I purchased the tower hobbies .40 size trainer and their brand .46 engine and wanting to know if anyone has ever used these engines, and how they perform,and dependability.

Hi!
Very good engine!!!

I've had one for a couple of years. Never a problem.

I tried them when they first came out. The engine ran very well but they had a problem with the seal on the carb and they would keep running even if you put a finger over the carb. Sounds like they finally fixed that little problem.

I've trained many people using that plane and engine combination. It is a good running little engine and it will serve you just fine. As with any 2-stroke engine keep it running just a bit rich and the engine will last forever.

Ken

Hey Gray Beard, here is the 2nd wave of ice storm. We were without power from Sunday to Friday. Back to the thread, I have an ASP 108 that would not shut off even by putting my finger over the carb. used some sealant and that cured the problem . Hope the pictures come through.

goirish, we had a major ice storm here two years ago. We were without electricity for 13 days, so I know whereof you speak. Not fun. As for the Tower .46 engine, I have had one for about 10 years and I love it. I also have a Tower .60 trainer and it is one of the finest trainers I have ever seen. You will absolutely love that combo. BTW, the Tower engine is not on the Tower Trainer, but the Tower Trainer does have a GMS .61 on it which I believe is built in the same factory as the Tower engines. I may be wrong on that.

Is this thread/question answered?? My plans were to fly today, 60 degrees, problem, wind at 30 with heavy gusts!! It's moving my outside stuff around!!
I had one SK .90 that wouldn't shut down. I pulled out my pressure testor/ear flushing bulb and started running fuel through the engine with my finger over the carb. Bubbles started coming out of the side of the case where they press fit the steel thread insert that holds the carb down. The leak was not the O-ring under the carb. I cleaned up the engine with acetone and then heated it up with a torch, then I used heated JB weld and pressed it into the area of the leak. I cleaned off all of the JB on the surrounding area. Next day the problem was cured. It's not always the O-ring.
When Tower came out with these engines the problem was with pretty much all of them but an O-ring replacement was the cure. That was a long time ago so I'm sure that little problem has been taken care of. Other then that they were great little engines and a lot of the guys were using them in there fun fly planes.
Try to stay warm Gene!!!

My only experience with the Tower .46 wasn't as good as everybody else here. Mine would run all day long on the bench, but over the course of 3 months it died every time I put it in the air. Sometimes it quit right after take-off and other times it would run for 3/4 of a tank. I never did get the problem worked out. I ended up deadsticking the plane into a tree and I never used the engine again. I've helped a lot of other new pilots set thier's up and have never run across another problematic one. They seem to be really good engines overall. I just happened to get the only bad one I've ever seen.

finally got a picture on my first post.

Thanks for everyone's input. So far all I've did was run about 4 tanks through the engine. Had someone help me adjust it, so now I'm ready to try the buddy box.

That plane is an awesome plane. I currently still fly my Tower Trainer 40 and its a very solid, stable, and can be a floaty plane when you want it to be. it will come in nice and slow for landings, and the landing gear can take quite a beating. Just remember to straighten them out after a rough landing and you'll be very pleased with this plane.

Good luck with your training, and welcome to this wonderful hobby. Its one that will keep putting smiles on your face time and time again.....

I've taught several new pilots on the Tower Trainer and it is a very good platform. I agree with Dakoris73 concerning the landing gear. The mains will typically spread even after several good landings. You'll see the tail starting to look a little low. Just carefully bend them back in and you'll be all set for a few more landings. The rougher your field, the more often you'll have to fix the gear. If you're lucky enough to have a "putting green" runway, you may not ever have a problem. Happy flying!