I am using a rcexl ignition system on my spe43.After playing around with the timing,I found that the original position plus about 2degrees advance is the optimum. I'm using a 20x8JXF prop. This is a very easy engine to start , I am using the plug for the spe26 as my rcexl plug cap fits that.

i have just cut my loses with this motor and moved on i gave up on it
i pulled it out and smash it with a sledge hammer now i gone back to a glow motors
Thanks SPE engines for my first gas engine and my LAST ONE

I have an SPE 40, and hopefully I will break-in and fly it at the end of January. I'm also planning to buy a RXcel CDI for it. You said 28-30 degrees BTDC. This means regardless when the CDi actually gives a spark? Or do we need to consider 28-30 degrees BTDC when a spark occours?
I'm planning to buy a 28% SU26 77 inches but I'm not sure if the SPE40 (I will also upgrade with WT540 carb, I bought one sometime ago...) will be enough for good 3D aerobatics.

Thanks

Andrea

Andrea

I brought a rexcell cdi for mine after the melody unit died and I just bolted it straight on using the new sensor and holder in the same postion as the old one and it fired striaght up with no fuss I have adjusted the timing via the sensor mounting collor on the engine and gained some very good rpm and the starting was still fine,if you go too far you will find the carb will need resetting as it tends to stop the throtle being crisp (not sure why this is the case though)I have not done much more to mine since due to the weather but as it was just bolted on it had a crisp throttle with good starting and reliable consistant top end

Regards

Mick.

I was planing on buying one of these SPE 43's to put in a 1/3 scale Great Planes Pitts I looked a long time for one of these pitts. Its discontinued so it wasnt easy. I feel this engine will fit in the cowelling without doing to much more cutting of the cowelling. The original owner of this plane had a 160 or 180 glow motor in it. I am a gas guy and i wont buy a large glow motor due to the cost of glow fuel and the amount of flying I like to do. If I understand all this info correctly the US dealer is Cermark? Are all the buggs worked out yet? God knows Ive had my share of buggy motors.

the motor is fine if you don't wont to use it just to look at only

your bench looks like my one

My bench has looked better but im moving everything around to make room for some other projects. I am assuming there are some people that have had some good experiances with this motor. I was hoping for a bit more input.

I'm not sure there were any bugs as such. I've had the older SPE 40 now going on nearly 2 years and apart from CDI problems the engine has been VERY reliable. The original Melody CDI systems were a bit of a let down but I replaced mine with an RCXL type - been ticking over ever since. I have a mate with the newer SPE43 and it goes like the clappers. Mine is mounted in a Seagull Extra 260 which calls for a 160 2 stroke. The SPE40 pulls it around fine - not quite 3D but pretty good. I think you will find most people have had a good run with their SPE engines - then you will always find a few that havn't - but thats with everything.

yep i was one of the unlucky ones
where did you get your one from ?

Mate - it was an ebay special that I picked up for about $240.00. Finished up costing me a lot more than that by the time I realised that the melody CDI was useless. It still "pops" on about the 5th flick and starts 2 flicks after that. Running 40:1 unleaded (now with 10% ethenol) and has not missed a beat.

what oil what mix 30:1 or 40 :1 and spark plug are you using

Running about 40:1 (give or take), unleaded with 10% ethenol. I'm using Stihl lawnmower 2 stroke oil with great success, same mix in my DL50 and it works a treat. I'm using the stock plug - RCJ6Y.

well i got it to run
maiden the yak little rough mid range got some tips on geting it to run right

Not bad going since you smashed it with a sledge hammer

i have 2 the one i smash was one of first spe 43 the one with the big ring for the timing sensor

A friend had two of the SPE 26cc`s, both had faulty CDI units. Piece of thrash on other words. Don`t be scared of going gas just because you had a bad experience with the worst piece of crap gasser out there. There`s plenty of fantastic gas engines out there, I am in love with my MVVS 26cc with tuned pipe. 9100 rpm on MenzS 18-6 and starts at one or two flics and runs until it`s out of gas. Power is at 40cc level or higher

well fire up at work today well the beast is a live
what a peace of crap that spe melody module is
now it sounds runs like a real motor
be fore it max rpm was 6200 19x12 and it sound like a woman in labour
now max rpm was 8700 wow now it idles like a cat purring

Thanks Rcexl ignitions

Was the Rcexl ignition a direct bolt on? Did you have to set the timing on the engine?

I have a SPE 43cc that needs a new ignition.

Thanks

had to set the timing with the new pickup

Crycroft, I have a SPE 40cc, IAM having promblems starting it, I CAN, get this thing running , but it takes an effort, How do you know that the module needs replacing. I get a bright spark from the plug when, its - out & turning the prop by hand. When its running Iam taching around 8500rpms on a 20X8 prop. It wont idle under 2200RPM and when it turns off its just as hard too start as when its cold. I bought it off RCU three weeks ago.
This is my second SPE 40cc, the other is on my GILES, starts and runs great.

yep sounds like my spe melody module never run right from day one
all i did was change to Rcexl module and the wow thats all i can say

WOW!!, Its hard to believe even though you have a spark ( I even got bite by spark plug) that the module can, still be faulty.
Will be getting another Rcexl box.
Thanks

My melody also gave spark whan out of the engine and turning the prop by hand. I don't know wether if was a vibration issue or that the CDI was breaking down under load, I just know that when I replaced it with an RCXL CDI the engine starts, runs, idles and only stops when I tell it too.

now i hope thats the end of it no more dead sticks as well

this thing cut out more times than badly tune glow motor