Trying to decide on a new engine.

[Bill Calandrella]

I would like some input on engines as I would like to buy a new one.  I have been looking at the OS LA46.  I am not a contest flyer, but would like a good solid engine.  Need something with the same power as the OS engine and would really appreciate your suggestions.

Thanks,

Bill

[Mike Griffin]

Bill I have used the OS LA.46 for several years and it is a good solid engine for what you want to do.  It is reliable and a great value for the money.  They run great right out of the box.  Same with thOS LA.25 for smaller planes.  You really can't go wrong with the OS engines for fun flying.

Mike

[ChrisSarnowski]

The OS 46 LA is nice running engine for both contest and sport flying. Check the engines section here and you will see plenty of info on how to set it up to get the run you like.

I've got one essentially stock (one head shim, metal back plate). Works great.

-Chris

[john e. holliday]

Even though I'm a Fox fan,  as they have stated you can't beat the reliability of the OS .46 and .25 straight out of the box with no modifications.   

[wwwarbird]

...as they have stated you can't beat the reliability of the OS .46 and .25 straight out of the box with no modifications.   

 Yep.

[WLGeorge]

I also agree that the OS .46 is a fine engine.  I also added a head shim.  Right out of the box is pretty darn good!! The jury is still out on the extra head shim.  Have not had it in long enough to tell.   I have had other engines but in this price range it is tops.  The others were mostly good with few exceptions.  The next level up is pricey but you get what you pay for.  If you are a sport flyer/non competitor it is pretty hard to beat.  I have one on the ARF P 40 (can't remember who made it) and it pulls it around with gusto.  My OS .46 is easy to start, runs good and gives me about 10 seconds of warning before it quits.  All in all, it fits my flying style and skills and that is what I am looking for.

[Phil Spillman]

I also Second the above with this addition: get an ST type nva from Randy and others who are listed in the sellers section of this Forum, add a venturi insert of .280 to .285" with the extra shim or two you'll have a very reliable engine. I've been using these engines since 1998 and have yet to wear one out! If you don't have one get yourself a tapered reamer which will enable you to custom tune your venturi insert.

A fuel mixture of 5 or 10% nitro with no less than 22% oil split evenly between synthetic and castor and you'll be in business year round!

[Chris Wilson]

Enya SS 45 still seems to be available.

[Bill Calandrella]

Thank you, gentlemen!  I do appreciate your responses.  I have only been on this site for about one month, but I am amazed at the content contained here.  A great site overall.

Mr. John "Doc" Holliday, you stated you are a "Fox" fan.  I have a number of Fox engines including a Fox 59 that I bought years ago that has never been in a plane.  I have run it on a test stand no more than five times.  I also have newer Fox 60.  Also never in a plane.  I have two plans that I could build for these engines.  One is a Super Chief drawn by Tom Dixon.  I would like your thoughts on both engines, they are both stock, regarding their use and or modifications.

Thanks again to all.

Bill

[Geoff Goodworth]

I agree with the support for the LA 46. Get the stunt version and it should come with the correct venturi.

The factory venturi from the FP 20/25 also fits the crankcase but I think it chokes the LA 46 a bit much. I've used the LA 46 with the standard (large) venturi and an FP 20/25 venturi reamed out to 17/64"—the diameter of the small venturi that came with the FP 35/40 in the days when OS supplied two venturis.

The factory NVA works just fine and you don't have to drill out the crankcase and venturi to suit the larger OD ST-style NVAs. If you want to retain the rear needle valve, you can.

If you choose to swap the cross-head screws for socket head cap screws, note the tension in the backplate screws as you are undoing them. Then, don't over-tighten the screws when reassembling. Over-tightening the backplate screws will almost certainly distort the plastic backplate and cause it to leak. Alternatively, get an aluminium backplate from the man on this forum who makes them.

[ChrisSarnowski]

I've run the Enya SS45S on the bench and it seems fine. Have not flown an airplane with it yet.

Unfortunately does not have the same bolt pattern as the LA 46. The SS45S is wider than the LA 46.

-Chris

[john e. holliday]

Thank you, gentlemen!  I do appreciate your responses.  I have only been on this site for about one month, but I am amazed at the content contained here.  A great site overall.

