Ernie Misner

>>> It's due to arrive after Christmas. The carburetor and muffler are new to the engine. They're the same ones used on the .46AX II. >>>

That's a quote from Baxter at Hobby Services, talking about some updates that will be made to the 55AX, or 55AXII as it might be called. So what change did they actually make on the .46AXII carb? (and muffler) Anyone know how that impacts the performance?

asmund

My guess is that if the carb and muffler are smaller and more restrictive it will hurt performance. I can`t see why someone would want the .46 carb and muffler on the .55 anyway, as the .55 is a very good engine as it is

earlwb

I would expect that it is made in China same as the OS .46 AXII engine. The carb and muffler changes was likely a cost reduction move. I don't know if it really affects performance as OS suggests using larger props at lower RPMs now. So a smaller venturi size would help with turning larger props at lower RPMs too. But they simply could be using more parts from the ,46 AXII for the bored out 55AXII engine to reduce costs. Someone would need to have both engines and compare them and run them to see if anything really changed. I would think that the older AX and AXII engine have about the same performance.

asmund

Made in China now, hmmm... could it be at the same factory making the Sanye and Evolution engines? It seems to me that the Sanye engines are becoming an even better deal now that also the OS engines are made in China, why pay more?

1QwkSport2.5r

. I can't help it. Way to go OS!

mrbigg

My Feedback: (21)

Shameful.

1QwkSport2.5r

At least Enya isn't manufactured in China.

hllywdb

Or Fox

fiery

My Feedback: (2)

Shameful? It's economics. A whole other topic of discussion best left for the lounge.

Products do not care where they are made, just how they are made. Looked at your Ipad lately? Made in China of course.

martijefre

My guess is that if the carb and muffler are smaller and more restrictive it will hurt performance.

mrbigg

My Feedback: (21)

Shure is shameful. Is what it is.

qazimoto

My Feedback: (1)

Don't worry the ferrous parts will still be made from good old Aussie Iron Ore!

1QwkSport2.5r

True... Or Jett.

As far as 'economics' go; since production costs will be significantly less, one would think they would drop their grossly over-inflated prices on their over-inflated engines. This AX II lineup sounds like a bunch of hype...

earlwb

The engine manufacturers have been changing the engines to reduce noise. Reducing engine noise has been a trend going on for quite a while now as noise has become a big issue. So the engine needs to use a slightly smaller bore carb to help it handle lower RPMs and still draw fuel OK. The more restrictive muffler that reduces noise too besides increasing muffler pressure as well, thus will not be a problem at the lower RPMS. The larger suggested props for a OS 46AX II is a 11x6,11x7, 11x8, 12x6 or 12x7 size props, so they didn't design the engine to turn smaller props fast. I remember folks having problems with earlier engines and less restrictive mufflers such as the Pitts mufflers for example. They had to restrict or block off the exhaust outlet to increase muffler pressure in order to get their engines with the big bore carbs to run OK. So the new 55 AXII engine will like larger props at more moderate RPMs.

Of course I would be interested in whether the Chinese made engine uses chrome instead of nickle for its cylinder plating.

Having a engine made inChina doesn't make it a low quality engine. It is really up to the management as to how much quality and quality control they want for the engines being made. Thus the engine should be as good if not better than the Japanese made ones.

blw

My Feedback: (3)

From the Chinese manufacturing websites it shows that you contract for a run of a product like Earl says. People blame Chinese machine and QC work all the time, but the end product is mostly exactly what the contracting company negotiated. I'm sure OS has on site inspection rights, and quality control is closely managed. It would an oversight to not use the chrome process unless OS decided that would clash with the current engine lineup.

All this is just an opinion and not stated as fact anywhere that I know of.

Ernie Misner

Thanks for the replies guys. Do I understand that beginning with this 55AX II version, it will be made in China? And the previous 55's are made in Japan? Is the .46AX II now made in China as well, starting with the II version?

earlwb

You missed the pictures in Post number 3.

Ernie Misner

Thanks Earl. I guess none of the previous versions were made in China then. The specs for the 46AX II say "Bi-Metalic Liner" which sounds like nickel.

airraptor

My Feedback: (66)

The OS 46 AXI and AXII engine I have have the same bore in the carb .299-.300. The AX II on a unmoddified APC 10x7 prop is 50-100 rpm stronger than the OS46 AX I engine. I think the muffler outlet size is the same also. One reason for the new muffler part number is money. If you look the AX I muffler is cheaper and the new one cost more....

Ernie Misner

Do you think the new muffler is giving it a few more rpms?

darren4

I got the 55AX engine, just wondering if 11-9 prop will work on it. Got couple of them i my prop box. Thanks Darren

hairy46

My Feedback: (1)

Always been an OS fan, but if they start making them in China as every thing else they will suffer being made cheaper. Not for me then!

airraptor

My Feedback: (66)

It will fly with the 11x9 but maybe turn it around 10,000 rpm. What airplane? If its a clean low weight plane it will not be an issue at all.

earlwb

The AX series engines are basically just sport engines for general purpose usage. There is nothing wrong with them as they were designed for ease of use, good performance. But not high performance.  If you want performance, speed, power, etc. you need to go with a performance engine. Something like a Rossi, NovaRossi, Picco come to mind right off the bat. Jett is the ultimate in Performance. For price though a Evolution .60 NX is a good one that has sparkling performance too, especially if you use the special Evo high performance tuned muffler that Jett designed for Evolution. The Evo .60 NX was designed to give good performance. Guys liked using them in the wicked fast Jackal RC plane too. The Thunder Tiger engine is maybe another decent engine that might offer good performance too.

Ernie Misner

I think you are talking in terms of speed / performance only? The 55AX engine is the best 2 stroke of it's size range for 3D. Especially with a coke can muffler or mac's muffler (extra volumer version). With the coke can / mac's header it has linear throttle responce, very Saito like right from the bottom end.