flipflop

OK Guys, here's the latest motor project. This motor is actually a little stronger than my 46. On the stock muffler it's turning a Zinger 18x6-10 at 7500rpm, the MA 20x10 at 6870rpm. With the Abel muffler on it it's turning a Pro Zinger 20x8 at 7560rpm and the MA 20x10 at 7360rpm. One finger, one flip starts! Love those electronic ignitions.

ZB50

Hi FlipFlop,

Could you give me some details on your Poulan conversion experience?

Jimmy

flipflop

I'm not real sure what you're asking here, do you want to know how many I've done or how I go about doing it

ZB50

How you went about doing the conversion. What saw does this engine come in? Any special tricks needed to be known and where you bought any parts or acc. (if you did).

I have done a few Ryobi conversions but I have heard these Poulan engines are quite stout!!!!!

Jimmy

flipflop

The 42 was from a Poulan Pro 260, I picked it up at Lowes last winter for $89.95. Basically, you have to modify the Hanger Nine mounts a little to fit, make a prop adapter, design and fabricate some kind of mount for the pulse switch (pickup sensor), find TDC and install the magnet in the right place so it fires at 28* BTDC. C-H makes a bolt on conversion kit for this line of engines if you don't have the skills or equipment to make the parts yourself.

Volfy

My Feedback: (23)

flipflop, I'm surprised your 42cc is running stronger than the 46cc. My 46cc (Pro 295) is not broken in yet, and I was already getting 7000+RPMs with a MA Classic 20x10 on the stock muffler and CH Ign. I'm sure once it breaks in a littler more, and I put on the Abell muffler, it will gain a few hundred RPMs.

I'm liking my Poulan very much and looking to get another to put on my new Sportsman Aviation Super Decathlon. The 46cc might be a little too much power, so I was thinking about either the 42cc (Pro260), 38cc (Pro220), or even the 36cc (Patriot). What's you take on these different ones?

My impression is that these other Poulans don't weigh any less than the 46cc. Is this correct? If that's the case, I'm thinking why don't I just get another 46cc? Your opinion?

flipflop

I used the 42 in the saw for 5-6 tanks cutting up a huge oak tree in my frontyard, never ran the 46 in the saw, so the 42 is probably just broken-in a little more. You're right, there isn't going to be hardly any weight difference between the 36 through the 46. I haven't actually compared part numbers, but I think the Patriot though the 42 all use the same crank (never looked at the 46 crank) The 36-42 cylinders appear to be the same with different bores. The 36-42 motors are physically smaller than the 46, about 3 1/8 wide at the mounts compared to 3 7/8 for the 46. My 54 and 60 are both lighter than any of the smaller ones since they don't have to use the hanger nine mounts.

Volfy

My Feedback: (23)

Thanks. Do you know if the crankshaft taper on the 54 and 60 are the same as, say, the 46? Not having access to a lathe to turn my own prop adapter, I'm stuck with buying what's available from CH Ign. Unless I can get the parts to do a 54 or 60 conversion, I think I'll just get another 46.

BTW, any new project coming up soon? I'm always looking forward to seeing your latest handiwork.

flipflop

The 54 and 60 cranks are threaded 3/8s instead of 8mm like the smaller engines. The taper is also slightly larger. You can saw out the center portion of the stock flywheel, turn it the same diameter of your prop adapter. Install the magnet in this.
I'm up to my neck in motors now No new projects planned unless I just stumble across something that looks promising. I do still want a twin though.

Volfy

My Feedback: (23)

Good tip on cutting the flywheel. I think I will practice it on my Troybilt 25cc first - I've been wanting to put an elec. ign. on it anyway.

Thanks again, flipflop.

ZB50

Does the Poulan "42" have standard muffler mounting specs? For say a Bennet or other?


Jimmy

flipflop

I sent one of my stock mufflers to Mr. Bennet a while back so he could make a pattern, I imagine he still has the specs. Abel mufflers can also fix you up.

jwv3

My Feedback: (1)

Have you weighed this engine? Weight without muffler and mount would be great if you had it.

flipflop

Sorry, I didn't weigh this one (normally I do) I'll weigh it whenever I take it off the test stand mount Ready to fly weight is going to be around 4lbs though.

CrazyHerb-RCU-delete

My Feedback: (2)

Ok,
Here's a doozie of a question...
I just got a STEAL for a poulan 42cc and a 46cc (less than 120 for both of them). Just waiting for them it to come in.

