Go Back  RCU Forums > RC Airplanes > Tips & Techniques
Cowl hatch for engine tuning access >

Cowl hatch for engine tuning access

Community
Search
Notices
Tips & Techniques Want to share a tip or special technique you have either in the workshop or at the flying field or race track? Post it right here!

Cowl hatch for engine tuning access

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 09-07-2016 | 07:11 AM
  #1  
Thread Starter
My Feedback: (5)
 
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 264
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
From: matthews, NC
Default Cowl hatch for engine tuning access

I have an inverted Saito 72 in a Decathlon and i want to cut a access hatch in the cowl for tuning i have a dremel tool but does anyone have any tips for this? I am going to hinge it and put an inner frame so the hatch wont close to far in and i will use a magnet to hold it closed. I am looking for a way to make i nice accurate cut maybe with a template.
Old 09-07-2016 | 07:17 AM
  #2  
Junior Member
 
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
From: NEW OXFORD, PA
Default

I suggest buying the plastic cutting blade for the dremel tool. Mine cuts perfectly sharp edges with no melt. So your hatch door will fit right back into place.
Old 09-07-2016 | 07:52 AM
  #3  
speedracerntrixie's Avatar
My Feedback: (29)
 
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 9,714
Received 205 Likes on 176 Posts
From: Happy Valley, Oregon
Default

Once the engine is adjusted you shouldn't need to mess with it enough to want to go through the work of fabricating a hatch. On my cowled glow powered airplanes I have a single 3/8" hole with a rubber grommet that is just big enough to get a pair of hemostats on the high speed needle. Although once set up I virtually never have to re visit.
Old 09-07-2016 | 07:55 AM
  #4  
Thread Starter
My Feedback: (5)
 
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 264
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
From: matthews, NC
Default

Originally Posted by speedracerntrixie
Once the engine is adjusted you shouldn't need to mess with it enough to want to go through the work of fabricating a hatch. On my cowled glow powered airplanes I have a single 3/8" hole with a rubber grommet that is just big enough to get a pair of hemostats on the high speed needle. Although once set up I virtually never have to re visit.
The engine was tuned but I switched from 15% to 20% fuel so it needs a minor adjustment and in case I happen to use different % fuel in the future.
Old 09-07-2016 | 08:59 AM
  #5  
My Feedback: (3)
 
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 642
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts
From: Vero Beach, FL
Default

If you are going to cut a hatch, it helps to first put down masking tape, then draw the hatch outline. The tape helps keep the cut from wandering and the edges cleaner. If you go Speedracemntrixie's route, which is what I usually do, put a cut off allen head bolt in the end of the high speed needle (I think 2-56 fits) and secure with the set screw. Then all you need is a tiny hole for a 2-56 ball driver to fit through. Much less noticeable and the ball driver makes adjusting the needle much easier, particularly fine adjustments.
Old 09-08-2016 | 02:27 PM
  #6  
Moderator
 
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 7,266
Received 35 Likes on 30 Posts
From: Fort Worth, TX
Default

A small screw in the HSN and a hole to access it from works pretty well too. The LSN on a Saito doesn't usually need adjusting at all once it's set right to begin with.

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are On



Contact Us - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service

Copyright © 2026 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.