Hello all... I am very new still at this hobby and I have gotten to the point to mount my ThunderTiger .40 engine to the engine mount. What type of screws should I use to mount the engine to the glass-nylon composite mount. I measure the holes in the engine to be about 7/64th . Any help on this ? Thanks!

Also, how should I set up or distribute the length of the antenna attached to the reciever in my fuse? Thanks again in advance for your help!


Onebb

For glass filled engine mounts you there are several ways you can mount the engine. This simplest way is to use sheet metal screws to mount the engine. Drill a pilot hole and then screw in a sheet metal screw to secure the engine. Next would be to drill through the mount and use a bolt and a thread locking nut to secure the engine. The last method is to use a tap to cut threads in the material of the mount itself and then use a bolt to hold the engine in place.

To mount the antenna have the antenna exit the fuselage and run the the rear of the plane. Use a strain relief to secure the wire. A strain relief is nothing more than a servo arm that has been cut off. See the attached diagram on how to use it. Then use a rubber band to secure the antenna. You will also want to put a strain relief on the wire where the antenna exits the inside of the fuselage. This is important because any strains on the antenna wire will be transmitted directly to the receiver is this inside strain relief isn't used.

Ken

What size sheet metal screws do you suggest I use? I think the holes in the actual engine are about 7/64ths. How do I translate that inner diameter to the size of sheet metal screws? Thanks.

Onebb

Most of my engines are mounted with #6x32 but I prefer to use cap head bolts and lock nuts.
I drill all the way through the mount and put lock nuts on the bottom. Less worry about them coming loose.

For 40/46/50 engines use #4 x 5/8 sheet metal screw the proper pilot drill size is 3/32.


Through drilling and nutting is not a good option on mounts with an angled lower beam such as Dave Brown, Ernst and some others. Without a square seat for the nut big steps will have to be ground out of the lower beam to prevent bolt from breaking with the nut not squarely seated.

John