Author Topic: Stalker Engines (Read 9523 times)

Phil Coopy · « **on:** July 13, 2009, 03:18:41 PM »

Who sells them?

Phil

Allan Perret · « **Reply #1 on:** July 13, 2009, 03:34:54 PM »

Kaz Minato

http://homepage3.nifty.com/bluemax/MNT001.html

John Miller · « **Reply #2 on:** July 13, 2009, 03:59:09 PM »

Allan Ressinger, Canada.

Brian Eather, Australia.

Lerner Modelbau, Germany.http://lerner-modellbau.de/index.php?cPath=47_48&osCsid=721841e921f75637400f3581eb347406

Brian Hampton · « **Reply #3 on:** July 14, 2009, 09:01:22 AM »

It's Brian Gardner in Australia...or BRISTUNT as he calls himself in forums.

Walter Hicks · « **Reply #4 on:** July 16, 2009, 10:59:09 PM »

Kaz will get them to the USA in 3-5 days !!! Also Carbon fiber spinners 2" regular and needle nose .

Michael Floerchinger · « **Reply #5 on:** July 17, 2009, 06:17:35 AM »

What is the performance like?

John Miller · « **Reply #6 on:** July 17, 2009, 01:42:25 PM »

Quote from: Michael Floerchinger on July 17, 2009, 06:17:35 AM

What is the performance like?

The Eastern European stunt engines, for the most part, run in the 4-2-4 mode. They've taken the best of that mode of run, and brought it into this century.

Most of them are long stroke engines. They seem to run more on the torque curve than the power curve. They are not high rpm engines, at least in my experience.

They are designed to be run with no to low Nitro, and all synthetic to a blend of Syn and Castor.

My personal experience with Stalkers is that they are very reliable, and will repeat thier runs over and over again. I have my best results running FAI fuel, no nitro, with 18% oil, 95% syn, 5% castor. They like to be a bit wet when starting, but once the starting drill is mastered, mine are 1 flip starters. I bounce the prop backwards to compression to start.

Others run thiers differently, most have had to make changes to get good reliable runs like I get.

So far all of mine have been some of the most trouble free dedicated stunt engines I've had the pleasure to run.

I'm currently running .40's, a .51, and a .61. I loaned out a couple of others , including an .81RE

They all run very similar for me, but probably the best of the bunch, in my opinion, is the Stalker .51RE

anderson-ron · « **Reply #7 on:** July 26, 2009, 09:05:45 PM »

Hi John, Have you had any experience with the stalker 75 side ex. or 75 rear ex. engines? I have an arf strega airplane that I'am looking at different engines for it. Thanks Ron

Steve Helmick · « **Reply #8 on:** July 26, 2009, 10:23:14 PM »

Norm Whittle was flying a Stalker .76RE at NW Regionals in a model with about 700 sq. inches. I launched it a few times, and got to watch it pretty closely. It chugged around and showed lots of power with no tendency to runaway in the windy afternoon round. He runs FAI fuel with synthetic oil...4 oz per flight. The single baffle muffler is the one you want. Dunno about putting a rear muffler into a Stregasaurus ARFicuss. But I don't think there is a SE version, and I wouldn't invest in one anyway.

I got mine this weekend!

It's a lovely piece of work, and surprisingly light. It's a big step up from a .46LA, but I think I'm gonna like it.

Steve

anderson-ron · « **Reply #9 on:** July 26, 2009, 10:43:37 PM »

Thanks Steve for your 411, Ron

Allan Perret · « **Reply #10 on:** July 27, 2009, 06:37:22 AM »

Quote from: Steve Helmick on July 26, 2009, 10:23:14 PM

The single baffle muffler is the one you want.

There are different mufflers available with this engine ?
Are you talking about from the factory, or aftermarket ?

John Miller · « **Reply #11 on:** July 27, 2009, 09:25:58 AM »

I was flying with Norm, Jimmy, and Gordan, this past weekend. Norm indeed has a Stalker .76 in a version of his Sultan. It runs very well, and reliably. He tried running nitro, and more castor, but he has gotten his best runs on FAI fuel. All he could find was the Green Omega. He added enough castor to bring the total oil up to about 20%.

