b717doc

Finally found what I thought I needed for a more reliable, less vibrating, better idling powerplant for Frankenstein at a Pawn shop, I paid $50.00 for it, it's a Homelite "bandit" 30cc, but turned out NOT exactly what I was hoping for. Everything is kosher, except the carburetor sticks out the bottom of the engine like a sore thumb!!! I was really hoping it was on the side, but, whatever.....that's why we call her "Frankenstein". The engine lost about 6 pounds of un-needed aluminum, and I also discovered that it has "points", unlike the Mac 32 that did'nt, but I can make the spark plug fire by spinning it over by hand (unlike the mac, that needed high r.p.m to fire). It will mount pretty much like the Mac, but I will have to build another mounting block for the firewall. The carb also only has a LO adjustment, the HI is not used. The carb off the MAC, which is a ZAMA will fit, so that's a plus. Will try to post pix........

b717doc

Just seen "win some/lose some" posted by AV8TOR (8-28-04) a day late[]. This sounds like the same engine......Guess I need to learn to like Marguritas!!!!!

b717doc

12-03-04......Mounted the Homie anyway,,,,made obscure throttle actuating linkage.....replaced carb manifold gasket, runs good, hope to fly today.....

b717doc

12-03.....Test flight satisfactory.....not quite as powerful as MAC engine, but much more reliable, and starts by flipping 18x10 prop. Ignition points did not cause any interferance, but engine died on approach at idle. Stopped up apparent "vacuum leak" at one of 3 fittings on engine, idle good on ground, but when accelerating from idle to full power, engine dies every time. adjusted single mixture needle from fully closed (still ran) to almost full open, no help. Installing 2 needle, vacuum operated "Zama" carb, see what happens.....