I have a ryobi 31cc on a thunder tiger Giles 202, I have not flown it yet because I haven't had much time and I have had some issues with getting the motor to run consistantly. I have it pretty good now, but, I was thinking of upgrading. would a homelite 30 be a good idea? I have a brand new one (not converted yet) or should I just go for a airplane specific already RTF engine? what are the pros and cons (cost vs work)?

thanks so much guys,
Chris

The Homelite is a little more work to convert than a Ryobi, as there is some crankcase cutting you will have to do. However, a Homelite 30cc is lighter and more powerful than a Ryobi when it's done...

Your choice.

AV8TOR

the cutting is not a problem at all, I plan to do a electronic conversion, do I have to do anything else to the long block? what prop and what rpm can be expected?

thanks, Chris

I have done the ryobis.I put a 30cc homy on my sons Balsa USA DVIII.It fles it great,although it is 84inch ws and high wing.All up RTF dry,14-1/4 lbs.It will hand start on the 3rd or 4th flip,cold.[Ive never had a ryobi do this].I was swinging an 18x6 or 8 MAS or dynathrust and was getting in the low 7000.I made a new hub with a wider face so im going to try a 18x6 zinger pro,or a 20x6 zinger with the tips rounded a little like an APC.My sons plane is not anything like your giles but this might help with some weight issues and numbers.The homy is stock except for a pitts muffler.

I think I have a 16x6 or 16x 8 oon the ryobi and it is turning about 7450 rpm I would like to try a homelite I think. I am pretty sure my electronic ignition from thje ryobi would fit on it but I need to make a ne prop adapter for it. anyone have a pic of a prop adapter for a short shaft homelite 30cc?

Heres one i made for an echo.But the thread size on the homy is the same as a ryobi.5/16thsx24.A short shaft ryobi and homy can use the same adaptor.

What I sometimes do is use a hole saw in a drill press to cut the center out of the old magneto. Then I dress it round, and use it on the crank taper. Then an easily obtained prop adapter for use with a magneto engine can be used. Be careful not to make the "adapter" from the center of the mag too small, or it can crack when you tighten the prop hub on.

My Homelite 30cc is all hopped up, but it turns an APC 16 x 8 prop at over 9000 rpms. That is one of the neat things about a Homelite. A Ryobi shouldn't run over about 7500 due to it's lightweight stamped steel rod, but a Homelite is good to 10,000 rpms.

AV8TOR

I converted a Ryobi and coudn't ever get it to start reliably and I gave up on it.

The Homelite 33cc out of the 14" chainsaw is a great engine with good power and runs well. I have them in two planes now and I plan on putting one in another model.

Jim

I have the hub that mounts to the tapered section,with a magnet in it for the electronic ignition I just need to make the part that holds the prop. does this thread directly onto the shaft? is it ok if the threads are aluminum? will they hold up OK?

then you use a bolt through the center (what size and thread?) to hold the prop on. or like the echo one BUCK1856 made with the small screws threaded into the end. Correct?

Yes ya just thread the hub onto the shaft.Yes its ok if there aluminum.They will hold up fine if there T6 but i dont know about the other kinds of aluminum cause i only use T6.And yes you can use a single bolt in the center.I would use a 5/16thsx18 NC.Course threads hold better in aluminum than fine.The only reason or 2 i did the 6-bolt hub was for a WWI plane and i had just purchased my lathe and i was trying out it and my new drill press to see how everything was alighned and checked for runout.Plus it just looks cool on a small echo engine.You could also use a piece of all thread or a stud and then use a nut like on a glow engine.

I am going to have to either buy one or have one made because I just don't have the tools to do it properly right now, would anyone be interrested in making one for me? I am willing to pay for it!
I have the part that fits on the taper I just need something like you have pictured ther BUCK1856.

I need to make a mount and get the intake manifold, I am thinking of buying a twister manifold, has anyone ever used one?


Chris

The twister manifold is ok, but a bellcrank mounted at a strategic point to actuate the throttle works just as well.

You can make a plate mount out of a piece of flat aluminum, but I just use studs and nuts to mount the backplate, and those studs go through the firewall with washers and nuts on back. On some airplanes it is a little finicky to get to those nuts inside the fuselage, but it is a cheap, light, and easy way to mount the engine.

Several people make prop mount hubs for use with a magneto, such as you will need with your setup. Try www.ch-ignitions.com wackerengines.com carrprecision.com

AV8TOR

Sent ya a pm Chris.

Buck ,

couldn' tsee the picture, But I am probably going to get it could you send me a picture to [email protected]

Chris

sent pic.

buck,
what do you want for it just like it is?
I am not goingo use a spinner.

chris

sent PM.