Does it matter if you mount the engine a little off center. The only way I can put the cowl on is if i mount the engine over to one side maybe 1/4" off center. Any other way and the muffler wont go on.

Whats the engine and whats the plane. The same problem occured on my 4*. The way to do this is to put the engine in a 10 oclock position so its slanted upward. This will allow the muffler to stick out and the engine remain inside the cowl. If then the engine mount goes above your cowl area you can use a dave browns engine mount (curved sides) and it should fit. Im not 100% sure of the aerodynamic problem having an engine pushed more to the right, but its probably better to stay away from that.

Papa

The plane is a citabria. The engine is a Thunder tiger 40.
I didnt think about turning the engine. ill try that. Im also worried about the areodynamics if i put it to one side. Thanks for the tip.

no problem

I wouldn't offset the engine. It'll probably throw the plane out of stable flight, or require extreme control offsets to correct, causing increased drag.
The usual remedy is to cut out the cowl for the engine cylinder, or the muffler. You'll need to cut a hole in the cowl to get to the glow plug anyway. (Unless you use a remote ignitor.)
Dennis-

I centered the engine but put it at a 5 o'clock angle. everything looks good.does this sound like it would work?

Should work Fine.

Just be a bit careful when starting. When your engine's inverted, or close to it, fuel can accumulate in the head and cause "hydrolock". If you apply an electric stater to it in that condition you can break the connecting rod.

Just make sure you can turn the engine over by hand before applying the starter.
Dennis-

Just make sure the glow starter is not on the plane when turning it by hand because props can bite real hard. Hey DBCherry where in MA are you located, Who knows we may end up at the same funfly some day, A small group of us are planning to do some road trips this summer.

Dauntae

Dauntae,

Central (Worcester) MA. Fly with Central MA Radio Control Modelers (CMRCM) out of Westborough. Check out our website for FunFlys. Low key stuff with no prizes, no fees. First Sunday of every month.

I'm club VP and Field Director. Usually at the FunFlys, generally don't compete. Ask for me, I'd like to meet you.

Where you from?
Dennis-

Oops. Here's a link.
http://www.cmrcm.org/