He's built a new profile, that looks a lot like his Eagle design. Interestingly, he used Pathfinder aerodynamics and moments. He's mounted a Stalker .51RE with an RC style mount, similar to the Imitation. This allows him to mount the engine in a way that the rear exhaust muffler clears the tank, and exits the exhaust under the wing.

The engine is still new, and coming in very nicely. It's runs get better with each run, and should stabilze into it's best performance very soon.

The plane looks good and flies and presents well.

My Stalker .51RE in my Pathfinder L.E. continues to put in perfect run after perfect run. As is Gordan's.

Jimmie is running a Discovery Retro on his Russky ARF. It continues to run well, but different from the Stalkers.

Allan, Norm runs the stock muffler from the factory. There were different iterations, but with the latest mufflers, they no longer run multiple baffles. In the years past, a lot of power could be gained by removing the baffles. Norm's .76 is stoke, and has it's baffle.

I'm not aware of any afterr market mufflers being readily available for Stalkers. I have seen one though. It's a custom built header muffler. I'm not convinced that it is better than the stock muffler though.

Phil Coopy · « **Reply #12 on:** July 27, 2009, 10:23:41 AM »

Thanks for the informative discussion guys...I saw one running on a Vector 40 a couple of weeks ago while I was pit boss at the NATS and was impressed with the performance. So I just ordered one for a new Vector I am building.

Phil

Walter Hicks · « **Reply #13 on:** July 27, 2009, 08:02:42 PM »

I have a new Stalker .76 side exhaust . Several mufflers will fit it. I have a Tube muffler from Randy Smith for the St .46, as well as a tongue muffler for the same that fits. The Stock muffler is nice and quite. Kaz told me that the Side exhaust is the Best of the 76 version. I am in the process of breaking it in . Very nice.

John Miller · « **Reply #14 on:** July 27, 2009, 09:36:55 PM »

Quote from: PHIL COOPY on July 27, 2009, 10:23:41 AM

Thanks for the informative discussion guys...I saw one running on a Vector 40 a couple of weeks ago while I was pit boss at the NATS and was impressed with the performance. So I just ordered one for a new Vector I am building.

Phil

Phil, I'm running a Stalker 40RE in my All American Eagle, using a grish 10 X 6, 3 blade. It's a sweet combination on FAI fuel. I have a Vector with the same engine on it with an 11 X 6, 2 blade. I should try the Grish out on it, I think it woulod be perfect.

Kim Mortimore · « **Reply #15 on:** July 28, 2009, 04:15:04 PM »

A friend of mine had a Stalker .61RE in a Stregasaurus for the ARF contest last weekend, and the tank ran dry before finishing the pattern in 100+ degree heat. The tank size has been fine at lower temps.

I have been told that the high-compression Eastern European engines running FAI fuel tend to vary (sometimes considerably) in their fuel mileage with small changes in needle setting. Have y'all Stalkerites found that to be true with your Stalkers? Oar knot?

Thanks,
Kim Mortimore

John Miller · « **Reply #16 on:** July 28, 2009, 06:46:15 PM »

Quote from: Kim Mortimore on July 28, 2009, 04:15:04 PM

A friend of mine had a Stalker .61RE in a Stregasaurus for the ARF contest last weekend, and the tank ran dry before finishing the pattern in 100+ degree heat. The tank size has been fine at lower temps.

I have been told that the high-compression Eastern European engines running FAI fuel tend to vary (sometimes considerably) in their fuel mileage with small changes in needle setting. Have y'all Stalkerites found that to be true with your Stalkers? Oar knot?

Thanks,
Kim Mortimore

About the highest emps I've run my Stalkers in has been no higher than 100 degrees. I run about 125 cc's of fuel for the pattern in my .61, and have found very little in the way of differences. Of course, I'm flying at 4600 feet ASL on my home field.

I will often find I run about 5 to 10 cc's more fuel at the lower altitudes of Calif.

I would be tempted to try about 5% nitro when the temps get high.

Steve Helmick · « **Reply #17 on:** July 28, 2009, 10:45:20 PM »

I finally layed hands on my new Stalker .76RE this weekend in BC. It's surprisingly light, but I haven't put it on the scale yet. The muffler (all aluminum) is also super light. Kewl!

