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Engine basics => Engine set up tips => Topic started by: Leester on February 19, 2006, 10:37:51 AM
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I have never owned a 4 stroker. I know very little about them, except I've heard there less messy and get great fuel milage. I have been looking at the Magnum 52 and the new 61 price is what I saw first. I've mainly heard about the Saito brand and the 56 is nice. For the money and power what is the best buy? If I buy one from a C/L dealer like Randy are these already set up for C/L? What type of fuel do you use? glow plugs? Props I imagine are a feeling out process. Thanks
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Lee:
Like you I have never owned one. The people in Dallas have had quite a bit of experience with Saito's and offer a pricey venturi set up said to be the cat's meow. For a look go to Ultra Hobbies:
http://www.egpworld.com/ultrahobby/catalog/CLACCESSORIES.htm
Windy and Bob Zambelli also have a great deal of knowledge on them.
Seems they are not the rage among the top 20 as they were a couple of years ago.
My observations are that for every guy merrily 4 stroking along, there are 3 more guys in the pits trying to work out the bugs with their 4 strokers.
They seem to be real bad about shucking props.
They are heavy, pricey compared to a similar 2 stroke, and with the pushrods and all hanging out ,a crash into a hard surface is almost certain engine damage. Conversely, a two stroke with spinner into the asphalt has at least a 50% chance of surviving(depending on a lot of things of course)
Opinions, like other things, are something that everyone has. If you think it would be fun, get some good advice and go for it.
Jim
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I concur with Jim's observations, and would remark that of the many that I know that have purchased 4-strokes, the only person that had any luck at all with a MAGNUM is Phil Spillman and his was with a .30. They seem to lack quality....Save up for a Saito or an OS if you really have the itch....
Just my thoughts
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Hi Leester
Many people sing them are using the motor as is with the carb set open to differnt degrees.
Other replace the carb with a venturi and NVA. the later seems to be a better setup for C\L
There are quite a few Using MAGNUMS and Thunder Tigers, however the class of these motors are the OS and Saito engines.
Regards
Randy
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While shopping around a LHS on my route has a Saito FA 40? I know it's a 40 something didn't look to much with a price tag of 194.95. I can't find this model engine on any site I've seen, so I figure it's an older one. Anybody know if and when these where discontinued? I have been able to deal on prices with him in the past any suggestions on a offering price? Last what plane size would this be for or what 2 stroke engine is this combarable with? Thanks
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Four strokes are a different breed of animal. They will swing bigger props at lower RPM. The thing I liked was if needle was pushed to far towards the lean side it would quit. Also found out muffler pressure was not needed. They will not turn the RPM of a two stroke, but, they do give tremendous milage. ---DOC Holliday
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I learned one thing about 4 Strokes: once you get it working, don't mess with it. I had a perfect run going and started messing to "improve" it. Never did get back to that great run. When it's on, it's awsome. When it's not, it's a pain.
I think a 2 stroke engine is more repeatable. At least for me.
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I looked at the engine a little more yesterday, it's a FA-45. I'll ask again what 2 stroke engine would you replace with this? And what size plane would this be suited for?
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I looked at the engine a little more yesterday, it's a FA-45. I'll ask again what 2 stroke engine would you replace with this? And what size plane would this be suited for?
Hi leester,
Seems like the guys who have the most "history" with these are on vacation. ;D
I have never used one, but I saw the Saito 56 being used in place of engines, like a ST 60, in some designs at the '04 WC..... The 45 I have no clue about.