DLE20 as a replacement for Saito FA-180
 

I have a Sukhoi that is at least 10years old... I bought it recently from a guy who used it and other planes to accumulate dust in his garage...

The Sukhoi has a 75 inch wing span and had a SAito FA 180 on in... the guy said it was way too much power for that plane... I don't know...

I couldn't get the 180 to fire up so I went and bought a brand new DLE 20 for the plane... I just had a rude thought... what if the DLE20 isn't enough motor?

the original FA-180 online reviews says it had 2.8HP and the DLE20 says 2.5HP... but horsepower doesn't mean anything.. right?

what do you guys think?

RE: DLE20 as a replacement for Saito FA-180
 

I am sure it will fly it but I dont think it will hover it at all. From what I have read I think the 20 just falls short of the Saito 150 in power if the Saito is on 15% nitro. I also think the numbers are about 200-400 rpm short of a OS 120 AX. I know many claim it has more power than the OS 120 but in the smaller props around 13-16" it doesnt. it might be close in the 18" size props though.

RE: DLE20 as a replacement for Saito FA-180
 

the DLE 20 will fly it and hover it but I doubtit will have much ability to pull it out of the hover vertically.

RE: DLE20 as a replacement for Saito FA-180
 

The Saito 1.80 is a 30cc glow four stroke engine that develops almost as much power as a 30cc glow two stroke engine.
The DLE 20cc engine is smaller in displacement and also is a gasoline engine that doesn't develop as much power as a equivalent size glow engine does.
So it may work, but it is hard to say, one guy will claim the plane was overpowered and another buy will claim it is underpowered with a particular engine. But it doesn't hurt to try it out anyway, the engine will power the plane OK, but only you will know for sure if it has enough power for your style of flying.

RE: DLE20 as a replacement for Saito FA-180
 

Those large glow engines don't need any nitro and not as much oil as a smaller two stroke glow.  Methanol is actually cheaper than gas right now.  If you mix the fuel yourself it will cost only a buck or so more than gas right now.  I would keep the Saito on it and try it.  If it won't fire it is either not getting fuel or has a bad glow plug.</p>

A quick rule of thumb is to use the same displacement 2-stroke gas engine as the 4-stroke glow engine it replaces. Example, my Enya 120R-4C turns a 16x6 MS prop at 8,800 rpm. My RCGF Stinger 20RE turns a 16x7 Power Prop at 8820 rpm. Both engines have the same 1.2 cubic inch (20cc ) displacement. The gasser is slightly more powerful, but not by all that much. Replacing the Saito 1.8 cubic inch glow four stroke engine with an equal power gas 2-stroke engine would require a 26 to 30 cc gas engine.

Sorry to jump in . I've put a DLE20 RA in a 120 size H9 P47. Looking for power and scale flight. What are my best prop options??

Thanks,
Pete

If you are after speed, then try a 15x8 prop. if you want more scale-like speeds and better climb, try a 16x6 or 17x6 prop.

Thanks for the suggestion. What kind of RPM's should I be looking for? Near sea level with Ethanol free gas 30-1 mix with Redline 2 stroke racing oil.

Pete

The DLE 20RA is rated 2.5 hp at 9000 rpm. So allowing that the engine will unload in flight and gain 300 to 500 rpm, I would be looking for 8600 to 8700 rpm static for peak horsepower. However, a larger diameter lesser pitch prop running at lesser RPM may often out pull a prop that turns at peak HP. The only way to tell is to buy several props and experiment. Of course the props listed here are 2 blade props. If you are looking for a 4-blade prop, you would need to consult the prop manufacturer's tables. But either way, it will not perform as well as a 2-blade prop.

Engine DLE 20RA
Displacement 20.5cc
Power/RPM 2.5 @ 9000
Thrust-LB 13.9
Weight 1.92 lb
Fuel/Oil 30:1
Prop 14x10, 15x8. 16x6, 17x6, 18x6
Idle/Max RPM 1700/9000
Plug CM6

LLRCFlyer,
Thanks for the info. ordered some props to try.

Pete