Any comments on this engine? How is it compared to other DF engines?

I bought a new one this past fall and have test run it extensively. It is mounted in the plane awaiting spring tests, but from my test running experience it is an easy starting, great idling, greast transition engine without a problem (so far). I have it mounted on a Byron fan and has a Macs pipe. Running 7% fuel with castor and a H9 ducted fan plug.

If I have one "complaint" the compression is so high I have to loosen the glow plug to turn it over, start and then tighten the plug. It seems to make good power in the Byron fan.

Andrew

If you had to pick another engine, would you try this one again? Did you buy it new or used? If new, how much does a new one cost?

It is my first DF engine - I bought it on ebay NIB with a new Byron fan and pipe for $201 US. I thought that was a great price, and from what I heard from others, the engine can be finicky to set up. I did not find that to be the case. Maybe I got a good one, or maybe I just have enough engine experience to set it up? Who knows but it is running much better than my expectations.

I also bought it with the knowledge that parts are not available (unless from private sources) as the engine is no longer in production. I figured even if I get one good summer's flying out of it I would be happy with the price I paid.

I have only seen OS 91's fly other than mine, I guess they set the standard in DF engines - but they are a lot more $$ even on the used market.

Probably best to ask someone with more experience with fan engines. Lots of them here, dont know why no one else is answering your questions...

Andrew

I appreciate your answer and I'm looking at one to buy. If I can get a good deal on the one I'm interested in I might just give it a try. Thanks for your help.

If you run the P80 for long the big black carb
will loosen up and may fall of.. I sugest
glueing the carb in with loc tight.

I have had many many P80s because I lived very close
to Tidewater inc in Bastrop LA, where they imported, modified
and raced them in boats... (same motor)

I was getting them for about $100 new and ran them on
every thing from Byron, Ramtec to 10x8 props turning ~17000
I tried a 10 x 6 prop but it flung it apart at the hub...
I think some of the prop was going supersonic because
of the very loud noise it made...

I too could not get it started unless I loosen the glow plug..
oh well..

Run some 20-30 percent and it will run better..
Change the carb to OS and will be better still..but the
black one are fine..

hope this helps.

Eddie Weeks

Hi Rcing,
i have a picco 80, throjet unit and pipe for sale on my site, it's second hand but might bworth considering
http://www.microjets.co.uk goto the forsale page

How much for everything used?

contact me off this list please and i'll give you all details

mailto[email protected]

Picco's are real powerhouses, but they will not tolerate being run on fuel that has a low oil content such as cheap sport fuel. The rod will last about 10 seconds if you try, and even if you are lucky, you will ruin the piston sleeve fit in one run.

If sport fuel is all that is available in your area, you can add Klotz to the fuel and you will be fine. Incidently, the carbs do fall off eventually, you may want to take the other persons advice, or even epoxy it on perm since once the engine breaks or wears out it is not fixable anyway because the parts are so rare.

I just bought one of these engines...where can I get a pipe for it?

Thanks
John