I'm contemplating getting a 4 cyl. for my trainer. I am figuring that as I progress in the hobby I will probably be using mostly 4 cyl. engines.
Is this a bad idea since I may destroy the plane while learning?
Aren't 4 cyl. engines easier to tune, and maintain?

Maybe someone could point me in the direction of some comparison in this area.

Not the brightest idea in my opinion. Like the old saying goes...its not if you crash, but when you crash. Why tear up that beautiful engine on something that is going to take a lot of abuse. But hey, its your money....do what you want with it....you earned it.

Having just bought my first 4s (ys 63....just love it....) I can say that a 4s is a different animal. I would not say its easier to tune that a 2s, its just different.

I also believe that you buy a motor for a purpose. 4s are known for their stump pulling power, steady power band, and cool sound (supposedly good for 3D flying). 2s are know for being cheaper, easier to repair, and high rpm's for speed (supposedly good for speed).

It boils down to do what you want. I always do.....

Talk to your instructor and the folks at the field. Use whatever they are comfortable with. It will help the learning curve alot.

My tainer has a Tower .60 in it and my first kit a TF Contender has a SAITO .91. I'm trying to learn how to maintain and feed both types.

You will get a plethora of sage advice, but just do what moves ya! This is a hobby so "If it feels good, do it!"

Last but not least. 4 strokes do have a cool sound!

AL

Four strokes are slightly more difficult to tune, simply because it can't be done by ear. You really need to have a tachometer. Not everyone is comfortable or knowledgeble about four strokes. There's a bit more upkeep involved with a four stroke. You've got to adjust the valves now and then, maybe once a season.

Overall, if you want to start with a four stroke go for it. They're not difficult to handle at all. You'll have to buy a tach and get comfortable using it.

I tune my Saito's by ear all the time. If your instructor is comfortable with a four stroke, there is nothing wrong with putting one in a trainer. I have a Telemaster 40 with a Saito 65 on it and I buddy cord "newbies" all the time. If you think you want to use four strokes in your airplanes and the higher cost is not a problem, I say go for it. There are plenty of people in your club that can help you learn to tune you four stroke.

I would say for starting out get a 2 stroke.
Reasons why: The cheapest 4 stroke is about twice as expensive as a 2 stroke. For the price difference you can buy fuel and spare props instead and fly all summer. A 4 stroke that would work well for a trainer would be too small for the average sport plane. An average sport plane should have a 90 size for a 4 stroke which would be way overkill for a trainer. Do you really want to big bucks for a trainer size 4 stroke engine and then have to spend it over again plus about $20.00 for a 90 size for your next plane?? Most 2 strokes made currently are ABC type engines which are fast and easy to break in, inexpensive(relatively ) and reliable. A lot of the better 4 strokes are ringed engines that have to be broken carefully and slowly and they can take 2-3 gallons of fuel before your done vs. 3 tanks of fuel for a 2 stroke. Most instructors will be familiar with most of the 2 strokes and that will save you time and trouble. When you are ready for your 2nd plane then you will have more of an idea of what kind of flying you want to do. 2 stroke engines are cheap enough that it won't hurt to get one to start out with worry about 4 stroke power later.

Four strokes are more... um... advanced. If you ever need to fix it. You looking for a world of trouble. I would recommend an Enya 2 stoke. My reason being that I know a guy in my club who has an Enya 19. He has had it for 47 years. He has crashed this engine in places previously thought impossible to crash (i.e. swamps, ponds, nose first in a pot-hole!) and through all of that it still runs as good as when he bought it.

Personaly i dont think it matters, the big influence is cost, if you are happy spending twice as much money on a 4 stroke go for it. BUT i would recomend getting a 4 stroke that is as big as possible for the trainer, if the recomended 4 stroke is 53 - 60 go for the 60 as it will be more usable on your next plane, going this way may also give you balance problems so double check the C/G is correct

2 Strokes are better.

They are cheap. often 1/2 of the cost of a similar powered 4 stroke.

They are simple.

They hold up better in a crash. most four stroke owners i know have serious damage done to their engine in even a mild crash.

They do the job just fine.
The better quality ones leave little to be desired.

The way i see it the only reason to have a four stroke is the ptptpptptptpptptp sound. Personally i prefer the GRRRRRRRRRR sound, so i like 2 strokes better.

Don't tell anyone, but sometimes when i am bored and no one is around, i buzz my lips while i'm flying. Of course i run out of air and the "engine" quits, which is perfect, because 4 strokes do that a lot too.



My absbestos suit is on!