18cc featherlite conversion possible?
 

My weedeater that I bought at walmart has a 18cc engine. I have been running it a couple of summers now and it has alwaysa run reliably. Would this be a goood subject for conversion?


Jim

RE: 18cc featherlite conversion possible?
 

I have an Echo 16cc with a CH Ignition. The engine came out of a hedge clipper. Runs well but limited power. In a Cub or Telemaster it would do fine. Anything else and you would be wishing for more power. :D

RE: 18cc featherlite conversion possible?
 

Thanks

I was looking for something to power 60-90 size glow planes. Without doing any measuring, the 18cc looks like it would just fit. Also looked at Wally world last night and noticed that the smallest weedeater they carry now has a 20cc motor. The weedeater costs 59.95. I also noted that they seem to have a plastic backplate on them. What do you all think about the potential of any of these?

Jim

RE: 18cc featherlite conversion possible?
 

It's doable.I cut off everything even cut off some fins. I mounted it and going to test run it today but i am planning on using FAI fuel with 3% of oil since it got ball bearings.This will make a methanol fuel cheap enough to burn at high rate.

Will post some pics once i take 'em.

RE: 18cc featherlite conversion possible?
 

Mitty I was thinking of doing the same with a Ryobi 31cc. Just make sure you flush out the carb with some gas when flight is finished for the day. Pure methonol can effect the carb neopreme components if left to soak. also please run a good afterrun oil through the carb to coat all the bearings and prevent rust. You may consider mixing 33% methonol to 91 octane gas and elminate most of the flushing problems. good luck and keep us posted - big al

RE: 18cc featherlite conversion possible?
 

Well,To start with i didn't have a well made glow plug adapter and zama carburetor (1 needle) is the only 1 i had for right now but it ran.I mixed 3% of castor oil in pure methanol and it fired right up.I saw bubbles from so called adapter so i know it must be leaking pretty good but it ran and revved up.I think highest i got was 6200 on 14-8 prop. Not sure if it's good or bad but once i confirmed it's usability it'll go on the front of one of my 60 size trainers.Oh yeah...picture worth a thousands words? :)here it goes

RE: 18cc featherlite conversion possible?
 

I'm doing something similar to what you show on your pictures and was wondering what the whole outcome of the test was. Did it ever fly? How does the glow plug set up work?

RE: 18cc featherlite conversion possible?
 

Here is a photo of my 25cc Homlite engine. I took this photo to show another way to mount your engine and save weight. Remove backplate. I drill the bolt hole deeper and re-tap deeper(not needed in all cases) and installed long studs. I use locknuts on studs to hold back plate in place. This engine is glow....then later did glow/gas. Enjoy! Capt,n

RE: 18cc featherlite conversion possible?
 

Cap'n John,

That mount congifuration is an outstanding idea...I'm going to use it as well.

Thanks

RE: 18cc featherlite conversion possible?
 

Thanks Foamcut...I am sorry I did not think to post a photo of this simlpe mount last year! It is simple and saves weight and the price $$ of a special engine mount. Capt,n

RE: 18cc featherlite conversion possible?
 

That's how I always mount all of my engines that will accept studs in the back.... I'll gladly lose the easy mounting accessability of a backplate style mount in order to also lose the weight!!

AV8TOR

RE: 18cc featherlite conversion possible?
 

Capt' what kind of props and #s are you getting? Also what does it weigh all up and ready to run? I have a couple laying around some where.
Thanks

RE: 18cc featherlite conversion possible?
 

The Homelite 25cc is pretty strong on Glow fuel. I do not have a tack to check RPM. I can weigh the engine tomorrow to check weight. I do not run the engines when Its cold like it is here now. I rather mess around with my new Lathe indoors where its warm! Best Regards Capt,n;)