Mr. John "Doc" Holliday, you stated you are a "Fox" fan.  I have a number of Fox engines including a Fox 59 that I bought years ago that has never been in a plane.  I have run it on a test stand no more than five times.  I also have newer Fox 60.  Also never in a plane.  I have two plans that I could build for these engines.  One is a Super Chief drawn by Tom Dixon.  I would like your thoughts on both engines, they are both stock, regarding their use and or modifications.

Thanks again to all.

Bill

The biggest Fox I have and fly is the .46.   In fact I have two of them.   One is flying my Jumbo which is a very large plane and I have to run a low pitch prop to keep it slow.   Very flexible wing and I get shudders if I fly more than a lap level.  Now I think of it, I also have a Fox .50 somewhere in the shop.  Like most Fox's it take time to break them in and they will vibrate until broken in. 

[Bill Little]

I would like some input on engines as I would like to buy a new one.  I have been looking at the OS LA46.  I am not a contest flyer, but would like a good solid engine.  Need something with the same power as the OS engine and would really appreciate your suggestions.

Thanks,

Bill

Hi Bill,

For the money, I would highly recommend the OS .46LA for any type of C/L sport/contest stunt.  If you get to where you can fly stunt at the top 20 NATS level, you will probably want to go to a much more expensive purpose made stunt engine.  Otherwise, the .46LA will do all you want of it.

BIG Bear
RNMM/AMM

[Andrew Saunders]

The LA .46 runs great right out of the box. But it runs better with a goos ST NVA, Have the piston sleeve retimed, and add one more gasket to the head. DO NOT USE A HEMI HEAD ON IT!!  Follow the break in procedure to the exact. Great running engine and has a good 2-4-2 break with a good metal uniflow tank.

[Chris Wilson]

If you are stuck on an LA 46 and you want it set for stunt from the get go then perhaps contact Ian Russel of Merco fame (aka 'Rustler' on the forums).
He sets his up with a wick feed and custom Venturi.

There also is a good review of the LA 46 in Aeromodeller magazine and puts forward a reason why it so good at a stunt run.

Cheers.

[Bill Calandrella]

Again, thank you for all of your interesting replies.  It appears that the OS LA 46 is, by far, the engine of choice in this price range.

I have three more questions...

1. What would be your recommendation for a supplier/distribution of this engine?  Where should I buy it?

2. Where can I find the metal back plate?  Would like a specific contact.

3. Given the price range, are there other options you would suggest.  The OS, as you can see is the winner.  Someone mentioned the Enya SS 45.  I cannot find a dealer and from what I have read about it, it is not as solid as the OS.  The Fox 45 is much higher in price.  I could probably find a used one.  Other thoughts?

Thanks again for your valuable input.

Bill

[Peter Grabenstein]

Again, thank you for all of your interesting replies.  It appears that the OS LA 46 is, by far, the engine of choice in this price range.

I have three more questions...

1. What would be your recommendation for a supplier/distribution of this engine?  Where should I buy it?

2. Where can I find the metal back plate?  Would like a specific contact.

3. Given the price range, are there other options you would suggest.  The OS, as you can see is the winner.  Someone mentioned the Enya SS 45.  I cannot find a dealer and from what I have read about it, it is not as solid as the OS.  The Fox 45 is much higher in price.  I could probably find a used one.  Other thoughts?

Thanks again for your valuable input.

Bill

1. Omnimodels is the dealer I bought all my 3 OS LA 46 silver.
Excellent Service + fast shipping.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-O-S-46LA-S-Control-Line-ABN-w-Muffler-13411-NIB-/291261317200?pt=Radio_Control_Parts_Accessories&hash=item43d0870050


2.All my (3) backplates are made by Curtis Shipp.
He is a member of Stunt Hangar Forum.
Not knowing if he is back in his machine park because health issues.


3. ENYA JAPAN  (Ken Enya) offers international direct order Service.

http://www.enya-engine.com/index_E.htm

 http://www.enya-engine.com/ListCL_E.html


Hope this will help.

