I am interested in converting a chainsaw into a airplane engine. The poulan 46cc is very tempting, however, the Echo 44cc seems even better for a little more upfront cash. My question... has anyone converted one of these and if so... does the stock echo ignition(supposedly computerized) have variable timing like a C&H Syncro spark and is the ignition well suited for aircraft use? Thanks.

I converted a 44cc echo from a blower. It was quite heavy but it ran well with a ch ign. Used on pica t28 which has a very short nose on it. A cutdown 18x14 zinger prop was used.

The type of airplane should dictate the motor used.

Good luck

sanjoh, did you get the hub adaptor from CH Ignitions? I had wanted to put CH-Ign on a Cub Kadet 25cc, which is very similar to the Echo 25cc, but was told they didn't have a hub adaptor that will fit the drive shaft taper.

I really like the Echo engines. They may be a little expensive, but they are dual ringed, dual counter weighted and dual bearinged.

I made the hub. Check with your local machinist, maybe he can make one.

Echo's Uses Kioritz engines. Very good quality Japanese made.

And I think the Cub Cadet engines are made by MTD, the same engine as my 22.5cc Ryobi.

Yep. Cub Cadet, Troy Bilt, Ryobi and a bunch of other brandnames are all under the same MTD corporate umbrella.

Hey flipflop, did you do anything else to your Ryobi 22.5cc other than putting the G23 carb on it?

I put that purple velocity stack on it, already had it laying around from the helicopter days. That is one great little motor. It will hang my overweight Ultra-Stik on the prop for a good long time before falling off. Easy hand starts. I'd really like to put that motor in a plane that weighs 9-10lbs all up.

Got some people looking into this also. In the past Echo would not sanction using our engines to power any type RC due to the liability of "remote" -ly striking someone or something.

I don't know of anyone who has adapted this engine to fly. However, I do know of a place in Ohio that buys Echo twin cylinder engine parts and machines a crankcase and all the parts needed to fly. If you want I can get the name for you. He's sold quite a few of the twins.

Technically the CS-4400 (the only way to get the engine is to get the entire chainsaw too) is a top quality engine:

1. Ball bearing supported and counter-balanced crank
2. SAIS or "Slope Advanced Ignition Spark" which means the spark will automatically advance as RPM's go up and visa-versa.
3. There is a Canadian version which meets Canadian radio interference regulations.


My dad works for Echo Incorporated. He has some pretty good insight on the workings of these engines. He is trying to get more infomation, when he does I'll pass it on to you guys.

tell your dad i need a crankshaft for a CLS 5000 it is canadian made just out on the market.I got an email from them they will ship it to a distributor in texas they have the part in canada,it was a proto type you can email me if he can get it

Thanks... If I tell Echo I will put the chain onto the propeller to make it a circular flying chainsaw... will that be covered by their liability insurance? Jus kidding.

I know a guy that has a Echo twin cyl chainsaw about 10 years old but very nice shape. Would it be a good one to convert to RC use? Thanks John

Some were sold under the John Deere name, same saw..They work well, but look funny..The spark plug on one side angles down..D&B buys both cylinders from one side to make it symmetrical...The stock reed manifold puts the carb sideways in line with the the cylinders, so a new one is made to put the carb at 90 degrees to the crank, on the same side as the exhausts..E mail for more info......
One went on Ebay for $75.00..Another was advertised as an antique and had a $400.00 starting price...Of course there are no more for $75.00..............
Gotta be more than 10 years..They were sold for only 1 or 2 years here in the U.S.......
One of my friends in New Mexico has one he wants $650.00 for..

Ok I have an email addy for someone who works at Echo's test facility. I don't think this is his official study, but he has been converting several different Echo engines for RC use. Anyone who is serious about doing this I can put you in touch with him. Pop says he is a good guy and would be glad to help.

RCIGN: Thanks for reply. If a person cowled the engine in the looks may not matter. To me it would not. What matters is the weight. Can the weight be taken off this unit and what about that carb issue? Will the manifold have to be changed for use or is that just for better looks also.? Thanks ,Captinjohn

Weight can be taken off..The carb faces sideways in the saw and is on the opposite side of the exhausts..It will work sideways but is better straight up..The cylinders can be turned 180 degrees to put the exhaust on the same side as the carb...The cylinders have locater pins that need to be changed to rotate the cylinders, and the bolt patterns are not symmetrical as well..Can be done....Been there......

RCIGN: Thanks again. Very interesting data...Hmmmm! Captinjohn