I am about to break in a new engine, and was in the process of building a simple test stand. If someone has any plans, ideas etc. for an build it yourself type test stand, please send them my way. Thanks!

i think it wouldnt be hard.
Just get 3 pieces of 2x4 and make a stand Mak it look like this __l_l__

Just something to hold the wings back.

Wrap an old belt or rope around the tail. Drive a tire iron or stake or BIG screwdriver into the ground. Hook the belt over the stake. Can't get much easier.

Note: May want to pad tail with a rag to avoid chafing.

I already have an hold down for the plane, but I am looking for a simple engine test stand design so I can break in the engine before I mount it on the plane. Any ideas? Mike

Mike I agree and am also a user of test stands. In answer to your question the most simple is just a length of 1x6 lumber with a notched cut out in one end for the crankcase, then just bolt it to the board just like an engine mount. The Board can then be transported to the field and drywall screwed to a table or clamped.

Of course you can get as fancy as you want or spend as much as you want. I use are four old alumin Tatone mounts which just clamp the engine beams with a a large bolt. This is bolted to that 1x6 and the tank is banded to a step block behind to get differant fuel heights. I even got fancy and made an articulated lever behind that uses a simple "S" bend push rod to operate the throttle and it has a friction adjustment.

The reason I have four is I prefer to break in my multi's all at the same time all screwed to the same table so all the harmonics are the same as in the airplane.

John

A GP. adjustable motor mount and a box works for me.

[8D]

John and Larry both gave great ideas if you insist on using a stand.Keep in mind a way to control the throttle while you plan and mounting for a fuel tank.
I personally break my engines in on the plane. It only takes a tank or two and works fine. If you have a cowl leave it off while breaking in.

I do a little engine work for other people , and it`s just a habit for me to run one on the stand before giving them their engine. Gives me a chance to warm the engine up, re-torqe the bolts , check for air leaks, set the carb , have a barley pop, ect .

I have no problem running one in a plane if it`s a new or a previous run engine , but the ones that are iffy , those get a run or 2 on the stand first .
And since I had back surgery , working off a stand , bets bending over .

I have had it happen with a few engines were they run great on a stand, but won't run well in the airframe... until I fix whatever issue there was....

I choose to cut ou the middle man and break them in on the airframe......

I just built a square frame out of 4X4's that i had laying around. the weight helps hold it still when the engine is running rough at first. I used a piece of aluminum .080 sheetmetal from work (I fix full size planes in the USAF for a living) and another couple smaller plates that bolt to the large plate so i can adjust for different engines. broke in my .55AX and a Saito 100 just fine so far on it.

Im not sure how complicated you want to get but here are a few ideas

the "V" is for a tune pip depending on what engine is being used the

this was the orignial set up

Now if you want to get more complicated this is version 2.0

you can now messure thrust and rpm

If you need any help or more pics/details let me know

(btw if anyone needs i have the planse for that starting stand in the backround of the post above i might be able to scan and post the plans )

Mike......I make and sell engine stands for as cheap as you'll find and am about 3 hours from you. Let me know if you'd be interested. Here's a pic......

So i hvae gotton multiple Pms / emails from people that would liek closer pictures of the test stand so here they are

If you try and build this I would recomend you try and find sliders with the least amount of fritcion and get a scale that is as preciseis as possbile, and maybe evan try and lighten up the structure that is on the platform.

You may have to re-enforce the botom depending on what kind of wood you use

More

Here are more,

If anyone has any Q's are needs specific measurements let me know...

Steven

Thanks ! ill have to check it out more precisly and see what i can do

My test bench is a little more crude than what many of you guys have posted here but I have found it to work. I used some stuff from remodeling my house. I took a piece of 1 1/4" x 12" x 36" bull pine and squared it up on the table saw. Made a small plate about 4" x 4" and a couple triangular pieces fastened to the back for more support. I mounted an engine mount to this and then drilled the center out for the fuel lines. Used an old piece of threaded rod with a clevis to attach to throttle. A broken prop cut down and rounded on one side mounted to an bent alum back plate with a bolt and wing nut. I strapped the fuel cell down with a bungie cord on top of foam. Its not real fancy and I know it needs modifications but for my first test stand it has served well. I didn't have much time and wanted to use what i had laying around. When I have some time I will put together a nice stand. Like usual no time and tons of things to do. I love this hobby and tinkering is half the fun for me. I made a nice field kit but need to build the revised edition now.