Years ago, I got a ST46 but never used it. Starting a new model, I realized that it would be perfect size to try the legend that is ST46. Since I've never worked with it, I am looking for help getting some answers.

1) For inverted install the NVA and muffler sit on the right side of the engine. I am using both Randy Smith NVA and muffler but somehow, the muffler interferes with the needle. Is there a special needle for this? Longer one
2) The exhaust openning has a small divot on the muffler attachment surface. I am afraid it will leak exhaust. Is there a way to fix this? Will JB weld hold? Should I use aluminum brazing? how does one fix this. the divot is about 1/8 wide and 1/64 deep.
3) how big of a tank does one need for a pattern?

I dunno nutink bout ST 46, but howcome you can't reverse the needle valve?

Then I'd take the money and buy a couple LA 46's. This is my engine of choice because even I can get a good consistant engine run. And the best part is the parts are readily available. (And cheap too!)

Been there, done that. Have trophies to prove. What LA is lacking is HISTORY. I want to understand what made ST46 such a special engine.
There is nothing like a sound of a ST46. It's like a Harley: not the latest in horsepower and technology but boy does it sound good.

I think you can probably still get the Harry Higley long Tigre needles. Maybe from Tower or RSM. I agree with you Steven on the fact that the newer tech works great, but it looses something in the sound and working performance. I still ride an old Harley with a carb. Just can't wrap my head around the new stuff. It is what I call mechanical presence, or man and machine, or-----.

Steven, The worst part of an ST 46 are things called rings. it is difficult to keep the performance going because of ring problems. Do yourself  favour when that time comes and get a Brian Gardiner ABC P/L. You gain reliability and the ST 46 sounds the same. This is the engine that the ST46 should have been and rarely was.

Andrew.

Steven, The worst part of an ST 46 are things called rings. it is difficult to keep the performance going because of ring problems. Do yourself  favour when that time comes and get a Brian Gardiner ABC P/L. You gain reliability and the ST 46 sounds the same. This is the engine that the ST46 should have been and rarely was.

Andrew.

Thank you Andrew for the info. I did exactly that: bought an ABC set a few years back and had Len Harding set it up for me. Shame not to use this beauty.

Steve   Do not run any more than 20% total oil and have at least half of it be synthetic. It will only use 4 ounces of fuel to to the pattern. I am still running the very first ST.46ABC that I did the testing on for Brian. I have run as little as 15% total oil and it runs in a perfect stunt run. That motor passed 1000 runs a long time ago.
Ed

Steve, you might want to look at this NV setup to get away from the muffler/NV access problem. I wouldn't be surprised if Randy Aero could provide these, but PSP often advertises in MA. They're primary thing is Pylon Racing.
http://www.pspec.com/default.asp    Steve

Hi Steve
I have the NVAs  with the fuel pickup and needle  on the same side

Randy

Thank you Andrew for the info. I did exactly that: bought an ABC set a few years back and had Len Harding set it up for me. Shame not to use this beauty.

   That changes the whole thing. I don't know anyone who has run it with the ABC enough to really reach the same level of knowledge that we had with the original. It should be a whole lot better than the original, but it will definitely be different. I encapsulated the best setup we had on it back in the day over on SSW about 12 years ago, so might be worth digging that out.

   Brett