greggK

Hello all,
I know there are tons of threads on comparing these motors, however most of the discussion revolve around performance and not reliability and ease of use. I have been a glow guy for 25+ years and started in large electric 10 years ago. I use OS and Saito and the higher-end electrics. Not trying to be a "snob" I just want a reliable gas engine that doesn't require tons of tweaking... I do realize a lot of the "issues" people have are operator error but blame the manufacture. This is my first gas motor/plane and want it to go well as I learn the ropes... The plane is a Warbird (P-47) NOT an IMAC aerobatic so power and torque rolls are not the priority. I'm in the 50-80 cc range.
To put it another way, a BMW or Benz are nice until the warranty expires... I would like the Honda/Acura/Toyota/Lexus equivalent like I feel OS and Saito have been for me. I have watched enough friends over the years with YS's go crazy like a Formula 1 mechanic.

Thanks

karolh

No disrespect greggK, but this is going to be interesting, so I'm gonna get me a cup of coffee and a few biscuits and sit back and watch the fur fly

Karol

mrbigg

My Feedback: (21)

DA for gas newbies that have the bucks. They are known for good service and help for new gas users.

STUKA BARRY

If the engine is going into a warbird where weight may sometimes help, the very best as far as reliable, ease of operation and service is by far the Zenoah Brand. These engines are as rugged as they come and are ideal for any size warbird.

greggK

Guess I should include ZDZ and Fuji

BadAzzMaxx

Fuji are no longer being sold, You could pick up a used one, But there is no parts for them.

Milton

3136

If you were asking about a extra, I would say DA.
However a large warbird I would say Zenoah, without any shadow of a doubt.
End of story.

Tony Hallo

Zenoah G62

pe reivers

Zenoah 62 for weight and reliability, uncomplicated use.

acerc

I am really impressed. I think this is the first thread on the gas forum's where people actually answered the OP's question reasonably and without prejudice. Very nice to see. And I would agree the Zenoah is about the toughest, most dependable,  engine made.

K-Bob

My Feedback: (1)

And even better would be a Ralph Cunningham modified G62.

Zeeb

My Feedback: (41)

Rather large engine size range.....

Warbirds tend to be tail heavy and so the G-62 Zenoah is popular for that reason; it's heavy in it's unmodified form like Ralph does or used to do for folks.

ZDZ's are great engines but require cowl baffling to keep 'em cool, I think this is because of the relatively small fin area found on these engines but they really are horses for their size and light weight.

DA's are known for not only their reliability but the CS from DA is not to be duplicated anywhere in the hobby that I've seen. The new DA-60 is really a performer but weighs less than a DA-50 and personally, I'm a bit leary of the DA-85.

DLE is a copy of the DA. Seems to be a pretty good engine from what I've seen and the CS is a bit dependent on where you buy it, suggest Valley View but not sure since Jody left.

3W's are either loved or hated and tend to be some of the heavier engines. New ones have ignitions that require significant thought to placement for cooling as well as a mininum of a two cell Li-Ion/Li-Po or six cell NiMH/NiCD batteries.

Whistling Death

And so it begins.

acerc

So much for being impressed. Nice while it lasted.

ROGER RUSSELL

My Feedback: (12)

Agree for a Warbird that you are putting it into!

CK1

My Feedback: (60)

G-62 with a cup mount and spring starter , very easy to start and most warbirds need the added weight in the nose . You will have no ignition problems and won't need an ignition battery. add an APC T6 20x15 prop and you will have a very fast warbird.

greggK

Thanks thus far!
As I said I'm new to the gas side of the hobby and excited to get into it. Regarding the Zenoah, the way I understand it is that the Zenoah uses a magneto setup (= NO IGNITION BATTERY) like my lawn mower/chain saw/weed eater and general aviation aircraft... So, it makes its own electricity/high energy timed spark by the spinning of the prop shaft? The other motors use a separate ignition battery to do this and the spinning of the shaft is just for the timing? So, I'm guessing the magneto system is not used on all the other motors because of weight and weight only?? Additionally, all these motors mention electronic ignition, even the Zenoah, how does that work? Can you still have a kill switch on the Zenoah?

Where are Zenoahs made?
Someone mentioned spring starting, how does that work on such a big motor/prop.
Could a use a 4 blade prop and have it preform OK?

THANKS ALL.

jasburrito

I just mounted a g62 to my 91 inch zero and am loving it. Video. http://youtu.be/54mrNtunL0Y
To start with spring(flip motor just past compression,then just turn back 1/2 turn.) Mines been working like a million bucks.knock on wood. the big auto stye switch is kill. (kiss) 22x10 zoar. Scared that 20x15 they,them speek of will tear my plane apart. good luck
cheers

(runs so good its hard to shut off)

pe reivers

The zenoah is a japanese engine. Has ample cooling fins, and is a bit low on power, so amount of power per cooling fin unit is excellent.
The Zen has double web cranks, adding to it's reliability and balance.
The 62 is happy with a 22x10 prop. Try that on a MVVS58 or Moki 60, and you will get severe prop ripping. These engines need at least 23x10 or 24x10 to keep spectators and field marshals happy.

lopflyers

My Feedback: (12)

Im getting my first gasser Sunday. It is a DLE 30 cc attached to a gorgeous Sbach.

llindsey1965

My Feedback: (-1)

i usually buy DA , just purchased a used airplane with a dle 55  am impressed very easy starting good performance , really surprised me  zenoahs are good Da s are good  3 w really your preference  ,

greggK

In addition to all that was posted and being a gas new-B can you explain the vibration thing and why these shake the plane apart and why the 4-blade is not a good idea? I here a lot of stuff about the DA-85 on planes doing this... Also what about insulating the ignition wires from interference or is this not an issue with 2.4GHZ?

FormerCA.

My Feedback: (8)

Well, 3W is my brand for giant 2 cycle ops. Lots of power and cranks every time.

I've owned 7 different 3W engines and am currently running a 3W157 on a 46% Ultimate, it'll go strait up al long as you care to.


Guess that makes me the black sheep here, but every heard has at least one!

RiverLarry

Acerc it was not too bad !!!! No Blood LOSS it could of turned in to a cat fight !!!!! R/L

orthobird

My Feedback: (1)

i have a DA 120, DA 60, evolution 50, Zenoah G38, Saito FG 36, all gas engines.  the best are the DA engines.  Don't go with evolution.  SAito sounds really nice, but less power to weight ratio, the zenoah is nice from magneto, but also heavier, and throttle response is not same as EI, due to magneto.