You misquoted me. I said you "jumped over the distributor." What I meant was that you went over his head. Reading 101. In my book, ethical action on your part would have dictated that you allow him a chance to make it right. You didn't give him a chance, although he offered to. So far as I can see, you bought one Chinese engine which turned out badly and so you have proceeded to indict them all. If you have hands-on knowledge of more than one of them, I haven't seen it. Am I wrong about that?

CR

Of this particular brand, only the one. As for other brands in various sizes, I have a lot of experience "hands on". What you don't, or need, to know is that I do some interesting things for a living that involves gas 2 strokes. Also withheld from the public is that the person I bought from agreed that the damage was likely caused by poor packaing at the point of origin, and there was no objection to my manner of correcting. So I did not "jump over the distributor". You also don't know the total timeline fo the cummunication chain, or all that transpired within it.

My comments in the review were and are specifically directed at the 100 twin. They make what has been reported to be a pretty nice 50. The Peak 65 is essentially their engine as well. The 100 in the version I received would not last a season for an average flyer. A new version is soon to be released that's said to incorporate quite a few improvements. I'm a chronic doubter so I'll wait and see before saying a word.

You folks didn't pay for the engine, I did. Quite a bit in fact. I provided a lot of free R&D info to them before the engine was first run, balked at doing more for free after paying for the engine, but in some areas I'm still relating critical info about improvements. At the moment I'm going out of pocket further to repair the engine and seek ways to improve it. That info will be passed on to the appropriate people. I'm in no way required or obligated to provide everyone all the behind the scenes communications, of which there was quite a bit, and which still continue.

If someone wanted me to sell an unproven product, they normally would send me that product at their expense, not mine. If I knew nothing about those people first hand (I did not) I would make it a point, as I did here, to determine that all I had been told was true before climbing on board. I provided all that was needed for someone to make an informed purchase decision based upon experience from a product quality and consumer position, not an extremely biased sellers position. Had the product not already been made available for purchase to the general public there would have been no review, just behind the scenes communications for product improvement purposes. The fact that the engine was and is for sale on the open market, and light advertising was being done through an engine thread, opened the door for an honest and critical evaluation. What people do with it from there is up to them.

I'm starting to think that people have gotten so used to favorably glowing product reviews that they think everything is peachy wherever they look. That's not the way things are. Many reviews are written by people that get a lot of free stuff as long as they write favorably. They don't want their new and free product supply cut off with a negative word, so they don't tell the truth. Ever wonder why almost all the new kit reviews in M.A.N. are all written by the same person?

I sold my SPE 26cc engines early on, but I do that a lot anyway. It isn't necessarily a statement that they were bad. The newer SV26 engines are over one hundred dollars less expensive than the SPE engines, when they first came out.

So far, the SV26 is proving to be just fine for the type of duty I have it in. I can't see hanging a $400 engine on the wall to fly only once or twice a year. But I do want a few of that type of model hanging around, pardon the pun. They are good for club Open House days, etc.

I know where some of you elitists fellows are coming from. I used to be there myself. Once in a while, even today, I revert occasionally. <G>


Ed Cregger

Ok, so since you only tested one engine of one brand, maybe you should quit bashing all of them. In my view, that's what you're doing. BTW, I didn't just fall off the turnip truck, engine-wise, either.

CR

Charley you aren't even reading what is being said... in fact you didn't even read the entire review.. that was clear from your first post because you said things that were wrong and clearly spelt out in the thread!

Re Read the entire first line twice.. not just the first sentance..

"Of this particular brand, only the one. As for other brands in various sizes, I have a lot of experience "hands on". What you don't, or need, to know is that I do some interesting things for a living that involves gas 2 strokes."


I enjoy a cilivized discussion.. but atleast pay attention before you waste multiple posts accusing someone of something [:'(]

That's ok, I'm done with it. Some people will only hear or see what they want to see, or may be biased because of some financial interest.

As originally mentioned elsewhere, the product has potential and there's evidence that such potential is being explored. If Charley knows more about the product he's more than welcome to express that knowledge here or anywhere else.

Did you hear something?

I have to jump in here and vouch for Pat's experience. Not trying to choose sides, Charley. You have a point. But, so does Pat.

Can i jump in here and PLEASE can we talk about 26cc Gassers from China you guys pat each other on the back and both walk away winners, who has anything factual and related to 26cc chinese engines please Post it .

I will chime in here. Hopefully it wil help to stop this part of the thread from developing any further.

I know Pat because I was one of the dealers that he spoke with regarding the engine he bought (I was not the selling dealer, in fact I referred him to the selling dealer because I was out of stock of the 100cc at the time and the selling dealer was in a better position to supply him at a better price than I could send one to the US). We are still in communication about that engine and all of that communication is non emotive and professionaly presented.

