My O.S 46FX recently started cutting out in the air, I have about 3 gallons through it so there may be some issues with it.

I'm sending it in to Hobby services to have it looked at.

In the meantime I need a new engine for my Superstar 40 trainer but I cant decide what to get.

Magnum XLS 46
Thunder Tiger pro 46
Another O.S 46FX

Other options?

I would like to try a chrome sleeve as from what I understand they last longer than the Nickel sleeves.

Any thoughts or suggestions appreciated
Dbow

From the engines you have listed the TT Pro seems to have the biggest following...

I always recommend the Irvine 53, tons of power, easy to tune, take 5% nitro

james

I second the Irvine .53, I flew one a lot this summer 12x6 three blade, 5% nitro, Fox Gold Post Idle bar plug.

All three engines should last years. The OS and TT are not chrome plated, don't know about the the Magnum. Of the three engines you mentioned, I'd buy the one that is the cheapest since they are all comparable.

Geezus guys the man just asked for a recommendation, not a lecture. Dbow, the Magnum XLS is getting some good reviews, and I believe it's chrome. The Thunder Tiger has proven itself a good value as well as a good performer. It's a toss-up.

Homebrewer,

I broke the engine in according to the instructions in the manual, or at least as close as I could.

I may be guilty of running the engine lean a few times as I changed my prop from a 11x7 to a 10x6 but didnt change the needle settings. I put a few flights on before I realized the engine was really hot.
Once they tell me whats wrong with it then I will know fo sure. I can say that I have learned a lot on my first engine and I think I can make my second engine last a lot longer.

I may just go with the Magnum, but its hard not to go with the O.S stuff with the warranty and all. Of course this will be my first time dealing with O.S so I will decide if I will buy another one of thier motors once this situation is over.
For now I think I might just grab a magnum.

THanks for the suggestions

Dbow

OS 50 SX. Love it, and it fits in the same space as the 46 fx.

Sorry about the lecture. The OS .46 FX is a fine engine which should have lasted you a lot longer. Please share with us the explanation by the factory what what is ailing it.

If you want a chrome engine, I highly recommend the MDS .48. A word of warning about MDS engines, because the cylinder is chrome and not nickel, they will take much longer to break in and settle down. While new, they may not be consistent in their idle, transition and may sag when run at full throttle for extended periods. Because of this and inexperience in engine tuning by newcomers to the hobby, the MDS line has gotten a bad reputation. I highly recommend any MDS engine and it appears that the MDS line has modified their carbs to be more user friendly.

If you gonna spend OS 46FX kind of money, get the Irvine .53 instead. Otherwise, it's hard to beat TT for the bang for the buck.

I like Magnums and own many of them, 2stroke and 4stroke, but if TT has an equivalent engine at comparable price, I would definitely go with TT. As far as quality, of material, machining and finish go, TT is still ahead of Magnum at this point.

I think you can't go wrong with the TT 46 pro. Of course like some others mentioned I heard the Irvine .53 is wicked. I've never owned one, but hear nothing but good things. My next 2 stroke will be an Irvine.

I also heard nothing but good things about the new XLS series engines from Magnum. I'd like to try one of them out also.

If you want to go American, and can find one, I have been VERY happy with the two K&B "Screaming" .48's that I have. A little beefy but true ABC (Chrome) and smoothe as silk bearings with TONS of power.

Just another option to consider..

Lee

I have an OS 46 FX that I have run 40 gallons of fuel through still running strong, not as strong as when it was new but still OK The way you described how yours was runing tells me you smoked it!!! try not to run so lean on your fuel mixture OS RULES!!!!

Irvine .53 engines are all I am hearing about lately from some of you.The only question I have is what if your plane is only rated for a .46 size engine?Will this .53 fit?Thanks,
Mike

You can make it fit, if the irvine 53 is what you like go for it most guys are using bigger engines than specified anyway because of our altittude here I personally like a 60 or 90 on any 40 size aircraft. 5,700 MSL

The Irvine 53 is supposed to be the same size as the Irvine 46 with a slightly longer stroke, should fit fine.

i think its the colour of the irvine everybody likes come guys apples with apples, tt then os then magnum.

I flew my Irvine .53 all summer with no dead sticks, no blown plugs and no parts falling off. It fit in my RCM 40 like it was made for it.

The color of the Irvine is only the beauty of the beholder.. the real beauty is the power, ease of use and reliability this engines offer to the market.
If you go low $$$ get the magnum
If you want finesse and more$$$ get the Ivine

Regards,
Patrick

what about real power then go rossi 53 and smoke the lot low $$ go sc/apc/magnum

although it is not a flawless method, look at what the other yaahoo's at your field are flying. My TT pro 46 starts witha a couple flips of the finger...I never mess with it. Ever field has the "guy that sits in the pits tuning" all damn morning. I can fly 3-4 tanks before our fields "pit queen" gets in the air once. (he has a royal 60 engine) This is not an absolute method though, but, from what I have seen, the TT, OS, and Magnums are up and running, the others are "tuning in the pits". If i was not superstitious, I would get a tower 46, this one guy flies them exclusively, man are they powerful, he flies one speed, full throttle, never a problem. get a TT, or magnum, irvines are pretty too,

Hey Firefighter we have 2 pit gueens. they tweak on the engines all morning and when they think they have got them runing they taxi out to take off and all of a sudden their engine dies before they get 20 Ft up the runway.We finally had to move these two individuals away from our start up area do to the noise they were creating and safety hazzard. I know what eveybody is thinking.Everybody in the club has tried to help, but these two just can't leave well enuogh alone.Infact One member that helped them on numerous accassions finally got there engines runing perfectly,had both of them flying, engines runing with outstanding reliability ,then took some CA and glued there needle valves and told them both there. yaaa goooo Happy Flying!!!!