Hi all, im just starting out with the big birds, and i want to go gas. I have a limited budget so i was woundering if a chainsaw motor would be the best way to keep it cheap? i have access to a good range of tools and im good with motors so the work doesn't scare me...lol. so i have come across a cheap very good running old 009l stihl chainsaw motor.

here is its specs:
009 L Chain Saw

DISPLACEMENT
40.8 cc (2.49 cu. in.)

ENGINE POWER
1.5 kW (2.0 bhp)

WEIGHT
4.1 kg (9.0 lbs.)

what size aerobatic model do you guys think ill be able to stick this in......just so you know i dont want to do hovering, i just want nice scale speeds with enough for good climbs and some power for if i get in trouble. if a model is built for a 50cc will i have enough power?
O yes and also the magneto is on the back of the motor is this a problem??? i dont really want electric ignition if i can get away with it.

Just my two cents worth. Does it really weigh 9lbs.? If that is what it will weigh in the model then I say it's too heavy. Most if not all of the 40-50cc engines being used are around 4 1/2 lbs. I believe a chainsaw engine is better than a weedie. Having the magneto on the back shouldn't be a problem if it fits in your model. You might want to consider doing a gas/glow conversion also which eliminates both magneto and EI and will make that engine a lot lighter but I don't think it will be light enough. I have been told the "Rule of thumb" is 1hp for every 10lbs. so you have already used 1hp and that means your model should only be 10lbs. without the engine. Good luck.

Thanks for the good info...the guys on the other site said the same thing. thats the weight of the full chainsaw...lol. i should of said that. the rule of thumb will be handy to know thanks. i have seen a website that a guy removed the flywheel and put it on the front, it seems to work really well on youtube (type in 38cc it will be the first one).

cheers Camo

There is a BIG difference between an 009 and a 090.

The 009 is a limbing saw and the 090 is a falling saw.

its a 009l

The 090 would power a 3/4 scale plane.

I have an 009 in the garage that was left a few years ago.

I should make a nice conversion.

Keep us updated.

ok ive striped the chainsaw down but i have more work for myself[:@]because all of the fuel tank, it is cast aluminium and moulded to the crank case. so i have some cutting and shaping ahead of me yet. but still its a nice engine so far. ive been told to try the glow/gas aproach....what do u think???are they reliable?

Gas Glow works well especially on chainsaw conversions.

Higher compression, better timing and a larger Carb. make for great running engines.

GOOD NEWS the engine is all stipped down and looking good. its down to 3 lbs, is that good for a 40cc engine (2hp)? now i need to turn up a longer shaft, and make a mounting plate. is left hand thread good or made for the prop? i ask because most rc engine i know have right hand thread, is this for any special reason??

Is there a chance we could see some pictures?

ok here they are, got everything but the prop and the exhaust on, can is standard size. it now weighs in at 3.7lbs....

e300s, Can you take the wood off the back of engine and post a photo. I got a simular engine. Thanks , Capt,n