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Engine basics => Engine set up tips => Topic started by: Steve Dwyer on May 17, 2015, 02:37:40 PM
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I recently was given a Forster 29 engine that has not been turned over since 1959. It came mounted on a 42" flapless profile that looks like a Ringmaster but it has a slightly swept back leading edge a friend thinks it might be a early P51 PDQ Mustang. The wing however, is mounted in the center of the fuse and there is no bottom air scoop. Anyway back to the Forster 29, I've inherited old engines in the past and after a few days soaking in a solvent I have loosened them up.
The problem I have is the spray bay assembly is broken, this 29 has the spray bar and needle valve mounted in the venturi located on the front of the engine. Some the older 29s I believe had the venturi behind the engine. There is a 1941 stamped in the side of the exhaust outlet I suspect this is the vintage of the engine.
I plan to recover and restore the model, I would like to fly it with the same engine and invite the donor to the field to see fly it after 60 years in storage. I've done this before and have become somewhat of a catch all for old control line models. I'm not a engine collector I'd just prefer to keep it the same as it was without drilling out the venturi to install a FOX or some other assembly. Willing to pay something if you have a bar in a trashed engine or a spare part you are interested in parting with. Any thoughts on the plane the old gent couldn't recall what it was?
Steve
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You should check with MECOA, they have Forster parts.
Phil Bare
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Hi Steve -
Measure your needle - not many thou difference but MECOA lists 2 sizes for spraybars and they're not interchangeable.
Your Forster is an F-series (Front intake) with ringed piston, and the number on the exhaust is the serial number (apparently no one has SN/year info, unfortunately).
Preceeded by the G-series w/rear intake, they were produced from 1952-1958 when the lapped piston R-series came out (or perhaps 1956 - there's a .35R engine review with that date on SceptreFlight, http://sceptreflight.net/Model%20Engine%20Tests/).
You can also find your engine reviewed there.
Best of luck with it - I have a .29F and a couple .35Rs and they're excellent engines (if you don't require a muffler).
Terry
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Phil and Terry thanks much for the response, I've contacted MERCO they ask for several days to respond. Interesting I thought the front vent would have been a later style. Still waiting on the engine to free up, with rings I hope it's not going to be like restoring the Titanic "a little rust after a few years in a no doubt damp basement.
Regards,
Steve
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You're welcome Steve, and if it turns out you need new rings, Frank Bowman has 'em:
http://metrorcflying.com/piston-rings.htm
Terry
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Terry,
Thanks much!
Steve
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Also Steve, if you order from MECOA be forewarned and prepared - while it may take several weeks without a word from them, your order will arrive one day. ;)
Terry
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Steve - if all else fails, you can install one of the old universal type needle valve assemblies.
I've used these in a number of applications with good results.
As I recall, the spray bar diameter is around .100 so you will not have to drill out the venturi.
Bob Z.