OS Engines
 

The LA series engines are bushing bearing, with an air bleed carb. They are relatively light for thier displacement. Expected performance is good for trainers and slower sport aircraft.

The FX series are ball bearing engines with a dual needle carb. They are much heavier than the LA, have a longer life expectancy, and will produce considerably more useable power. (for the same displacement.)

the FX series engines cost considerably more than the LA's.

My recomendation for a beginner... get a Thunder Tiger Pro (TT .40 Pro, or TT .46 Pro) series, or a Magnum XL series engine. These are ball bearing engines, mostly compareable to the O.S. FX series, at a considerably reduced cost. These engines don't quite develop as much power as the FX... but do give better power than the LA, at alomst the same cost as the LA. Life expectancy of these engines is superior to the LA, but not quite as good as the FX.

O.S. FX engines are better for higher performance aircraft... They will survive running at higher rpm than the TT or Magnum. But, it will be a while before you would want or need the extra performance, and you may wear out your first engine before then.

OS Engines
 

The expected service life of any engine depends on how you use it...
For a sport flyer, using 10% nitro fuel, and the .40 ci class engine which is properly tuned, going through a gallon of fuel a month: The LA engines could last 3 to 4 years (or more....), barring a crash damaging it. The Magnum XL, about 4 to 5 years, the TT Pro, 4 to 6 years, the O.S. FX 5 to 7 years, but could last more than 10 years. (That's a lot of use even with the LA...)

You will see an improvement in how long the engine lasts by buying the more expensive engine. (assuming its properly tuned, and not crash damaged.) You do get decent value for the dollar with the more expensive FX engine.

However... the peak power life of each engine will be much shorter than the total useable life. The first 1 to 3 gallons of fuel, the engine is breaking in. The next 5 to 10 gallons is peak power output, with a gradual decline to where the engine has worn out the piston and liner. (the bearings usually go first in the LA, and other bushing type engines.)

As an example of the possibility... I have an exceptionally good O.S. .25 SF series engine (similar to the FX in many ways) which is over 17 years old, which has had over 35 gallons (I lost track long ago... might be 50 gallons... ) of fuel run through it, (appx 20 min for each 8 oz) and still produces almost as much power as a new .40 LA. I've also abused engines (extreme nitro fuels and running hot at high rpm...) and ruined them in less than 6 months.... No manufacturer should be expected to cover crash damage or abuseive operation.

OS Engines
 

Go with the FX series, the la's are IMO crappy underpowered engines.:)

LA Slamming
 

It kills me when I hear thing like "from what I've seen" and then bash a product they've never owned. I have two LA's. One is from original trainer I've long since destroyed. It's on a 60" Kyosho PT19 and it flies great! Yea a 40LA. I have a 46LA on a Great planes AT6 with slimline sports muffler and it screams. Yes a LA. I don't have dead sticks. Yes I have had to put some locktite on back plate but that's it. These engines helped me get into the hobby and stay. Yes last engine I bought is the great OS FX 46.
Duke:o

OS Engines
 

I own a 40LA and can say it is alright but I would never use it again. It runs good reliable but power is something it needs. for another 40 or so bucks I would buy a 46 FX

os engines
 

the LA series is definatly a good engine for a trainer. It has just the right amount of power to it and it can swing large props. The FX series is notorious for a power boost. If you plan to go big after your trainer, the fx series might be worth the investment for future planes.

RE: os engines
 

FHHuber,
What makes you think an OS FX (ABN) would outlast a Magnum (ABC)? The os wouldn't even come close the the Magnum, and that's if the OS didn't peel first!

RE: os engines
 

I have owned both the OS .46 FX & the TT .46 Pro (plus an OS .61 FX & a TT .61 Pro) & I have done numerous tach tests & flown many hrs with these engines. The .46 FX does not out power the TT Pro, nor does it outlast the TT Pro. The nickel liner coating on the TT is literally twice as thick as that on the OS, & liner peeling just isn't a TT problem, unlike the OS engines. The TT castings, machining & materials are every bit as good as the OS equivalents and the TT is noticeably easier to tune -- it seldom flames out, whereas my FX was an annoyance in that regard. In my current engine inventory there are, among other things, 5 TT .46 Pros, a TT .61 Pro & no OS engines of any description.

I have also owned an OS .40 LA & an OS .46 LA -- they ran OK (better than the FX), but unlike the FX, neither one could pull the skin off a grape, & the plastic bits broke &/or leaked. In my opinion they are not worth the price, but they last quite a while -- plenty long enough to identify a good replacement.

RE: os engines
 

Hey GLFlyer...

you resurrected a 2 year old thread, and have asked FHHuber for input. You will find that FHHuber is no longer able to respond.

As for engines, I think it is safe to say that the engine;s life expectancy has more to do with the care given to the engine than it's construction process and brand. Even the cheap engines like the LA series are far more durable than people give credit for, and they fill a critical void in the engine spectrum.

gus

RE: os engines
 

MAGNUM ENGINES ALL THE WAY!
RUN GREAT AND 25 PERCENT LESS COST THAN AN OS!:)

RE: os engines
 

OS engines are crap in the .40 .46 series. Magnum, TT and ASP gives better bang for the buck and will out power the OS. The Magnum and ASP .52 2-strokes will out power the OS .50. The bigger OS's are better than most other engines I've seen.
Their 4 bangers are too heavy and when they decide to give you a problem.....watch out, very fustrating. I'd give YS and Saito my money all the way. The Magnum and ASP 4 bangers rock also. More power than the OS's.
The OS's are way way over rated and cost too much........give other engines a try as I did. You won't regret it.

Cheers.