hello, I just purchased a Ryobi conversion to install on a spad biplane. How do you get the engine started? I have an electric starter for my .40 size engine, i assume that will not have enough torque to start the ryobi? can you kick them over with a stick? what is the cheapest and most reliable way of starting them... also where do you get your props from, and what size is usually the best (for break in, and running after break in).

thanks

I use a standard duty 12 volt starter, make sure your battery is fully charged.

If you don't have electronic ignition, you won't get it to spin fast enough to generate enough spark with a chicken stick.

Choke it till it pops, then put choke on half, after it runs 30 seconds or so, choke off .

Break it in with a 16/6 prop, use 40/1 oil to gas (ryobi Recommedation)
the engine can handle props from 16/6 to 20/6

I use an 18/8 on my Stinger 120, video at www.macs-rc.com/video/stinger.wmv

I get my props from a local hobby shop and from tower hobbies

Good luck it is a good engine.

Bob

I use a old starter from a garden tractor. Best starter I ever had. Will start them without slowing down.I agree with Ryobi-bob on his start up, when I do hand start though I would use a glove, put three or so fingers solidly on the edge of the prop, and give it a good flip. Keep in mind, some engines will not fire with hand flipping, no way, no how and no matter how good you swear, rpm's are just not there, period.[:@]

The other thing, on props it is just my experience, that although cheap, I have had poor luck with regular zinger props on ALL my conversions. Low rpm's and low jam. I know a lot of guy's do not like MA. I find that on both the tach and on the thrust scale they perform well on conversions, purhaps conversions are designed to have a greater flywhell weight, who knows.

Peter

perfect guys! excellent explanation. That is a lot of help! thanks

I have 2 motorcycle batteries taped together and wired in series for 24 volts and use a Sullivan Super dynatron . it will spin with authority , it is a must for the US engines 41

I use a sullivan dynatron with a 12v led acid garden tractor battery. I carry the battery around in a small ice chest. Only need to charge it 3 or 4 times a summer.
Edwin

i have just converted a ryobi 31 with parts from jag engines, the conversion went nice and smooth, but i was a bit concerned because i hear alot of posts say that you can not hand start a ryobi, i have never owned an electric starter in three years of modeling. about 4 years ago i got a chance to hand prop a full scale cub, and i was hooked! so i hand start all my glow engines, with common sense being the key. having said all that i wanted to at least try to start my ryobi by hand and sure enough that baby started after about ten flips! this is the link to the video, dont know if it works though. http://media.putfile.com/ryobi , basically you set the prop up so that when the magnet passes through the coil it is spinning as fast as your hand can go. and beyond that way i start my engine is full choke, one push on the prime bulb, flip till it sputters, then choke all the way off.

hope this helps somebody and please remember knowledge is safety, know what these things can do and take the precautions

ps. please disregaurd the flip flops in the video, thats not the safest but they are my toes anyway


ill tell you exactly how i have my engine setup, first remember that the intensity of the spark is proportional to the speed at wich the magnet passes by the coil up to a certain speed and then it really doesnt matter, but for our purposes the faster the hotter, next, figure out your most comfortable position while starting your engine. (i.e.) do you want to flip the prop down or up to the side, if you look at the video youll see i flip my prop to the side. when you figure out your prop position you must then position the magnet where it will pass by the coil just before your hand leaves the prop (which should be the fastest speed) if the magnet is to far ahead of your flip then the spark usually will not be sufficient, if it is to far behind then the same thing occurs