Hi all,

I'm relatively new to the whole RC game - just solod my nexstar a couple of weeks ago.....

I'm interested in planning for a conversion - yes, I realize I'm not ready for a large gas engine yet - that's why I said I'm planning, and am considering doing the conversion this winter.

Is there anywhere where I can get my hands on, or can someone describe the steps for converting a weed wacker, leaf blower, etc for RC plane use. I've read through the forum and I'm picking up pieces like the need to grind down fins onf the flywheel, install an ignition system, customize the motor mount, etc

How long does it take to do the conversion?
What tools are required?
Would it help to have a metal lathe - I don't....
What specific parts do you need?



I'd appreciate any help or pointers on how to do this.

All depends on engine youare taking, how many parts you will buy/make, how much you want to change it.

Example: Poulan FL 25cc - if you have parts it's about 1 hour of sawing and filing

Drill, hacksaw, file, wrenches, screwdrivers.l

No, but you will buy prop hub. You can cut flywheel without lathe, but it's pita. Easier give it to some local shop for that.

Prop hub is a must - easy to buy, as many guys make them for sale. Easy to make if you have lathe tho.
Engine mount adapter -you can cut it and drill yourself, or you can buy ready to use.
Original muffler can be used, but you need to work on it (to remove restrictions) and after that it does't look nice. Many guys make cheap aluminum custom mufflers.

There are many guys who do stuff for us. In example I got mufflers from [link=http://wackerengines.com/]wackerengines[/link] - he as many parts for many engines and can make custom parts too.

Electronic ignition is a luxury (easy starting and often slight increase of peak power), but it's not a must. Magneto (original ignition) works fine and the beauty of conversion is that it's cheap, with electronic ignition it is not such any more.[>:]

RysiuM

Thanks for the info RysiuM,

Since this will be my first, I think I'll go as "stock" as possible.....

Does anyone have a guide (preferably with pics) on what steps to follow?

I want to understand the process ie. what do you do first after you find an engine, how much of the flywheel do you grind off? etc.

Thx in advance.

Scott

1. start the engine make sure its a runing engine( before taking anything apart )

2. take all the plastic housing off (sometimes the backplate of the crankcase is plastic more on that later )

3. take the flywheel to a machine shop or someone with a lathe machine the flywheel fins down the raised surfaces where the magnent is located but no further.

4. locate prop hub by having machinist make you one or buy one from a weedwacker conversion site

5. get a resistor spark plug (usually have an R in the part number ie RD7JY not D7JY)

6. make or build an engine mount

7. remove excess material from the motor to lighten it( the plastic parts would mount to a metal housing on the crankcase) also if you had a plastic housing that was part of the back plate you will need to grind down the housing to get a backplate out of the deal unless you want to make your own backplate with engine stuffing.

8. put all together and put on test stand get a tank that has a rubber stopper made for gas and glow.


addendum:
post picture of engine for tips on lightening