How to "test run" an engine?
 

I have an OS MAX 28F engine that came out of a Hirobo Shuttle heli that I'd like to use on a plane. I know that they made this model engine in an "airplane" configuration (ie a horizontal muffler vs the heli's verticle muffler). The thing is I don't have a prop for it because it was a heli engine.

I can bolt it down to a stable platform, but I don't really know how to "turn over" an engine that doesn't have a prop... Can this even be done? I'm not going to run it for long (less than a minute or 2 just to see if it still works; it was discontinued in 1982....)

What do I need to do in terms of priming it and starting the engine? I don't want to waste money on an engine that doesn't work, but I really don't know how to test it out.

Does anyone have any ideas?

RE: How to "test run" an engine?
 

Hi

Well, suppose if you bolt it down nice and firm you could attach a 9X6 or a 9x7 prop on it and start it just like any other plane engine.

To prime it, just close the carb with your thumb, us a chicken stick and flip it over smartly 3 or 4 times to get some fuel in the carb. Open the needle valve about 2 turns from fully closed, attach your glowdriver and then with the throttle about 1/3rd open flip it over and see if it starts.

Marcel

RE: How to "test run" an engine?
 

Remove The base from mount then it can be mounted same as any aircraft engine. Thereafter it's same as any other engine. I have had a heli engine on one of my planes for years. No reason for it not to run well.

RE: How to "test run" an engine?
 

He's in luck too, it looks like the prop driver is already on the engine.

RE: How to "test run" an engine?
 

TedMo, what did you do about the verticle heli muffler? or were you lucky enough to find a horizontal muffler?

RE: How to "test run" an engine?
 

Dude,
Did you notice the groove in the spinner hub in the motor? I think that is for a belt. Most Starter motors have a groove in them too to receive the belt. Pull tension on the belt and spin the motor and it will turn the engine over. This is how they start them in the boats if they don't have pull starters.
Have Fun,
Curtis

RE: How to "test run" an engine?
 

OH MAN! I completely had a "senior moment" there. You are ABSOLUTELY correct ! (how did I forget that stupid belt ????? I'm loosing my mind playing with my 18 month old son! HE ATE MY BRAIN !!!!!!! [:o] )

RE: How to "test run" an engine?
 

LOL, that's no excuse. I am in the middle of trying to get my 5 month old to take a nap. Makes things interesting.
C

RE: How to "test run" an engine?
 

If your thinking of running the engine without a prop be carful you can take a perfictly good engine and (if you do get it to run) turn it to junk real quick)

RE: How to "test run" an engine?
 

I'm running this engine (if i can get it started) for a MAXIMUM of 1-2 minutes. An engine without a "load" on it can shred itself in a hurry by running too fast [:@]

RE: How to "test run" an engine?
 

I can't see much point in running it without a prop?

Appart from the obvius risk of ruining a perfect engine. Anything with some compression and a working glow plug will fire right up and the only way to tell how "well" it runs is to see how it can handle some load... :eek:

RE: How to "test run" an engine?
 

point noted, but that's IF I HAD a prop.... i probably wouldn't have started this thread on how to start an engine without a prop IF I HAD a prop... with a prop it's just "flick" and make sure your fingers aren't in the way when it spools up, otherwise OUCH !!!!!!!![:@] and you get to have cool scars [>:]

(i used to make and sell show quality knives (hand designed, hand made, hand polished, BEYOND razor sharp!) >>>> my fingers look like i played with a runnung blender!)

RE: How to "test run" an engine?
 

Well any prop would be better than no prop at all, take what ever spare one you have, or borrow from another engine etc.

Still don't understand what you're after, I've never had a smooth turning engine with a proper glow plug that would not fire on a prime.... :eek:

RE: How to "test run" an engine?
 

Whatever you do you're going to have to put some kind of a flywheel on it, be it the chopper clutch or prop. Or make one.

RE: How to "test run" an engine?
 

DO NOT run it without a prop!

With no load on it, the engine will SCREAM for about 8 seconds and then seize up - never to run again!

RE: How to "test run" an engine?
 

Dang, he beat me to it! Don't run it without a prop, not worth the risk. One pump to full throttle and it will get some scary revs. I ran some engines before with a prop and spinner on them bolted to a block of wood that was clamped into a vice. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DpgAeYsw9Oc

RE: How to "test run" an engine?
 

Yes A normal aircraft muffler will fit as long as the mounting holes are same as motors.