Will an OS #8 plug and Wildcat 20/20 synthitic work in this engine? I have one that is in almost new condition, that I would like put back into service. I remember it being kinda fussy at times, but were using fuel that was not up to par. What would be a good plane for it? Maybe a TF Nobler or Flight Streak? I would really like to build a Smoothie or somthing from Brodak.

Not sure about the plug but the fuel doesn't have near enough castor, or in this case any castor oil. For one of these old iron piston , plain bearing engines you need fuel with around 29% castor and 5-10% nitro.

David:

If yours is the Testor's McCoy 29 you might well save your time and effort. Even with 25% castor the engines didn't last very long. The only good thing was the low price.

Back in the early 60s we'd spend $10 at the LHS, walk out with a new Testor's McCoy 29 or 35, and a gallon of fuel. When the fuel was burned up the weekend was over, and so was the engine.

Next weekend? Another $10, another McCoy Redhead Stunt 29 or 35, another gallon of fuel.

Bill.

Here it is

OOPS! forgot to stick on the picture.

Is this what your talking about? My grandfather and I ran this engine about 18 years ago. Best I remember, it keept leaning out after about 10 laps. He always told me it was the wrong fuel. I was only 15 years old, and my grandfather hadn't fooled with a model airplane in 20 some years. The gentileman we bought it from, said it was almost new when we got it. If this is the engine you'r talking about, I might not waste my time.

Green,

While what Bill has said is true for some of these engines, its not necessarily so in all cases. In my experience about 30% of them were sub standard, but most were serviceable engines though their service life was shorter then say a Fox. but they were cheaper too. I have several I've run for many years and they're still happy and healthy. Castor content is of the highest importance, 29% being the most commonly used and what I've used as well. The fact that your's has already been run with what your grandfather said was the wrong fuel may have already done the fatal damage, but I'd get some good fuel and try it. These engines when broken in and run correctly are actually pretty nice to fly stunt with. Testors build both Red Heads like your's and the last of the McCoys, the series 21 with black heads and rediculously heavy cases. You'll hear allot of different stories and recommendations about what to do with this engine from "toss it in the lake" to "send it to me" but I urge to try it with the right fuel. When these engines were assembled with parts that fit well, they are very good. Any of the planes you mentioned would be good choices, but I think I'd go with the Flight Streak for 2 reasons. One, the engine is an unknown right now, so the investment is minimal, 2 much less work at this point to get into the air.

Hope this is helpful,

These motors were a good design at the time for a stunt motor with a 4-2-4 style of operation, but as Randy mentioned the quality control was very inconsistant. They just slapped 'em together at the factory so getting one with good fits was just the luck of the draw. I'll bet a lot were probably ran with the wrong type of fuel or operated at peak RPM's which would not be good for longevity.

There is a shop in Louisville that sells Wildcat with 30% castor, I'll pick up a bottle. In the meantime, I'll go ahead and bolt it on my Challenger. Just got it back together after a crash, The ground jumped up and hit it.

Now you're talkin' nice looking bird too. Let us know how it goes.