Is it possible to convert a weed wacker engine into a RC plane engine? If so, what all needs to be done or is entailed? Is it worth it? Thanks in advance.

Sure. It's easy, and can be fun. If you have access to a metal lathe, you can make some of the parts yourself, like the prop shaft. I've converted two 23cc engines. 23cc - 38cc engines are cheaply available on weedwhackers, leaf blowers, and other small gas yard tools. Check stores like Big Lots, Harbour Freight, etc., for bargains. I found both of my engines mounted on weedwhackers for under $75. The conversion cost me about $25. I made my own prop shaft.

Both my conversions turned the same prop at the same or slightly more RPM than comparable R/C engines.

Here's a good link for conversion kits.

http://home.att.net/~carrprecision/

Dr.1

Hello Steven,
You should look at the RCU engine conversion forum.

Dave

THANKS FOR THE INFO! I am going to look into it with the resourse you offered. If you know of any other sites, please send them my way. It does look like fun and saves you some money.

I've gotten 4 of my ryobi's free from people at work. I just put the word out that I'll take any broken weedeater and over a period of time they started coming in. I fix them and on to a plane they go.
Edwin

Edwin,
Where do you get your motors modified for a plane? Do you do it yourself? My father actually has a ryobi sitting around for a while, I might just try and snag it from him, it would be a start. What kind of planes have you put them into? Thanks in advance...

I bought the first conversion kit from Jag conversions. Now I make my own parts. Got a lathe and mill. Still learning how to use the mill with a friends help. The first plane I used was a heavily modified Bandito Grande. Plans from RCM I believe. The next one will probably be a Don Smith AT-6 or his DGA 15. I've seen 4star 120's, big huge ugly sticks and somebody here has done a pink foam ugly kinda stick. Lots of planes to choose from. I think the key is wing area and keeping it around 14 lbs or so.
Edwin

For Ryobi conversion parts and info, go to WWW.JAGENGINES.com
Good luck, red

Hello,I was only 15 when I did my first conversion (last year)...It was a homelite 25cc that needed some cutting and parts from wacker engines( www.wackerengines.com )...I only spent about 50 bucks total...It does great on my sig four star 120...not too many mods were needed...take a look at the pictures...Dustin

I did a Toro 25cc conversion about 3 months ago. I did send the cylinder to Scott Ellingson to port it. So far I have less than $150.00 into it with the CH ignition. It turns an honest 8850 rpm with a Master Airscrew 16X8 and idles at 1500 rpm all day.

Check out www.scottellingson.com he has ready made motors very cheap and ready to run.

I have converted several motors, Ryobi 31cc (both rear carb and side carb), Homelites 25cc, and thier 33cc chainsaw motor. I have the homelite 31cc side carb going on a 1/4 scale Sopwith Pup, I just did a 1/4 scale Fokker DVII using a fourstroke weedeater that I converted (34cc), a Bud Nosen 1/4 scale Aeronca Champ, 1/4 scale Fokker DVIII using the Homelite 33cc chainsaw motor and I will have a kitbashed 1/4 scale flybaby using the rear carbed 31cc ryobi engine next spring. Oh, yeah, and a Balsa USA 80inch Eindecker that I used a 25cc featherlight poulan leaf blower motor on.