Steve

Edit: Weighed the basic engine last night (forgot the NV itself...and no glowplug) at 361g, or 12.56 oz. The muffler is 43g., just a tick under 1.5 oz. The new muffler is all aluminum, and 6g. lighter than the previous ones Stalker made with carbon tubing body.

Mike F.: You have a PM...

Michael Floerchinger · « **Reply #18 on:** July 29, 2009, 06:46:15 AM »

Thanks for the information.

Where would be the best place to purchase one of the Stalker line?

Thanks,

Mike

Allan Perret · « **Reply #19 on:** July 29, 2009, 07:03:36 AM »

Quote from: Walter Hicks on July 27, 2009, 08:02:42 PM

Kaz told me that the Side exhaust is the Best of the 76 version.

Can you elaborate ?
I would think the side and rear exhaust version of the same engine to be almost identical in run characteristics and performance.

John Miller · « **Reply #20 on:** July 29, 2009, 07:58:16 AM »

Quote from: Michael Floerchinger on July 29, 2009, 06:46:15 AM

Thanks for the information.

Where would be the best place to purchase one of the Stalker line?

Thanks,

Mike

Mike, check further up in this thread for scources.

John Miller · « **Reply #21 on:** July 29, 2009, 08:03:28 AM »

Quote from: Allan Perret on July 29, 2009, 07:03:36 AM

Can you elaborate ?
I would think the side and rear exhaust version of the same engine to be almost identical in run characteristics and performance.

Walter will probably answer this himself, but until he does, here's what he relayed to me on the phone a few days ago.

The side exhaust ST .76 will accept several mufflers that are available for the Supre Tiger .46, including tongue mufflers. It will also be more easily swapped into existing planes. The runs should be identicle.

Phil Coopy · « **Reply #22 on:** July 29, 2009, 09:31:06 AM »

Mike if you hurry you might be able to get in on an order that Alan Resinger is putting in right now.

Phil

Walter Hicks · « **Reply #23 on:** July 29, 2009, 04:15:54 PM »

I like the stock Stalker SE muffler the best only because it is very quite ( 1 baffle). It is however heavier 2.4 oz. The Randy Smith Muffler (tube for St .46 is 1.2 oz), the Gene Martine Tube muffler is 1.5 and tongue muffler is .4 oz. I do not have a Stalker .76 RE to compare. Mine (SE) is still in the break in process and has yet to be flown in an airplane.

John can address the fuel mileage, I am going to drill the venturi to .312 per John Miller, Gordon Delaney and Norm Whittle. The are currently using Stalker Big bore engines. The Stalker .76 SE is 12.9 Oz , the Stalker .66 RE Muffler is 1.4 oz and is the same one used on the .76 RE. (Stalker 66 RE is 11.5 oz)

These are NOT PA or RO Jett engines. They are made for low RPM Torque and much higher pitch props. What is attractive to me is they appear to fly well in the wind and no pipe. FAI fuel and 4 oz tank! After watching a couple of days of flying at the 2004 World Champs in Muncie it was a real eye opener. Not everyone is the world thinks like the USA!!! However the planes and engines did perform very well.....

FLOYD CARTER · « **Reply #24 on:** July 29, 2009, 06:18:32 PM »

Still trying to sort out my Stalker 51 RE. It is burning 1.2 oz per min (SIG 10-10-10) and 12-5 Zinger wood prop. One extra head shim. The run isn't steady throughout, but hoping that a bit more time on the engine will tame it. So far, about 15 min run on the test stand and two flights.

Floyd

Steve Helmick · « **Reply #25 on:** July 29, 2009, 07:30:55 PM »

Floyd...As my Stalker 51RE should arrive at the end of August, I checked with Keith Varley about his .51RE setup. He's running a 12-4 APC, and it worked real well last weekend. Anyway, you should check with Keith for the full 411. Stock Zingers are about useless...but you might try an RSM, XOAR or even the TF Power Point series, if you insist on wooden props. Get the RSM 11-6 and 12-6. The 12-6 might need trimming down a bit.

Gawd it's hot!!! Hope you're liking this Calipornia weather...I'm not!

