RE: Craftsman 55cc
 

Rev, I'v seen Billair's motor run today[sm=thumbup.gif]all I can say is WOOOOOOOOW that thing moves alot of air. I can't wait to convert mine. What kind of muffler are ya running? Have you tried different one's to see if you get an increase in RPM?

RE: Craftsman 55cc
 

I make my own mufflers with 2 3/8 I.D. outlet tubes. I"m also using the stock coil and flywheel, that may be the difference.

RE: Craftsman 55cc
 

I wonder how many rpm you gain(if any) by running electric ignition?Also maybe mine revs quicker because I dont have the extra mass of the flywheel? anyway, if snapit will let me use his tech this week ill post some rpms with that 22-8 im running.

RE: Craftsman 55cc
 

You likley will not gain any rpm from an electronic ingition, unless you play with the timing, which should be about 28 deg. BTDC. Also, 3/8" ID tubes might be a little restrictive. Dont get too hung up on static RPM. All engines have a "sweet spot" where they develop the most power & torque. The trick is to find a prop that lets the engine operate in that range, and still power the plane with the performance it needs.
Z

RE: Craftsman 55cc
 

3/8 ID is kinda small for that motor to flow. I would try to bump them up to 1/2 or 9/16 ID. 9/16 ID worked well on my past stump pullers. I'm willing to bet that you'll get an increase in RPM and throttle response. Just my .02

RE: Craftsman 55cc
 

I use 3/8 to keep the noise down, to keep the peace.

RE: Craftsman 55cc
 

I know how that is. Its to bad that people can't understand that we are just trying to have fun............

RE: Craftsman 55cc
 

This is a new record for me! I got back from Sears at noon, this picture was taken just before 3. Less than 3 hours work, that included turning the fins down on the flywheel. Since the crank threads were 5/16x24, I borrowed a prop hub I had on a Poulan 25. The only prop I've run so far is the MA 18x10 and the carb seemed to be set perfectly for it. I'll make a new prop hub sometime this week (3/8x24 on the bolt end) so I can run my 20 and 22" props. What stood out from the brief test run was how smoothly it runs, very nice for a mag motor (bunches smoother then my Poulan 46 on the stock ignition)
Almost forgot, what prompted me to buy this thing today is Sear has them on sale right now for $189 if you are a member of the Craftsman club.

RE: Craftsman 55cc
 

flipflop: Nice job! In record time for sure. Is that a MAC or ? brand of engine? That smooth running part sure sounds good. Airplanes hold together better that way! Capt,n:D

RE: Craftsman 55cc
 

NIce pic you can even read the prop name..

RE: Craftsman 55cc
 

billzair, flipflop, Any more run time on the motors?

RE: Craftsman 55cc
 

Got off work a little early today. Redrilled and tapped the prop hub for 3/8-24. MA 20x10 turns a solid 7320rpm with the motor still completely stock (as pictured above) and the needles still untouched (still a little rich). Going to be a "gutsy" little motor. I'll start on the carb adaptor tomorrow.

RE: Craftsman 55cc
 

Here's the new carb mount.

RE: Craftsman 55cc
 

flipflop: Nice work! Did you ever put a timing lite on the 55cc engine. I was wondering if the nice looking ignition modual has a advane buitlt in. What brand is the modual? Thanks Capt,n;)

RE: Craftsman 55cc
 

The bulbs are blown in both of my timing lights and no one in this neck of the woods has replacements. The module has JF on it which would stand for Jen Feng as BN120 posted earlier as they are the makers of the motor.

RE: Craftsman 55cc
 

Curious, what is all up weight just as it is on the stand?

RE: Craftsman 55cc
 

Took it off the stand and weighed it just for you Eagle Flyer. As pictured here, 5lbs, 10oz.RTF.

RE: Craftsman 55cc
 

electronic ignition really sheads some weight........mine weighs in a just a bit over 3lbs, RTF...:) not to shabby.
I havent run mine lately...its hard to get motovated when its 10 degrees outside!

RE: Craftsman 55cc
 

Is that with muffler, mounts, ignition, battery, and ignition switch? If so, that's pretty light. I may go ahead and set mine up for C-H igniton this weekend. With that big flywheel on the front, I think the only plane I could put this in would be a Yak with the big round cowl. Hate doing it though, here lately, I've gotten where I kind of like the simplicity of the magneto ignition.

RE: Craftsman 55cc
 

flipflop: How is that 55cc engine for hand starting with the standard mag? Seems like the bigger engines could be harder to hand start. Thanks Capt,n

RE: Craftsman 55cc
 

No luck on the hand starting the first time I tried it. But then, I don't have but about a half a tank of gas run through the motor. So I'm not saying you can't hand start it yet.

RE: Craftsman 55cc
 

bilzair,

How did you remove 2 lb. 10 oz. by adding an electronic ignition? An electronic ignition weighs about 4 oz., and a nicad battery pack weighs about 4 oz. In total there is roughly 3 lb. 2 oz. to remove to compare with flipflop's 55 as pictured.

Bruce

RE: Craftsman 55cc
 

I just weighed my 55cc, bare engine, carb. carb adaptor, prop adaptor, gutted stock muffler, and BCMA ignition with nicad and it was 4lb 10oz, that did not include spark plug and engine mount which was down at my shop and I was too lazy to bring up to the house to weigh.

RE: Craftsman 55cc
 

Thanks hamman,

That sounds like a realistic weight. When you get a chance, take some tach readings for us, if you haven't done so already.

Thanks again,

Bruce

RE: Craftsman 55cc
 

Worth the trouble??? Here's the prop hub I made when setting up for the C-H ignition, 119.2 grams. After about three hours of setup, layout, and machining it's now 102.8 grams. That's a lot of work for a little over half an ounce. Looks cool though...