How reliable are the weed wacker engines when converted over for aircraft. Looking for 4 motor for a large B-17 and wanted to use gas. G-26's are a little large was hoping to find smaller weed trimmers and convert them over or if someone is selling them already complete. Thanks Ftiger43.

Check out- Wackerengines.com or Jagengines.com for lots of info and pictures of converted engines.

Weedies don't come much smaller than the G-26. The Echo 21.2cc, which is what the FPE 21cc is based on, is a bit smaller but still makes decent power. Beyond that, you are looking at the Weedeater brand 15, 18 or 21cc weedies, which all make about as much power as a good .60 2-stroke glow engine, while weighing 3-4 times as much. Going electronic ignition is a must if G-26 is too big. You will not find a much lighter magneto equipped weedie.

On the bright side, once you convert to electronic ignition, you can make the two right engines counter rotate. I am working on a P-61 twin bomber project right now, and the CH Synchrospark ignition should make setting up ignition timing for counter rotating very easy.

Few months ago i converted a talon 22 cc engine from a trimmer, that with the near 2 ounces ignition from Roy Sholl weights actually 990 grms. and flip very decently a 16x8 or 16x10 prop.

I realize too that the Talon ( seems to be australian or oriental procedence) is the same machine and engine from "power tools 22 cc" trimmer. try them, they started by hand, have double ringed pistons and sems to be very powerful. I have no plane for that one yet.

Good look.
And keep us posted on the B-17 construction.

Tatolazo