dschroeder

My Feedback: (40)

recently bought a used spe 26, anything i should watch out for on this? i've heard they have had issues with cracked hubs or cranks.

WCB

I think they were originally designed as paint can shakers the way they vibrate. Seriously...they run good but are lacking in power. I had one and it literally shook the plane apart. The crank was the problem and a friend fixed it somewhat. It wasn't as bad as it was. I hear there is a different carb that perks them up. Don't know about that. I gave the engine away. Some people report no issues at all. Good luck with yours.

Tired Old Man

My Feedback: (1)

Sooo sorry.

roknHS

I have one that has served well on a 14# GP Super Stearman..........No vibration issues at all...........Develops 7400 RPM with a 16X8 prop...........it can be a little finicky on carb adjustment but manageable. This one came from BCMA engines. It does have an upgraded Walbro carb and a better Electronic Ignition than the stock SPE. Nice lite engine and not a bad value.
Most of the bad comments have come from folks that have never owned one.

I think most of the crank problems were found in the 40cc engines.......I haven't heard of many mechanical/quality issues with the 26cc engines.

I think you will find that you get along just fine with the SPE. Don't over prop it......try to stay in the 6800 - 7500 rpm range and it should serve you well.

WCB

Not exactly what I call a stump puller. That is approx. 10 lbs. of thrust assuming you used a good prop.

Tired Old Man

My Feedback: (1)

Provided the ignition functions correctly, the crank stays together, and it doesn't have any case leaks, the SPE still remains a difficult engine to correctly tune. Power wise it's not high on the list. The same engine with slight differences in appearence is marketed under a couple different names, with the same general performance. It was intended as a cheap entry level small gasser for the gas newbie market. It has succeeded in those respects only.

dogshome

Mine runs like a watch on the original ignition. Similar power too! 40 degrees of advance as standard []

But, it never stops, idles reasonably and throttles up quite well [8D]


Bigger carb makes little difference. Engine has small ports, low timing and ultra low compression.

jedijody

My Feedback: (1)

Sounds like a winner! [&:]

WCB

So in summary they have faulty ignitions, are hard to tune, known crank/prop hub problems, have leaking cases and are lacking in power. Other than that...they are sweet.

Tired Old Man

My Feedback: (1)

Pretty much sums it up. Just right for some situations.

jimfisher

I got a spe 26 used very little Ijust got it broke in three prop hub this one is ok I put it on a yak 54 140 arf my first flight was ok. my second plane not bad for a beginner

Aussie Maddog

My Feedback: (16)

An extra 500 RPM can be had from a larger 11mm carb over the stock 9.5. Mine had a bad case casting that needed replacing.
Original ignitions were "melody" I believe. BCMA sold them with the RCEXL.