or around there. to fit it to the engine, lay the material against the block side of the surface (usually easier than the jug side) and trace it out with an exacto knife on the inside and outside and trim for the bolt holes. the roll of gasket material should cost around what a new gasket would cost if you could even find one.

that's what I would do anyway, plus you now have a lifetime supply of gaskets for carbuerators and other parts on these things...

jonawald

Thank you. I was looking for a solution exactly like that. Simple, home made and cheap.

Jonathan

rangerfredbob

My Feedback: (13)

you're welcome, I meant to say that a few days ago when you first mentioned it, but it's been nuts at work and I think I saw your post when I looked quick at work and didn't have time to post

mopar68

Jonawald

I just aquired one of these engines too.
Had trouble with the ID for a while.
Would like some idea on the potential of this engine before commiting to a conversion.
Its fairly light. I have cut mine down and it came to 1100g minus the ign, flywheel & muffler with still more trimming to do.
Want to put it in 12lb Pitts

MP68

planepounder

Hey, I think 31cc is on the slack side for a Pitts, 40-50cc would be more like it.

Antique

My Feedback: (4)

With an 18" prop that engine should fly a 10lb Pitts just fine.

mopar68

Antique
That what I hope. The plane calls for a 120 4 stroke. A 26cc gasser is plenty. The lightest builds Ive seen are around 9lbs. So if I keep things light & try and stay under 12lbs.
CJ from Wacker Engines says they can make good power. The spring exhaust is a pain as it requires a custom exh.
As a combo - walbro WT-433, CDI ign. Bowman rings, new bearings and a custom pitts style exhaust.

Any opinions????

MP68

clocknut

My Feedback: (6)

Ic have started on one of these also they end up being a pretty lite little engine.

jonawald

I don't think the exhaust will give me much trouble. I my brother is an experienced welder, he wants to put donkey ears (Truck reference) on it. It will look good sitting upright with miniature stacks like this.

ROOSTERLEW

I don't care what prop or exhaust you use, the Pete ain't flyin man!

jonawald

shoot I thought it would look really good.