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Engine basics => Engine set up tips => Topic started by: Paul Smith on October 26, 2007, 07:18:00 PM

Title: Merco .49 Multispeed...
Post by: Paul Smith on October 26, 2007, 07:18:00 PM
I got an ancient Merco .49 Multispeed in a bulk buy.   The 5-digit telephone number on the tag indicates pre-1965. 

I'm trying the decypher the bolt size.  It's something in the area of 4/40, 5/40, or 3 mm, but not exactly any of these.  Was another thread standard about in Merry Olde back then?  I Merco still around?  How about a head gasket for a bore of .875?

I'm a bit perplexed.  The bolts are a bit buggered, maybe from the previous owner looking inside, bit the piston top looks un-run.   I'm itching to bark this beauty out on the stand right quick.
Title: Re: Merco .49 Multispeed...
Post by: Bill Little on October 26, 2007, 09:56:45 PM
Paul,

"rustler" here on the board is the producer of the Mercos now, as I understand it.  Maybe a PM to him will help.  He does appear to know about all the older Mercos.
Title: Re: Merco .49 Multispeed...
Post by: Gary Anderson on October 26, 2007, 10:04:10 PM
Hi, I've got a few of the merco 49 engines and love them. They have a real nice 4-2-4 run, good power and a great stunt engine. I'm going to use one in my stiletto, I use one in a score and pulls the plane with out a problem. I believe you should use twenty-five per cent castor oil. Have a great day, Gary (Try search on this forum, type in merco and I believe you will get some info on this baby)
Title: Re: Merco .49 Multispeed...
Post by: Bootlegger on October 27, 2007, 05:39:16 AM
 :!  Try a 4-48 bolt as it is a national fine thread and it fits my Merco engines (35 and 40) . Should be available at bolt supply houses..
  Good luck... H^^
Title: Re: Merco .49 Multispeed...
Post by: Paul Smith on October 27, 2007, 11:20:26 AM
The engine runs like a champ, 10,200 RPM down to 3,800 and back.  The inside looks brand-new.

The tag from Joe's Hobby Center carries the phone number WEbster 3-6567, a number some of the older flyers around here can still recall.

Per Rustler's site, these units were produced 1961-1963.  The phillips heads are an odd-ball size too, explaining why they're buggered-up, but not why the previous owner took 'em loose.
Title: Re: Merco .49 Multispeed...
Post by: Manuel Cortes on October 28, 2007, 12:59:10 AM
Hi all!
I´ve used (and I´m using, althought not competing very  hard lately  :P because work and family responsabilities) a Merco 49 in a modified Indigo for more than 12 years (you read well) the engine is better than new and is a real beauty in the air. I recommend you to restore and use it, you´ll like for sure.
My 2 plug ancient bulldog uses withworth 1/8" screws, later versions used different ones (Merco suffered several owner changes in his story)
Hope it helps.
Regards from Spain.
Manuel.
Title: Re: Merco .49 Multispeed...
Post by: Paul Smith on October 28, 2007, 07:53:50 AM
That sounds good.

I've heard of the Whitworth Thread for years, but this is the first time I've owned one.  And they do mike out to .120".

I used my digital camera and Photoshop as a high-price magnifying glass and confirmed the 40-pitch.  I'll canvas the industrial suppliers in towne to see if any still supports Whitworth.

I've alread confirmed that 4/40, 5/40 and 3MM are not close enough.
Title: Re: Merco .49 Multispeed...
Post by: don Burke on October 28, 2007, 09:26:51 AM
There is a Whitworth 1/8-40, ling to chart below.  The difference between it an SAE threads is the included angle.  Whitworth being 55º and SAE 60º.  What this results in is the Whitworth being a deeper thread than an SAE.  Although a 4-40 might be close, there would probably be not enough thread engagement and a percieved "tightness" putting one in a Whitworth tapped hole.

http://homepages.tesco.net/~A10bsa/bswgo.htm