Russ Verbael

I just bought an old Merco .61 engine that has (2) glow plugs. Does anyone remember this engine??

In starting, do you light up just one plug or two?

Is this engine considered to be a good engine?

Thanks in advance for your knowledge and memory.

jetranger-RCU

My Feedback: (1)

I had one , you could light one plug and the other would come on But I always did both. It ran ok a little hot and had some vibes but that was a 70's engine.

Mr_Ed

Still flying my Merco. Compared to a modern .61, it is very light weight. It weighs about as much as a T.T. Pro.46 and has about the same power output. I've made this swap on one of my airplanes without any effects to the balance point. It starts easily, runs reliably and runs hot if cowled in. Just make sure you use a fuel with plenty of oil (20% all caster if you can).

You can start the engine with only one glow plug lit. Then connect your starter battery to the other one for a couple of seconds. You should notice a slight increase in RPM.

The only weak spot with this engine is the crankshaft. The crankshaft is a lot smaller in diameter than what you're used to with a modern engine. So, use a wood prop. That way, if the prop strikes the ground, the prop will snap and probibly save the crank. Needless to say, spare parts are getting hard to find.

Good luck with your engine. I've had mine since 1969 and it still does the job.

boberos

I am presently using one in a 1960 Pegasus by G. Nelson
Runs fine.
Just light the rear plug & save your fingers.
Light weight , not a high rever, loves a 12x6 prop.
Has a weird wobble plate carb but that works fine also.
Have fun,
Boberos

William Robison

My Feedback: (3)

Had a pair of Merco 49's in a U/C twin years ago, they were twin plug also.

Only bad memory is the fuel rate, they'd burn an unbelievable amount in nothing flat. Real guzzlers.

Get another Merco.
Singles are a No-no.

Bill.

captinjohn

My merc had a in- flight fuel mix control on it. You needed a exta servo for that. Got it like new in the box. Nice engine.... Capt,n

dennis

My Feedback: (90)

A neat site that wiull give you a great history and reviews about the entire Merco line can be found at
www.iroquois.free-online.co.uk/merco
This should give you everything you need to know about a really great engine line.

captinjohn

Dennis: Thanks you very much for the History web-site on Merco engines. I will tell others that have not had a chance to check it out. Smooth Landings.... CaptinJohn