Beginner questions about engine conversion?
 

The past couple of months I have been really wanting to build a large scale warbird. The only things thats been holding me back has been the cost. Ive always heard about people converting a weed cutter into a working gasoline rc engine for a very cheap cost, but never actually thought of it until ive come across this forum. Ive read i couple of posts and to my surprise ive noticed that its easier and cheaper then i thought (i think?). I dont really have any experience with gasoline engines however i understand the basic 2-stroke glow-engine.

Im just wondering how a beginner would go about starting this project.
Is there a website or thread that explains the basics of this topic? Which type of gasoline is used, what tools are needed, costs, difficulty, and essential information to successfully complete this?

Any answers, information or advice would be appreciated,

Thank you.

RE: Beginner questions about engine conversion?
 

Hi
Search in the web
"How to teach a weedwaker to fly" by joe Guzzardi
jagengines
Read the engine conversion forum and see the photos.
Read the "dont forget echo" here , many photos.
If you are a beginner and have no person or chainsaw repair shop can help you , start with a new engine to avoid frustration, you have a new carb and new ignition.
Good luck
Jose

RE: Beginner questions about engine conversion?
 

:D Go to a home improvement store and buy a weed-eater with a 31cc Ryobi in it. The cheap weed-eater (approx. $76.00, which I use) will have a Short-shaft crank. The more expensive Ryobi weed-eater will have a long-shaft crank and clutch-unit, which could also be used. Go to Jag Engines and by a conversion kit, long or short-shaft, jagengines.com . This will include the motor-mount, prop-adapter, and carb spacer. You can run this engine stock out of the box with this conversion kit, which I did for a couple of months and had know problems at all. Great for a Cub or airplane that does not require a great deal of power. The stock carb for the weed-eater is on the small side and had sealed needle-valves. For more power get a wackerengines.com big-bore carb & a Jagengines.com round muffler for a large increase in power. For less than $200. I have an engine which I just love. P.S. - Do not over-prop the engine the big carb needs the rpm's to breath. (Lot of fuel-lot of airflow in carb) Have Fun: Ron

RE: Beginner questions about engine conversion?
 

just a thought,if you really dont want to try your first one, go to the classifieds on this site, click on gas engines. look for the guys selling these for 50 to 60 dollars already converted and ready to fly.after you buy one and have it in your hands, youll understand immediatly what this is all about.the new engine and the conversion kit will run you about 120 dollars anyway.

RE: Beginner questions about engine conversion?
 

Go check out Wacker Engines. The conversion kit for the Ryobi will cost you about $50. Before you go purchase a
Ryobi make sure that it will fit in the plane that you have in mind. The Ryobi engine has a rear mount carb so have to have enough space between your firewall and the end of your cowel. If you are tight on space you may want to go with the Homelite engine. The Homlite has side mounted carb and muffler so you can get in in a more compact space length wise. If you go to Harborfreight.com they have reconditioned Homelites and Ryobi's. I have converted both the Ryobi 31 and Homelite 45 and it is not very difficult to do.
One last thing that you want to consider is power to weight ratio. I originally converted the 31 cc for a 1/7 scale p47 which will weigh about 15lbs. After talking to many of the experts on RC Universe I decided that I wanted more power so I moved up to the Homlite 45. The Homelite only weighs a little more but give you much more bang for the buck.

Anyway just jump in if you get stuck just post a question, I got Lott's of help converting mine. Good Luck

RE: Beginner questions about engine conversion?
 

what is the shaft size thread on a echo engine 21 or 25cc

RE: Beginner questions about engine conversion?
 

Check out this thread. It shows how to convert one of the chainsaw engines.

Jim

http://www.rcscalebuilder.com/forum/...p?TID=888&PN=2