Does it really save a buck or two by buying a used engine? I am looking for a SAITO 180 and looks like I can save about $100 getting a used one. Have people been succesful in getting used engines?

yes and no,some are as descibed and taken care of then there are those that have problems that are undisclosed,scored piston or cylinder,bent crank,rusty bearings.just like buying a used car.

I simply don't buy used engines if I don't know the person I am buying from, or the history of that engine. The reason is simply that one lean run can totally ruin an engine. If an engines is dramatically lower than the retail cost there is usually a reason, most of the time the seller is trying to get rid of a piece of junk. And you can't go with how the engine "looks" on the outside. Some time in a crockpot filled with anti-freeze can make an engine look brand new, but it can still be a ruined engine. I know that there are going to be people that disagree with me here, and I do understand that they may have found great engines for a bargain, but in my mind it's just not worth the risk. I'd rather buy a new engine and know for certain the condition it's in.

Just my 2¢ worth

Ken

So far, I've been lucky in buying used engines. I haven't been burned yet. The best advice I can give is buy local and know the previous owner. That being said, I just bought a used Saito .80 off Ebay and I'm very pleased with it. In my RC experience, I've found most modelers to be honest. Watch out for the guy who doesn't know much about RC or the equipment.

Check the engine for good compression. Shine a flashlight into the exhaust ports and check for scoring or burns. Listen for noise and feel for roughness while rotating the crankshaft. If you're considering an online purchase, look for pictures of that particular engine and not a stock picture from a catalog. Ask the seller for additional pictures. Include specific requests such as closeup of exhaust ports, etc.

Dr.1

i have 2 simple rules when it comes to used engines. Never pay more then 50 cents on dollar and know the person your getting it from. I have thrown engines in the trash because I would not sell them to someone knowing they had an issue but other people may not be quite as honest. For a 25% savings, I would stick with new.

Hello; I've bought 8 engines off Ebay, and only one was not as described by the seller. That's 7 good deals and one not good deal, a pretty good average in this day and age. But then, I can fix anything, as long as parts are available. If you are expecting to get a perfect engine, at a bargain price, you likely, will be dissappointed, but if you are willing to replace parts to make a good engine, and you factor this cost into your buying price, you can find some bargains. If the price is right and you need the engine, sometimes that's the only possible way to go.

Now, if you buy a cluncker, and don't have the wherewithall to turn it into a good engine, don't blame me.

I have quite a few engines I bought used, most from Ebay. I have not had a bit of problem with any of them.
Great Feedback scores are a must when buying on Ebay. A person with a great feedback score did not get that score by being dishonest. If you have a great feedback score (at least 50 feedbacks with at least 99% positive) your word is good with me.

I also have gotten several engines off E-bay the one used one happens to be "used" a little too much and I am sending it in for a check up.
the cost of a new cylinder and some new rubber O rings and any savings just got flushed down the toilet.
the new engines I have gotten have been as advertised and run great,and have been at good prices, I like to be able to break in my own so I know there hasn't been that one lean burn in run that kills it .

Saito FA 72, 80 bucks , on E-bay. Runs best of all my engines. I`ll take a chance on 50 cents on the dollar or less.

Thanks for the feedback. It's seems like the consensus is to know the seller or buy new. THANKS.

For what it's worth: I've bought two old trainers w/engines off Ebay, both local pickup, both from experienced flyers who were just trying to pare down their hangars. Both of them purr and are well-broke in. It was nice I was able to meet them face-to-face because it gave me confidence in who and what they were all about.

So heed RC Ken's advice, but if you're lucky enough to live in a metro area where you can meet the seller (search Ebay by zipcode, ask to pick up to save shipping) you'll probably get a good deal. They'll have to face you at the field if it's no good! Otherwise, assume you're buying "as-is" and take your chances. My experience is only about buying trainers with tainer engines, not high-priced Saitos etc.

It depends on your budget I think. At the weak singnals event this year I purchased a Y.S. 1.20 f ($210)and after 2 days I noticed I had the lines on backward It is a good engine, it just needs to be tuned now. Last year I purcased a Enya 1.20 for $150 and is an amazing engine. Also I purcased a manum .25 for my spad brand new(also runs good).

This year I had trouble finding a engine for a good price, My dad and I found a 1.20 for $150. I asked if he would take any less but no go! I was looking at my dad for guidence because it had low compression. My dad responded, " mmmm..." "What should I do," "mmm..." and the gentalman selling the Item said "well Ill take $140, but the valves need to be adjusted" After that I put the engine down as if it were muratic acid.

I agree 100% with Ken, but on the other side, some of us don't have the money to shell out for a new engine. I find that a used engine can be fun to look at buying and trying to get it to run again, but you need to know what your looking for.

This is a decision you need to make. Buying a new engine__ you get a warrenty, trust and knowledge but pricey. A Used engine__ No knowledge, probably no warrenty and no or little trust, But its cheaper.

Finally If you decide to buy a used engine feel the seller out. Try to make your decision of the engine a long hard one and see what info you can milk

Long and possibly borring, Dave Trimmer

I have bought several used engines. Most recently an Evolution 35GT gasoline and a Saito 125. I bought them here in the RCU market place and both engines are great. The Saito was "new in box" so that was a no brainer. The Evolution was used but for the most part someone with an engine like that has figured out what they are doing by now... At least you hope. I speek to most of the sellers over the phone before I buy and my favorite sellers are those 50-60 year old guys that treat their engines as they should be. I would say at least half 14 or so engines I own were bought used.

My experience is good in buying used engines, I bought ASP .46 it was the best engine, almost new just needle valve was broken, infact that engine I bought it from the scrap, so me and my friend goto junkyard and guys over there save those engines for us, so that we can buy them. I bought HB .61 engine, it did give me hard time specially the carburetor but engine's running, rpm's and compression are excellent. But what I have learned from the experience of mine ofcourse it's a short experience that better buy new engine, at least you don't have to worry for coming years specially when engine runs to the best.

Mody

Buying used is a risk. If you know the owner and have seen the engine run more than once and fly on a plane then it probably is safe to buy. I bought a plane with an engine. I have to run it with the high speed needle almost all the in and the low end is picky. It probably needs to be clean and have a piece of dirt in the high speed. Cleaning it would probably be good. I didnt have much money for a second plane and i snatched up the plane when i saw it. It flies well but a new engine would have been nicer. Just remember it is a risk, consider how much work may need to be put into it and it may not run right.