Auburn02

My Feedback: (1)

I've heard and seen mention of this being done, but a quick search didn't turn up anything.

Basically, if this has been done, what are the pros/cons and what all is involved? For me I'm looking to drop the overall weight of my plane (Dynaflite Super Decathlon) for better performance, while also making the engine easier to start. It tends to be a bit finicky, especially since I don't fly it too often so it sits up for months at a time without running.

I also need a good way to keep my B&B smoke valve from gumming up after sitting, but that's another project.

tkg

My Feedback: (1)

www.ch-ignitions.com
Bolt on diy conversions. Just need to know new style or old style, price is the same, but parts are different.

mrbigg

My Feedback: (21)

Here's a pic of one converted.

Weekendflyer

My Feedback: (3)

There is also BCMA Engines, http://bcmaengines.com, they have a conversion kit to its like 135.00 bucks

Weekendflyer

My Feedback: (3)

Sorry I left part of the adress off http://bcmaengines.com/index.htm hope that works

Auburn02

My Feedback: (1)

Those both look like good solutions, thanks. To go along with this, do you guys know about how much weight is actually saved once you've added the ignition module and a 4.8V pack of 1500 mAh or so?

Whistling Death

Here is a pic of my RCIgnitions G-38 that is going in my H9 P-47.
Unfortunately I don't have a good enough scale to measure the weight.
It may not be but a few oz. but the difference is noticable. I have another unconverted G38 and It feels like a chunk of lead compare to my RCIgnitions G-38.
Just getting rid of the huge flywheel and the magneto cuts a lot of weight.

RC Ignitions
1783 Whitehall
P.O. Box 636
Williams, AZ 86046

928.635.2455

karolh

Depnding on how much of a diet Ralph puts it on it can be almost one lb lighter. My G23 lost 14 ounces.

Karol

Auburn02

My Feedback: (1)

That's awesome! Is that including the weight you had to add back onto the plane for the ignition and the on-board battery?

karolh

With the exception of the RC exl ignition, Ralph houses his unit in the rear of the crankcase so it's weight is included in that of the engine. With my G23 Ralph used a lighter than stock prop hub, but apart from the engine's significant weight loss, I was able to remove the 9 ounces of ballast required for balancing the model that the engine originally powered.

The weight of the 700 mAh Nicad battery pack that I use for ignition is approx 2 ounces, but for sure there are much lighter battery systems with more capacity available.

Karol

Auburn02

My Feedback: (1)

Do the kits from CH-ignitions and BCMA include a replacement prop hub? In looking at the pictures and reading the package contents I don't see it mentioned, but that would pretty much be a requirement. Also, does anyone know if Ralph at RC Ignitions sells kits or does he only do the conversions himself?

tkg

My Feedback: (1)

The Ch ignition conversion replaces the flywheel with a mini flywheel and reuses the stock prop hub. The new flywheel is machined so that the length of the engine does not change after conversion.

mrbigg

My Feedback: (21)

How hard is it to get the old flywheel off? Does one need a special puller?

tkg

My Feedback: (1)

Depends on how rusted on it is. Put a nut on the end of the crank and wack it with a hammer. OR use a 2 jaw puller to get it off.

karolh

Don't know if Ralph offers kits, but know for sure that he does all his conversions. Checking his web site or giving him a call might be the answer.

Karol

mrbigg

My Feedback: (21)

I was going to have Ralph convert it a while back. He was going to shorten the prop hub some. It sticks out of the cowl too far on my DR1. I really want some more power for this airframe and was going to put my G62 in it. Ended up needing the 62 for another plane. I'm thinking of keeping the 38 and lightening it up for one of OMP's 80" profile ARFs.

Bill Rademacher

My Feedback: (77)

I have a G38 with a Ralph Cunningham ignition built into the mount.

It starts most of the time with one flip after priming. Pretty sweet.

Billrad