Steve

John Miller · « **Reply #26 on:** July 29, 2009, 07:47:31 PM »

Quote from: FLOYD CARTER on July 29, 2009, 06:18:32 PM

Still trying to sort out my Stalker 51 RE. It is burning 1.2 oz per min (SIG 10-10-10) and 12-5 Zinger wood prop. One extra head shim. The run isn't steady throughout, but hoping that a bit more time on the engine will tame it. So far, about 15 min run on the test stand and two flights.

Floyd

Hi Floyd, I'm sorry you are having a problem with your .51. Most of us agree that it's probably the best of the bunch, but you're having a few problems. Can I make a few suggestions?

First Stalkers "come in" with running. They settle into a stable, repeatable run. You know when it's happened when the fuel usage settles, and the engine behaves.

You might be experiencing problems because it's not yet broken in.

Having said that, I suspect something else might be the problem.

We here in America seem to want to run Nitro and have 50% of our oil being Castor.

Most of the guys who relate problems fall into this description.

So, here's the formula that I and Gordy use with this same engine.

0% nitro. That means FAI fuel.

There's no need for more than 20% oil. I use 18%, Gordy uses 20%. No more than 5% of that oil is castor.
I'm not afraid to go with all syn oil, but bow to a little castor, "just in case." I'm ordering a new batch of fuel that is 0% nitro,14% synthetic, 4% castor.

I am not a fan of Zinger props, I consider them a great prop kit. There are a lot of better props to use. I personally have used APC and Evo props. I like the Evo 12 X 6 for the .51. Gordy uses a CF 3 blade 11.5 X 5.5. I launch at 7800 rpm, gordy launches a bit higher.

I'm using 95 cc's of fuel, (about 3 1/4 oz's) Gordy uses about the same amount, for the pattern.

These engines were designed to run with FAI fuel, and mostly synthetic oil. When we try and run them differently, we have to make a lot of changes. Consider putting the engine back to stock, remove that extra head gasket, and see how it runs for you before trying to change the run over to our nitro rich style?

One of my friends was trying to get his new Stalker to run right. He's very knowlegable about our toys, but he was having problems. After he decided to try what I'm saying here, his problems went away, and all who have seen and heard his engine runs have come away impressed.

Try it, if you don't like it, I can think of several folks who would make you an offer for your engine.

Edit; Steve made his post while I was typing mine. Kieth's engine setups and runs are different from mine. It just shows the range this engine can operate in when it's set up right. Kieth launches at over 10K in a dead 4 stroke. with his flatter pitch prop. It breaks where it should and runs smooth. I'm not sure, but I think hes either running FAI fuel, or very low nitro. Perhaps he'll chime in.

Allan Perret · « **Reply #27 on:** July 29, 2009, 08:24:01 PM »

Quote from: John Miller on July 29, 2009, 07:47:31 PM

I'm ordering a new batch of fuel that is 0% nitro,14% synthetic, 4% castor.

Where are you getting that blend from?

Been running my 61 on Sig FAI Champion, which is 50/50 syn and castor. Getting good runs, but after 35 2-minute bench runs and about 25 flights I'm starting to see a castor build up on outside of muffler.

John Miller · « **Reply #28 on:** July 29, 2009, 08:57:20 PM »

I'm ordering it from Excalibur fuels in Tucson. They'll mix it up any way I want it. I'd also feel no qualms ordering from Red Max, which might be closer. They also will mix it the way you want.

Edit:

Interesting point to consider, Modusa, when they were selling the Stalkers had a sheet on ruinning the engines, with fuel and prop recommendations, as well as oil.

I think the site is still up, and it's possible to download this info.

They mention that if Castor is used, we should pay attention, as the engine will have to be "de-coked" at intervals to remove the castor build up internally and externally. Jimmy's Discovery Retro ran entirely better when he did this last year. It's now ready to be done again. The power is dropping off.

So it appears that if you absolutly have to run more castor, you may need to "crock pot" your engine once in a while.

