I don't know if this is right to do, but I just bought a Mecoa 46 from Hobby Lobby for $49.95. I know these are Leo engines and I have two of them and they are great engines. They have very good power and are easy to start. You can get parts from MECOA and Leo directly if you need any. They have good tech support at MECOA and you just cannot beat these engines for this price of $49.95 at Hobby-Lobby.

Just thought you all would alike to know .

Thanks

Jim
Millington, TN

I have owned several Leo engines and if the mecoa are identical, you are getting a great engine.

You guys are great - the Mecoa .46 from Hobby-Lobby at just $49 is a good deal - thanks for the info.

Have several of these engines and they are reliable, good runners. Not the greatest in power though but great value. See pic for a diesel conversion that I made for these engines.

rmteo

What are the pros and cons of diesel conversion?

rmteo

I also want to know the plus's for doing the conversion and where can you get the conversion to diesel kit from?

Advantages of diesels:

1. Ability to swing larger props (because the ignition timing can be adjusted by varying the compression ratio). You can run 13-15 inch props efficiently with the .46 engine.

2. Cooler and much quieter (sp?) running.

3. More power/torque (especially with larger props).

4. Lower fuel comsumption - the optimum fuel/air mixture ratio is higher (approx 15:1 for diesel vs 8:1 for glo) thereby allowing you to use a smaller fuel tank (about 50-60% of the size for glo). The fuel/air mixture is much leaner - that is why engines with smaller carb openings are not a problem.

5. No glo plugs or glo starter required - sorry forgot about this one.

Disadavantages:

1. Smell - because of the kerosene content of diesel fuel. Others, including myself are experimenting with Biodiesel as a substitute for kerosene, which is much better in this respect - in fact, depending on what the Biodiesel is made from it can smell like french fries.

2. Black mess - again Biodiesel is much better in this respect as it does not require as much lubricant due to its higher lubricity (so far it seems like less than 10% lube is necessary). Also, because diesels are much less sensitive to exhaust back-pressure, you can run a tube to the back of the airplane thereby keeping the mess almost completely off the airplane.

3. Limited availability of diesel fuel at LHS's.

I make these conversions for several engines now from .15 to .46 sizes. When (and if) the decision the is made to make them commercially available, they should run $20-$25 each.

If you are interested to try one of these on the Leo/Mecoa .46, let me know and I will send you one FREE to play with.

RT
[email protected]

It doesn't look like there is a glow plug.

How do you start the Diesel?

Spaceman

Rmteo sent me this link http://www.carlsonengineimports.com/...eselinfo.shtml

This explains how a diesel works. I have just e-mailed him back and I am going to try one of the diesel conversions on my Mecoa 46.

I have a 1/6 scale Piper I would like to use a larger wood prop on to make it more scale like.

Thanks.

Sounds kinda cool.

They sure look like a LEO. I had a mecoa 5 years ago. Midrange was really awfull. I am tempted to get one of these if it is truely a LEO.

They are truly a Leo. I have an older Leo and the only differance is the new carburator. I just received my Mecoa and it runs as good as my old Leo 46. It was a steal at $49.95 thru Hobby-Lobby.

I also ordered an new cylinder head from mecoa for my old Leo 46 and it worked perfect. You can get all of the spec's for the Mecoa 46 (It is the Mecoa Tomcat 46) from the Mecoa web page at www.mecoa.com. They have a full line of parts for the Mecoa 46 that will work on your Leo 46 or 40.

I hope this helps. I started my new Mecoa 46 last night on a test stand and it started right up and even idled with out and adjustments

Thanks Jim. Wonder why they say it is American Made? Though Leo was made in China?

Mecoa has two size 46 engines. The Mecoa Tomcat is the Leo version and the standard Mecoa 46 is American made. You can see the differance on their web page. If you order a Mecoa Tomcat I would order it through Hobby-Lobby for $49.95. Mecoa's price is $69.69.

To clear the air on these .46 BB engines, take a look at the LEO manufacturer's web site:

http://www.leoengines.com/page1.htm

I looked at the Leo web page. The Leo 46 and the Mecoa Tomcat 46 are the same engine. Go to http://www.mecoa.com/ and you can compare the engines. The spec's on the mecoa page are a little different, but I have both of these engines and they are the same engine. They both run good and have good power, but are not a power house engine. For $49.95 at Hobby-Lobby you will not find a better engine. They idle good and are a great engine for trainers thru fun fly.

You will need a higher out put engine for competing in any events if you plan on winning.

There is good Leo info at the Just Engines website. Take a look at the page where they sell Leo pistons and liners as a drop in, replacement fit for the OS SF and FX engines. Better than stock OS power they say....

I wonder if Mecoa has these pistons and liners???

Ernie

Anyone have RPM data on these engines? Power is down? Like how much?

Yes

You can check out the spec's Mecoa web page at http://www.mecoa.com/ or the Leo web page at http://www.leoengines.com/page1.htm

Thanks

They are $72.90 now

I agree the MECOA 46 is a good starting and running engine. I have two in a Wing P-38 that goes like a scalded cat. BUT!!! I ordered carb parts 10 weeks ago and got one replay that they are in the process of moving. That was 10 weeks ago. After that, not a single reply to NUMEROUS e-mails and they never answer the phone. Good engine. Very lousy support. Never again. No more MECOA for me. If I don't hear from them soon, I'll get two new OS 46s . Their support is fabulous. Always has been. Swifter

They were indeed moving at that time and let it be known that thing would be difficult for a few weeks (moving an industrial facility is quite a feast, have done that a few times!):
http://www.mecoa.com/move/move.htm

RmTeo 1 great looking head nice job you need to post a pix of this and a bit of info on the the diesel site regards martin