I also know Charley - I flew at the same club as him while I was in the US before moving here - he is probably unaware of that but we had many discussions over planes, engines, life and the universe while I was there.

In my opinion, both are mature, experienced and knowledgable people regarding the subject being discussed.

The engine that Pat received did have some problems. I believe that many of the problems were due to poor packaging but I also think he was unfotunate to receive a "Friday afternoon" unit. the review is unfortunately based on one engine but he didn't see the performance that others have seen.

I was copied in on most, if not all, of the emails between Pat, The selling dealer and the factory. Yes - the selling dealer did immediately offer the support to rectify the problem. Yes - Pat did decline that offer because he wanted to test the support direct from the factory. Yes - the factory suport was slow in responding that is due to a number of reasons, including a major national holiday period here but it is my belilef that it is up to the dealers of the product to understand such issues and carry a suitable inventory of spares to be able to provide the support to the end users. Such support should be incorporated in the selling price and if that support is so expensive that the unit is no viable, so be it. (That's my accountant speaking by the way)

Pat has also suggested many improvements, some of which were already being incorporated after suggestions by others, some of which are now being incorporated. (Those suggestions Include the improved packaging). He also continues to make suggestions which, in my opinion, are valid and professionally presented.

I have respect for both Charley and Pats knowledge. Both are experienced in this area and have been around for a while - long enough to have "seen it all before".

Jake, we are talking about Chinese engines. What you quoted above could apply to Zenoah, MVVS, etc. What Pat didn't say was that he had experience with many Chinese engines. You have to read what he wrote, not what you want it to mean.

Now, this is the third time you've accused me of not reading what was written. I assure you that I've not only read it, I've understood it. My assessment is that I am better at evaluating what was actually written than you are. Why that is, only you know for sure.

CR


CR

Well, I've been wondering about that.

CR

Sorry Charley.. I know that Pat's job has lead him down the Chinese engine path awhile ago.. so stop it with the twisting of words!

As far as your last comment it's not even worth a response.. that is just laughable. [sm=drowning.gif]

If we are to be technically correct, Zenoah now makes its engines in China...

Therefore, I would say the Zenoah G26 is one of the best Chinese 26cc engines.

I have spe 26, so far so good, spins apc 17-8 @7400-7500 rpm no problem, the same power and weight as 4 stroke 120 half the price. not so bad.

I bought a XYZ gas engine. A new brand in the market, I believe, cheap price and looks pretty fine. However, I couldn't put it into the air frame and test it or fly it because it came with a bent cankshaft. [:@]

I was in communication with the Hong Kong based seller for countless times, and also with the manufacturer twice. I was promised a replacement, but have been waited for a few weeks till now and there was still no sight of the replacement. [&:]

That'd be impressive, except the lowly Zenoah G23 I have spins that same APC 17x8 at 9100 rpm. Less displacement than the SPE 26, and not much more weight with the CH conversion. I paid $199 to Chief when they were clearing them out, plus another $100 or so to have CH convert it to electronic ignition and lighten it 1/2 lb.

Didn't know that. I shouldn't be surprised though, considering that the Futaba and Airtronics 2.4 Ghz radios I recently purchased said "Made in China" on the transmitters. It seems incongruous, somehow, that the Japanese are outsourcing some of their manufacturing to China.

CR

and have a great day.

This thread has really gone in the wrong direction in my opinion. It would be nice to have owners of these 26cc engines state what there experience was either positive or negative, so we can get an overall opinion of reliability. It would also be helpful if you would mention how long you have used the engine. The way I see it there is no need to argue over this, and it seems to me that all the arguments have made it impossible to get an accurate opinion on these engines.

For instance this is evidence of the quality of an engine

Is it? Or is it evidence of improper mounting? If the engine is mounted to a surface that isn't true, it would put the mounting ears under tension. Add the vibration from running and an ear could break.

If you think improper mounting couldn't happen I offer this anecdote for evidence: I once test flew a guy's new airplane and had to hold a bunch of down elevator in it to get it to level out. Got it down and looked it over more carefully. Found that the engine was mounted in such a way that it was tilted up in relation to the firewall. He figured it would help it take off! No telling what a newbie will do!

CR

G'day i've got a peak26 and its a sweet little gasser,turns a 17x8 at 7600.put about 2 gallons (converted that in my head for the unmetric ) thru it and i couldn't be happier.It prop hangs the 72 inch extra at half throttle and pulls out vertically.a few older members at my club cant stop saying how good it pulls,all the us engines we get here are to heavy or over priced.