donhef

Good Evening!

I already own a 46FX and I am VERY happy with it. My Avistar flys absolutely great w/this engine. I've already crashed once (newbie to hobby, wasn't flying w/my regular Instructor and I got hit by micro-burst on final approach) and the only damage done to the engine was the needle valve being broken off the backplate. Nothing else happened and after cleanup and a new plate everything is good again.

Question, I'm building a second plane (taildragger trainer) from the remains of my first plane and would like to get a good, economical engine. I'd like another 46FX but at this time cannot afford it, so I'm looking at the 46LA. In speaking to a salesman at my LHS, I asked about that particular engine and he gave me a very strange face and stated that it is a very good engine if I want the power of a 40 size engine........Now I'm confused. If this is a 46 sized engine, shouldn't it give as much performance as my 46FX?

Also, I'm concerned w/the plastic backplate on this engine. Could it be replaced w/a metal backplate?

Thanks for the advice!

Don AMA 791825

Bax

My Feedback: (11)

Power is dependent upon more than displacement. The O.S. Max LA-series of engines are intended to be easy-starting, easy-handling sport engines. They don't have ball bearings, and they're not ported for particularly high RPM. That's one reason that they're less expensive than the FX-series of engines.

There have been no particular difficulties with the composite rear cover.

donhef

Thanks! Appreciate the response. I was just curious as to why the salesperson would give me such an answer. I have seen a 40LA in action with a fellow club member's trainer (Hobbico Superstar 40) and it just seems a little under powered for the type of aircraft. That experience and the Sales comment was what made me stop and take a step back.