Hi-

I’ve been flying electrics for the last couple of years, but now want to try a .40-sized IC powered ship. I’m already sold on the idea that I want a 4-stroker for a number of reasons, one of which is the reduced amount of fuel to clean up at the end of the day. From what I learned from this board, fuel is expelled from both the crank vent and the exhaust. Some engines have routed the crank vent to the carburetor, which greatly reduces the amount of unburned fuel dumped into the air and on the plane.

My current setup is a GP Cessna 182 with with a brushless motor and 15 cells which turns a 13X10 prop at about 7,400 RPMs. Doing some Mickey Mouse math, I figure that this setup is about as powerful as an O.S. FS-52S (0.83 HP; 530 watts, 4.91 lbs of thrust). Unfortunately, running time is a bit low at ~ 10 minutes. I’m happy with the power of the electric setup, but I’d like to fly longer (I’m fortunate enough that no one has the same frequency as I do at our club).

1) I was an auto mechanic in a prior life, so routine maintenance does not bother me. However, I hate cleaning - what is the cleanest engine in this class?

2) Any ball park figures on running times? This plane came with an 8oz tank and I typically only use full throttle during takeoffs.

Thanks in advance,

Paul