I got several blower tanks of fuel used up with my M290 Blower now. Runs GREAT!! The carb keeps the mixture about right all through the RPM range. That is amazing for such a simple setup. Has anyone got one of these engines on a airplane yet??? Sure hope they work good. AV8T0R , FLIPFLOP and dbryan....how are you guys doing on your projects? Thanks Capt,n

Captin;
Like you, I made the mistake of using the blower. Now I need to get another one to convert. I am currently working on a new Homelite/Ryobi 30cc that I know I can get conversion parts for.

I converted the trimmer engine, modified the exhaust duration timing to resemble the one on the old ryobi about 155 degrees originally was at about 125 degrees need to try it on thew test stand, also changed the carb to a 2 needle carb originally one needle carb. y hope tro get about 8300 rpm out of this baby with a 18x6W APC prop. with gasoline/methanol fuel mix and glow plug.

areo nut: UPDATE is the trimmer engine the same as the blower MB290? Thanks Capt,n

flipflop: How are you doing on that MB 290 Blower engine. You going to test it in a plane soon? I can,t wait!!!! Capt,n

Hi Captin!!! The trimmer engine is a 31CC Ryobi Hybrid engine, it comes with 2 rings and dual ports on both sides, has a lot of compression but the exhaust timing was short at about 120 degrees of duration but I increased to 140 degrees, I already have it mounted and flying on a plane of my own design based on the application of a Ryobi engine, but let me tell you this engine makes this plane "TEAR" the sky on Glow/Gasoline fuel with glow plug, I'm having a ball with it and can't wait for the weekend to be here so I can go and fly again, At the time don't have a Tachometer to tach it by I guess it's over the 8000 rpm range with an APC 18x6W prop, I am realy happy with the end product and it only cost me $39.99 plus tax!!!! can you believe that???? keep in touch.
Your Buddy from down Baja Mexico Aero Nut.

Do you have a photo of final installation? Your engine may be not the same as mine. I got a MB290 Mac engine. Yellow in color. I will take a photo of it and post it here. Thanks Capt,n.....Forgot to ask.....what is the weight now. Engine & Muffler. Also did you keep the fllywheel on it or what?

I am sure they are not the same the one on the blower is a 25CC echo look alike and the one on the trimmer is a 31CC Ryobi look alike, I will take some pic's of the finished product as it is, I will probably post them in the evening.

flipflop: Please let us know how the Mb290 Blower engine is working out in your .90 Funtana. I sure like the way my blower runs. I use it just about every day. I never had a engine start as easy with just a slow tug on recoil. Runs super!!! Capt,n

What happened here???? Did you guys drop off the edge of the earth. I have not seen anything posted on the MB290 Blower engine. I thought someone would have one in a plane by now!!! Thanks Capt,n

I think everyone made the same mistake we did and used it as a blower. These things work great!!!

MB290 blower has been taken apart:
A-two ring engine
B-silencer held on with 2 screws as well as the carb
C-easy to shave flywheel(the front is machined and that makes easy to hold on the tree jaw chuck)
D-real nice to mount,4 M4 taped holes in back for the pull start
E-two needle carb(no brand name but looks a lot like Walbro)

Making prop hub so we can fire it up and see what goes.

fotos will be sent soon

Waldo

mangolo: Hey!!! Thanks for the reply. I cannot wait to see the photos. Take Care, Capt,n

Hey guys,

If anyone reading this is in central Ohio, ~ome Depot has the Mac MB290 blower for 49.00! I just got one and thought I got a good deal till I read what captinjohn paid for his! When it comes to blowers, I'm in a unique situation for breaking in the engines. We use a blower daily to clean up the outside at work, so I'm gonna talk the guys into using the Mac for a few weeks before I tear into it. I read it's got a short shaft?? Whats everyone using for prop hubs?

Tym1_Me0

TYM: It was the 2nd one I was going to get a good deal on. Read post 49. I missed that deal.....they sold all they had....2 guys went together and bought them all for $29 each. They never called me . So at $49 ( what you paid) ...it still is a better deal than what I paid for the first one. I may buy the 31 cc Mac weed whip. Thats a good one too. Regards, Capt,n P.S. mangolo... is the Mb290 a ball bearing engine?

captinjohn,

Can I assume the only "mistake" made in using the MB290 as a blower is becoming attached to its usefullness as intended and then not wanting to tear it apart?

Tym1_Me0

Yes...that is a very good assumption!! Now....what happened to the nice conversions that was posted on here? Best Regards, Capt,n

Here is a photo of the MB290 Blower.

Hey guys,

Does anyone know of someone who is selling prop hub adapters for this enigine? I'd like to start tearing into it, but there's no sense junking a good blower if I can't get a prop hub for it.

Thanks.

Tym1_Me0

Look at post #29....flipflop has one!

Well guys....I went to Menards today and noticed a leaf blower exactly like the Mac MB290 . It is called a Yardman Model YM290 ($79.oo) . It is the same engine I believe. The Mac Mb290 is on sale in Grand Rapids Mich at Home Depot for $49.oo They will UPS them out too!!!. Smooth flying....Capt,n

mangolo: How are you doing on your MB290 engine? I cannot find a list of internal parts. I even contacted the company. No engine parts available. Will keep searching for more on parts interchange with other engines like it. Capt,n

Curiosity got the best of me and I bought one of these. Its looks like a great little engine that may give the Toro 25 a run for the money.

The shaft threads are 5/16-24, the same as the Homelite threads so a prop adapter made for a Homelite 25 would work just fine. The mufflers are different though but Scott Ellingson (poco242) can make you a muffler for it. I gave this engine to him to play with.

Actually, the thread size is 8mm x 1.00 pitch. I just double checked to make sure. A 5/16 will screw on a couple of turns before it starts to bind though.

flipflop: Are you going to put your Mac MB290 in a plane. thanks Capt,n