On the 42, is there a way to make a bracket to hold the stock MAG in place? Maybe build somthing to come off the mounting rails at 90 degrees? Or bolt a flat plate to the front of the case behind the flywheel? ..... Or would it just be best to order the $189 CH conversion kit? Can it be converted to CH cheaper? I.E. just get a 15 dollar prop hub and mount my own magnet.

Thanks!
CrazyHerb

flipflop

I drilled and tapped the holes for the plate to hold my pickup sensor in about the only place possible, there isn't much metal down there. If you do decide to try to fabricate a bracket to hold the mag, keep in mind that you'll have to locate the mag in the same place that its mounted in the saw. If you plan on centering the mag on the cylinder like most engines, you'll have to get a different flywheel or remove the keyway from the stock one and set the timing yourself. Too much trouble for me.
The C-H coversion is the easiest. Do you already have an ignition? Saw out the center section of your flywheel, turn it the same diameter as your prop hub, and mount the magnet in it.

CrazyHerb-RCU-delete

My Feedback: (2)

Hey FlipFlop,
Are you running the syncro spark? or Fixed timing version?

I just got my 42 outta my saw this morning and ignition on the way from CH tomorrow.

CH hasn't tested the 42 yet...so they are sending me the 33cc version full conversion kit prop hub, igntion, sensor mount. I can use on my 34cc motor if it doesn't work on the 42).

Is the 42 a different cylinder than the 33/34cc?

I may need to somehow make a sensor attachment bracket like yours... Do you think I can do it without a bunch of machining tools? Basic dremel, drill press and hack saw?

Thanks,
CrazyHerb

flipflop

I'm running the SynchroSpark on mine, sure makes starting easy. I haven't done a 33/34, but the 42 looks the same as my 36 and I imagine the smaller ones are the same. Sure, the backyard mechanic tools would be all you would need to make a sensor bracket like mine, but since you're getting the full C-H conversion, it all should just bolt together without you having to make anything.

wolf152

My Feedback: (13)

flipflop,

Are you using the stock carb on these motors?

wolf152

ZB50

Does anyone have one of these engines in a plane? If so how is it?

flipflop

Stock carb, mine will be flying within a couple of weeks.

Volfy

My Feedback: (23)

That's what Terry told me when I called. Having downloaded and studied the exploded parts diagram for many of these Poulans, I'm fairly sure, though, that it should be a direct bolt on for the 42. Please let us know how the conversion goes.

Rcpilot

My Feedback: (78)

I talked to Terry at C-H today. He hasn't done a 42cc Poulan yet. He told me that he wasn't sure which ignition to use. He will talk to his engine guy tomorrow and get back to me.

I have a line on one of these engines. I'll probably get it in factory reconditioned state for about $73.00. Is that a good price for this engine??

I want to convert this engine, but I need help. I've read this entire thread and still can't come up with a definite answer.

Which ignition system did you use, Flip Flop? Does C-H make a prop adaptor that will work on this engine? If so, which one? Does this engine need a carb adaptor? Where can I get one?

I also have a line on a Poulan 335 Pro engine. I believe that this is the 54cc engine. Its a used chainsaw with 125psi on the compression check. The guy wants $45 for it. Is it worth that amount of money? I know that Ken Lambert has done a few conversions on this size engine. Where can I get a conversion kit for it? C-H? or what abour RCIGN? Or Ken Lambert?

Sorry for all the questions. I'm really trying to get into these conversions, but I need to know where to get parts for them. I hope you guys can help out.

Thanks

flipflop

I'm using the SynchroSpark on mine because I've been using the same ignition testing engines up to an 81cc Huskey. The 42 uses the same 8mm crank as the smaller engines so the C-H prop adapter should be fine. No carb adapter needed. I would think the 54 you're looking at would be worth that much as long as it has good compression. But Poulan replacement parts are resonably priced, I got a new cylinder, piston kit, and front seal for mine for $101. the 54 makes some serious power, here's a shot of mine with a 22x10 scimitar on it.

CrazyHerb-RCU-delete

My Feedback: (2)

Just thought I'd let ya'll know.
The Poulan 33 conversion kit from CH is EXACT match for the 42cc as well.

I haven't fully re-assembled my 42 yet...but the bracket and bolt patterns for the 33-42 are the same....IT WORKS!

If anyone happens to talks to the guys at CH, let them know it works.

PS. The CH machined parts are beautiful too. Both flywheel and prop hub have notches to slide a wrench right on them for tightening....smooth!

High Flights All!
CrazyHerb