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which is best 26-35cc engine?

Old 07-26-2013, 04:13 AM
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IMAC781
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Default which is best 26-35cc engine?

Recently I bought a Fairchild ARF from www.texasrcplanes.com. It requires a 26~30cc engine. I am trying to decide between a Zenoah 26 electronic Ign. or a DLE30. Can you guys help me make up my mind? Thanks.
Old 07-26-2013, 04:56 AM
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Default RE: which is best 26-35cc engine?

If your main concern is appearance especially with that nice cowl then I would pick the DLE and install a "wrap-around" pitts muffler.  I doubt that the carb/stack of the G26 will fit inside the cowl.  Either engine should fly it well . If you have a G26 then look for a wrap-around muffler and use it....you would just have to  live with a hole in the side of the cowl.
Old 07-26-2013, 05:09 AM
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CK1
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Default RE: which is best 26-35cc engine?

Which is more important to you in an engine, power or longevity ?
I think they are both great engines in their own rights . The DLE 30 is more powerful than the Zenoah 26, and the RCexl Ign on the DLE is as good as any out there . The Zenoah engine will last a life time but the Zenoah ignition consumes a lot more energy than any other ignition . Both engines are reliable and easy to start . I do feel that the DLE takes longer to break in and is more sensitive to temperatures than the Zenoah, so that proper cooling is a bigger factor with the DLE .
Old 07-26-2013, 05:27 AM
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Default RE: which is best 26-35cc engine?


ORIGINAL: CK1

Which is more important to you in an engine, power or longevity ?
I think they are both great engines in their own rights . The DLE 30 is more powerful than the Zenoah 26, and the RCexl Ign on the DLE is as good as any out there . The Zenoah engine will last a life time but the Zenoah ignition consumes a lot more energy than any other ignition . Both engines are reliable and easy to start . I do feel that the DLE takes longer to break in and is more sensitive to temperatures than the Zenoah, so that proper cooling is a bigger factor with the DLE .

The current Zen engines are fitted with a new ignition very similar to the RC exl unit in both looks and power consumption.
Old 07-26-2013, 06:13 AM
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MTK
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Default RE: which is best 26-35cc engine?

Consider the OS GT33. It comes with the wrap around muffler I think.....It is one of the strongest (if not the strongest) in the 30cc class.
Old 07-26-2013, 06:29 AM
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Default RE: which is best 26-35cc engine?

How about a DLE 35RA? Great power and no need for the wrap around Pitts.
Old 07-26-2013, 06:30 AM
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Default RE: which is best 26-35cc engine?

If you have a DLE 30, that's what I would use. If you're buying one, I would go with the DLE 35 - that comes with a rear exhaust/Pitts muffler.
Old 07-26-2013, 07:36 AM
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Default RE: which is best 26-35cc engine?

I would go with a OS 33cc gas engine first, then a Evolution 33cc gas engine, and a Zenoah 26cc as being the best engines to use. The OS and Evo engines being more powerful than the Zenoah by quite a bit. The Zenoah is quite good but getting a bit dated at present.
The MVVS 26cc, or 30cc (and Evolution branded) are also really good .  The Moki 1.80 and 2.10 gas engines as well. The RotoMotors are another one in this category too.

Then there is the other engines like the DLE 30cc engines of course. These are in the next level down from the top.

Engines like the SYSSA 30cc used to be the top tier engine, but they seem to be having issues nowadays, not with the engine per se, but with support.  Mintor may be OK now, as they seemed to have gotten their act back together.

Old 07-26-2013, 09:47 AM
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Default RE: which is best 26-35cc engine?


ORIGINAL: irocbsa

How about a DLE 35RA? Great power and no need for the wrap around Pitts.

Similar minds thinking alike! Nothing like posting at the same time! -Al
Old 07-29-2013, 02:13 PM
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Default RE: which is best 26-35cc engine?

With less than 1000 square inches, I would think a DLE 20 would be enough for this type of airplane.
Old 07-29-2013, 02:44 PM
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Default RE: which is best 26-35cc engine?

Os, evo.....way overpriced. The dle will do the job nicely at nearly half the price of others. Thinking about zenoah is a waste of time
Old 07-29-2013, 02:50 PM
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Default RE: which is best 26-35cc engine?

Syssa,mintor......dle a second tier engine? You may also want to consider support after sale. The heat in texas may have made someone delirious
Old 07-29-2013, 02:54 PM
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Default RE: which is best 26-35cc engine?

I tend to agree and the importer in his video concurs [link]http://www.texasrcplanes.com/farcai26onor.html[/link]. Since I may need some nose weight weight due to the short tail moment (however I notice the customers plane and the manufacturer's prototype have elevator srvos in the tail) I am leaning towards the tried and true Zenoah [link]http://www.horizonhobby.com/products/zp-26cc-gas-engine-ZENEP26[/link] ZP-26 which has a Walbro carb. Some reading reveals there may be issues with the proprietary DLE carbs (although until now I had never heard of this). Any comments are welcome. BTW thanks to all you guys for the replys.
Old 07-29-2013, 03:26 PM
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Default RE: which is best 26-35cc engine?

Nothing wrong with my DLE carbs, but I personally would find a good used G26 with magneto ignition, because you can get them fairly cheap, and you are going to need the nose weight anyway.
Old 07-29-2013, 03:55 PM
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Default RE: which is best 26-35cc engine?

I love Zenoah engines. They will last forever. My choice would be the Magnito version, simply because you don't have to mess with the ignition and a additional battery. They weigh more but with the short nose on the Sopwith you are going to need the extra weight in the nose.
Old 07-30-2013, 06:06 AM
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MTK
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Default RE: which is best 26-35cc engine?


