Engine Vibrations
 

I have a 45cc gas engine that is new. Now, this is my first gas engine but I know that glow engine can have some vibration in it. This engine seems to vibrate quite a bit. Is this normal? It shakes my whole plane. Is there a way I can smooth it out? I have also noticed that it has a vibration at mid-range and smooths out at full throttle. Can anyone help me figure out how to correct this???

THANKS!!!

RE: Engine Vibrations
 

The first thing to check is make sure all of the engine mounting screws are tight. Next, check the balance of the prop and spinner if you use one. Large props usually require a certain amount of balancing. You also need to balance the tips, and the hub. You may have to use a heavy duty unit such as the Robart or Dubro, but if you take the time, you can greatly improve your vibration situation.
Z

RE: Engine Vibrations
 

As you learn how to tune the engine some of the vibs will go away, If thats a poulan based engine it will have some vibes no mater what. You have to tell us what make of motor it is. Try leaning the low needle a bit. You can break in the engine without having to run it too ritch. An engine will tell you it is too lean if there is a sag in power when you climb hard. You can turn in the low needle untill you get a hesitation when advancing throttle, then open it back up a bit. If you have an engine in a light plane idle vibes will be more pronounced and you might have to use two rudder servos. Check all screws often especialy motor mount and servo and servo arm screws. Use metal gear servos only and blue locktite them in. If you can't cure the vibe problem get another engine. Find someone that makes an engine based on the Echo engines, or a zdz 40 however the zdz will be a bit more vibs at idle due to its high compression.

RE: Engine Vibrations
 

A 45 gas engine will vibrate more than a glow engine, if you think about how low you are now at tick over compared too a glow and that big piston going up and down unbalanced by anything else you will start to get the picture, as the revs increase the amplitude of the vibration goes up the scale the vibs are still there but at a higher frequency, just like a glow engine, there are lots of things you can do to dampen down the vibs on the engine, but that will start another disscusion on the vitues of Isolation mounts. Just keep on flying and running your engine in it will get better as it gets more miles in it.

Mike