Engine Conversion
 

I wanted to know if anyone would share information on converting a 2- stroke trimmer engine into an R/C ready airplane engine.

RE: Engine Conversion
 

not likely the engine is to heavy and does not put out enough rpm or torque if you think a bigger prop will work it will never make it in the air. Im sure others will agree

RE: Engine Conversion
 

There's been the odd article here & there about converting 'gardening' engines to R/C. Most require major mods, and major weigh trimmings.

The latest I saw was a few years ago, for a Ryobi weed wacker conversion

RE: Engine Conversion
 

Rustler555

Check the Engines Forum. There is a forum specifically for information on engine conversions. I have converted a Homelite 25cc and been flying it for about 7 years. Most recently, I have converted a McCulloch 28cc engine which will go into a Balsa USA Sopwith Pup (1/4 scale) to be built this year. There are numerous conversions of trimmer and chain saw engines. Visit that forum for lots of information.


(edit for spelling)

RE: Engine Conversion
 

The ‘Engine Conversions’ forum has more information than can be digested. I am converting two engines now. Did you have a specific question?

Bill

RE: Engine Conversion
 

Which engine? Some are easier and better suited to conversion than others. Homelite and Ryobi have a following.

I've just converted a Homelite and according to the experts at the field, who saw me bench test it, it should out peform a number of specialist gasoline aircraft engines. I'm a little more modest than they are, I just wanted to do it myself and prove it would be feasible.

RE: Engine Conversion
 

The engine is a 26cc kawasaki trimmer engine.. it was a very powerful engine while it was a trimmer so i thought it would work well for an airplane. if this engine will work, where would be the best place to get a prop hub?

RE: Engine Conversion
 

Thanks for the input bill. i have no exact weight of the engine it weighs between 3 and 5 pounds.... i can take some of the weight off i just wanted to know if it would work. it is a 26cc kawasaki.

RE: Engine Conversion
 

Rustler,

I remember seeing some Kawasaki engines being converted in the Engine Conversion forum. A conversion is usually not very hard. Finish all up weight will usually be about 4 #. Gas engines are usually flown on airplanes of 1000 sq in and up and they usually weigh 14 # up.

I leave the magneto/coil on the engine and avoid the $100 an up cost of electronic ignition. I also leave the pull start on the engine if possible for safe starting. Due to a minimum cranking speed many magneto engines cannot be hand started. Prop adaptors are available and cost $15 to $20. A different muffler is not mandatory but almost always desirable.

An engine can be converted for almost no cost that will out last half dozen airplanes. Converson is a good learning experience.

Bill

RE: Engine Conversion
 

try this link
http://www.weedplane.com/
kinda neet
Shawn

RE: Engine Conversion
 

rustler 555
try wacker engines.com for prop hub.he(pete)can make most parts u will need muffler, hubmounts etc.

RE: Engine Conversion
 

To everyone,
thanks for all the help and info..... i think i'm gonna give this engine a go..... thanks again

RE: Engine Conversion
 

Bill,
Where would you suggest getting a prop adapter??
Thanks, rustler

RE: Engine Conversion
 

Rustler,

The two people who most recommended are Peter at Wacker Engines (Florida) and Ken Lambert in Texas. I believe both do good work and are also modelers. It is likely they make parts to support their modeling hobby. Not a bad idea if one is a machinist.

I purchased the last prop adaptor by calling Peter at Wacker Engines and talking with him.

Bill

RE: Engine Conversion
 

I wonder ,what do they think we convert engines 'to'? I'm new to this forum stuff and forgive me if I'm wrong but
it seems as if this thread got moved here from somewhere else is that posible ,I mean if they read whats on this forum 'engine conversion its kind of obvious thats exactly what we do ,or did I miss something? I'm not knocking
anyone I'm just confused about how things work on this forum stuff.if I am corect and it did get moved here, hows that happen?

RE: Engine Conversion
 

If you go to Carrengineering or wackerengines.com they have a whole sight for conversions. Carr's prices are very good. I concert all my own & make my own parts. I just finished a 33cc hommie 14" chainsaw that I got from cummins tool for $79.00 They also have a 25cc hommie string edger for $49.00.

RE: Engine Conversion
 

What was the final weight of the Homelite 33? I assume it is the powerstroke. Dou you have the stock ignition or did you do EI? What kinds of performance data can you give?

Tim

RE: Engine Conversion
 

Tim, both the 25 & 33cc weigh about 4 lbs. The 25 is in a bridi old timer stiz running a 16x6x10 zinger prop weighs under 12 lbs. The 33 's are in a Sig 1/4 scale cub & a scratch built from plans from AMA. They both are running 18x6 zinger props. All of my conversations run stock ignition. I uploaded a pic. of the scratch one.

RE: Engine Conversion
 

Thanks for the information. I have been considering trying a Homelite. I mostly do Echo's and run them all on CH ignitions. Working on a Honda 4 stroke GX31 now for a 1/4 scale WWI plane.