ORIGINAL: jefflangton

Os, evo.....way overpriced. The dle will do the job nicely at nearly half the price of others. Thinking about zenoah is a waste of time
Tower Super Saver Club.....the only OS33 I paid full price for was the first one. It has been worth every penny and then some because of it's terrific, reliable output. Every other one I bought cost about 60-70 dollars less. Every penny is worth even more.....

What's the cost amortized over 500 flights? 1000 flight? Well, number 1 OS33 is nearing 500 now, some 100 hours of operation. 100 hours doesn't sound like alot but it is. Very few glow enginesor gas enginescan boast that kind of life span trouble free, maintenance free. But, as always, YMMV
Old 07-30-2013, 08:42 AM
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Default RE: which is best 26-35cc engine?

Matt, I get the fact 100 hours of engine time is a bunch, more than many (most?) engines will see in their lifetime. But just to provide an opposing view regarding amortized costs? Though it's hard for me to imagine wearing out my 20, if I did, I could replace it, leaving me with a brand new engine, and still saving money over the price of an OS?

An RCGF (have you seen the beam mounted 26 w/same weight and dims as the 20?) or the VV engines are even less money, and just as likely to go the distance as well?

Point being, for what you have into a 200 dollar engine, and what you can reasonably expect for it's lifetime given reasonable luck and care, spending 500 on one 20cc engine not for guys with pockets as shallow as mine are....
Old 07-30-2013, 08:56 AM
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Default RE: which is best 26-35cc engine?

CK1 you've had no starting issues with the GT33?
Old 07-30-2013, 09:34 AM
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Default RE: which is best 26-35cc engine?

I had some early trouble with hand starting my first OS33. Probably ignorance more than engine. Bought a Dynatron for it, powering the tron with 6S lipo (2 3S in series).

Now, I just choke with throttleto full and rock the spinner back and forth 5-10 times to draw fuel on the first run of the day. Choke off, throttle to idle and trim up, ignition on, and flip once, twice at most, and she's off.....Restarts usually don't require the choking and fuel draw. Simply turn CDI on, with throttle to idle and trim up, and flip once or twice

It's the same procedure for any glo engine and for any gas engine I'm using right now. BUT as always, YMMV

Old 07-30-2013, 10:18 AM
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Default RE: which is best 26-35cc engine?

I totally agree with MTK. All of mine start as easily. BUT!! I have been bit by a couple props, a 23x8 on a DLE 55 in dead of winter, and for that reason I will not hand flip. Simply a personal choice, all because I just can't seem to get my hand out of the way quick enough. Old age maybe?
Old 07-30-2013, 11:20 AM
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Default RE: which is best 26-35cc engine?


ORIGINAL: ahicks

Matt, I get the fact 100 hours of engine time is a bunch, more than many (most?) engines will see in their lifetime. But just to provide an opposing view regarding amortized costs? Though it's hard for me to imagine wearing out my 20, if I did, I could replace it, leaving me with a brand new engine, and still saving money over the price of an OS?

An RCGF (have you seen the beam mounted 26 w/same weight and dims as the 20?) or the VV engines are even less money, and just as likely to go the distance as well?

Point being, for what you have into a 200 dollar engine, and what you can reasonably expect for it's lifetime given reasonable luck and care, spending 500 on one 20cc engine not for guys with pockets as shallow as mine are....
Understood Al,

That's Why I also have DLE's, both 35's and 55's. Also tried Mintor, ZDZ, Syssa, PTE, but sold them. Loved my Syssa's but mid range just wasn't there. OS and DLE only from now on until something better (better value) comes along. I don't have any penchant for DA because to me, you pay an awful lot for about the same as a DLE powerwise (low value)......BUTDA's are worth it to alot of people. That's just fine by me.....

Just received a VVRC 40 twin. 400 for a small twin that promises quite a bit, is at least worthy of evaluation....We'll see how it stacks up against the OS33, especially in midrange. Gotta love that 34 ounce engine weight...wow!! Wooda been lighter yet had they gone with a single nut prop//shaft set-up.....
Old 07-30-2013, 11:25 AM
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Default RE: which is best 26-35cc engine?

Sorry to hear that Robert. Hand starting is done with a piece of heavy walled silicone rubber tube. I'm not crazy enough to stick my valuable fingers on the TE of an APC prop. The APC's double as knives on occasion on picnics...LOL....BUT they are an even better prop. No woodie compares
Old 07-30-2013, 11:54 AM
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Default RE: which is best 26-35cc engine?

I have purchased 2 planes from texas rc.  giant drastick and the kantana profile.  both of them came in quite a bit heavier than specs stated.  I would go with atleast a 30cc.  I have a dle 30 on 2 planes and love em.  I have a dle 20 on a mayhem and don't think it will be enough for your plane.  as for quality I had a hobby shop owner tell me that even Desert Aircraft has their parts made in China. He stated they only assemble them in Arizona.  I have a da 50 as well and cant tell that it is that much better than dle.    good luck
Old 07-30-2013, 01:08 PM
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Default RE: which is best 26-35cc engine?

Often over looked engine is the gas version of the Moki / Mark engines. I have the 1.4 and the 1.8 gas engines.
I finally got my Sig Rascal 110 out last night to start building. I am going to install the 1.4 in it.
Old 07-30-2013, 02:59 PM
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Default RE: which is best 26-35cc engine?


ORIGINAL: IMAC781

CK1 you've had no starting issues with the GT33?
I have had no experience with the GT33

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