WhittleN · « **Reply #29 on:** July 30, 2009, 07:11:20 AM »

Guys
I think John Miller was talking about me in one of the posts above. Yes, I like most American stunt flyer's thought nitro good - no nitro bad. At John's recommendation, I went back to square one and put the Stalker 76 back to “as received”. Went and got some 0% Cool Power and added 7 oz of their synthetic oil - everything settled down and ran just as I hopped it would. Unless you have one of the special built Stalkers like Alan Resinger has, I would tell you don’t waste time try it the way it came first and the 0% nitro route – I think you will like it.

Norm Whittle

Alan Resinger · « **Reply #30 on:** July 30, 2009, 05:04:21 PM »

Norm,
How's the new 51 coming along?
Alan

FLOYD CARTER · « **Reply #31 on:** August 01, 2009, 02:47:38 PM »

Hi. The Stalker-MODUSA web site describes the use of 5-15% nitro in their Stalker engines. It apparently is a viable option provided extra head shims are used. They do not like the use of castor oil, or maybe just a very small amount. This is because castor deposits a varnish on the internal parts. But this happens with ANY engine, especially the ABC where piston/cylinder fit is purposely tight. The cure, of course, is de-varnishing after a lot of running.

Just as the experts recommend, once castor fuel has been used, do not switch to synthetic. That is OK with me.

FAI fuel simply isn't available around here (we live in R/C country). So as long as a mild nitro and part synthetic fuel is easy to get, I'll stick with it.

Floyd

WhittleN · « **Reply #32 on:** August 04, 2009, 06:55:01 AM »

Alan
The Stalker 51 (new screw-on muffler) runs very nicely - just like its big brother the Stalker 76. I’m thinking this may be the first new type 51 in the states. Of course, I'm running 0% nitro and with only about 1 hr on the engine it seems to be very happy with one of John Millers 11/6 Evo props - it's from his special stash. We have tried several props including a 3 blade Brett Buck cast off (too much prop) and one of Gordan’s 4 bladed 10/6 - it acted like it had about 4.5 inch of pitch. The muffler has come loose on a couple of occasions but not since I wrapped tape around the neck of the muffler and tightened (gently) it with a pair of pipe pliers – yes I removed the tape afterwards it was just so I would not mar the muffler. It is presently flying on a 45 oz StarFinder - one of my Eagle looking profile fuselages on Gordan Delaney’s pathfinder wing and stab layouts - with Eagle tips. I fly’s just like the twin Gordan makes me fly all the time.

Norm

Allan Perret · « **Reply #33 on:** August 05, 2009, 06:21:41 AM »

Quote from: WhittleN on August 04, 2009, 06:55:01 AM

The Stalker 51 (new screw-on muffler) runs very nicely Norm

The threads on the muffler, are they straight or tapered like pipe threads.
Was curious how well it seals..

WhittleN · « **Reply #34 on:** August 05, 2009, 03:02:48 PM »

"The threads on the muffler are they straight or tapered like pipe threads.
Was curious how well it seals..

Allan
Straight threads, there is a seat on the edge (end) of the treads that actually seals the exhaust. No leakage noted - bone dry. The only problem I can see with the whole method of attaching the muffler this way is - it must be fitted onto the engine before installing into the airplane. Even on my profile; I must remove the motor and screw on the muffler then remount the engine and muffler.
Norm

Walter Hicks · « **Reply #35 on:** August 08, 2009, 07:51:25 PM »

STALKER .76 SE WITH MUFFLER OPTIONS: Stock muffler , Aeroproducts tube for St .46, Gene Martine St .46 Muffler and
ST .46 Tongue muffler:

Allan Perret · « **Reply #36 on:** August 09, 2009, 07:08:59 AM »

Quote from: WhittleN on August 05, 2009, 03:02:48 PM

Allan
Straight threads, there is a seat on the edge (end) of the treads that actually seals the exhaust. No leakage noted - bone dry. The only problem I can see with the whole method of attaching the muffler this way is - it must be fitted onto the engine before installing into the airplane. Even on my profile; I must remove the motor and screw on the muffler then remount the engine and muffler.
Norm

What happens if when the sealing edge bottoms out the muffler isnt in the right position ?? I would expect you might not be able to continue turning to correct the position, and if you back off it would not seal.
Are you using any anti-seize compound? The mating threads are both aluminum, right ?