Peter GER-1223

[Gerald Arana]

Bill,

What a coincidence that you would mention the "Super Chief" and a Fox 60 engine. I had that exact set up and it was a great flying ship. The problem (for me) was that it pulled so hard I had a hard time flying it so I sold it. (I fly with a cane/support)

The Fox 60 was/is an Eagle with the excess metal trimmed off, an insert in the stock muffler and the venture slanted like a normal (standard) engine.

As for the LA 46..........It's about all I'm going to run from now on. It's a very friendly engine and you don't need anybody to "modify" it for you. That's just spending money unnecessarily AFAIC. Read all the posts about setting them up and do what ever you want.

Good luck and tight lines, Jerry

[Jim Svitko]

Looks like Enya engines are out of stock.  When I went to shop on line from Enya direct, anything for CL over a .25 was out of stock.  The SS50 is not even shown anymore.  Has Enya given up on CL engines?

Get the LA 46 from Tower while you can. There are coupons in the last catalog that Tower sent me.   You can save a few bucks.

This engine can't be beat for the price and run characteristics.  I have used the metal backplate in place of the plastic one but not sure if that is really needed. Except for using Randy Smith needle assembly and enlarging the venturi throat to recover the area due to the larger spray bar, I leave everything else as it came from the factory.  I see no reason to mess with the sleeve.

[Brian Massey]

Tower Hobbies has a "2 fer" price that saves you a few bucks.

http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXGGV7&P=ML

Great engine.

Brian

[ChrisSarnowski]

If you can't get a hold of Curtis Shipp,then plan B would be to find an old OS 40FP from which you can rob the backplate.
Maybe an R/C friend has one in his old engine box.

-Chris

[Chris Wilson]

Contact Ian Russell-
rustler@aero.fslife.co.uk  

( Rustler Engines. Reproduction car and aero engines.
Ian Russell. 98, Elers Road. Ealing. London. W13 9QE)

And inquire what he does to the LA 46's, from memory  it includes new backplate, venturi and muffler but check with him first.

Cheers.
P.S. Whilst you have Ian there enquire about the R&B Metamorph 40 also - nice engine by all accounts.

[Tim Wescott]

Again, thank you for all of your interesting replies.  It appears that the OS LA 46 is, by far, the engine of choice in this price range.

I have three more questions...

1. What would be your recommendation for a supplier/distribution of this engine?  Where should I buy it?

2. Where can I find the metal back plate?  Would like a specific contact.

3. Given the price range, are there other options you would suggest.  The OS, as you can see is the winner.  Someone mentioned the Enya SS 45.  I cannot find a dealer and from what I have read about it, it is not as solid as the OS.  The Fox 45 is much higher in price.  I could probably find a used one.  Other thoughts?

1: What country are you in?  If the USA, then Tower Hobbies, or if you have a local hobby shop you like and want to support, order from them.

2: Dunno.  You might try Jim Lee.  I have a mixed fleet of OS LA engines, some with metal backplates and some without -- they all run just fine.  As long as you don't touch the backplate screws, or make sure to tighten them gently if you must dink with it, you'll be fine.

3: Magnum engines are highly regarded, less expensive than the OS engines, but (a) they're Chinese so quality is a crap shoot, and (b) they're RC-only, so you need to come up with the venturi and needle valve yourself.

[Steve Thomas]

Someone mentioned the Enya SS 45.  I cannot find a dealer and from what I have read about it, it is not as solid as the OS. 

Far from it. If you want something really well-made and bulletproof that you can pass on to the grandkids, it's hard to go past the Enya.  Comments from those who have used both suggest that the SS45's a stronger engine than the LA, and Enya's direct online service is outstanding. OTOH, the OS is quite a bit cheaper and very popular, and there's no shortage of people out there with good advice on setting them up and running them.

Looks like Enya engines are out of stock.  When I went to shop on line from Enya direct, anything for CL over a .25 was out of stock.  The SS50 is not even shown anymore.  Has Enya given up on CL engines?

They certainly haven't given up on it, as in the last year or so they've come up with a new lapped piston version of the SS45 for stunt, as well as that new spiral CL venturi. There's also a new run of the 61CX supposed to be coming in the next month or so. The difference seems to be that they don't maintain the entire range in stock or in production, but just do runs of individual models as they see fit.

[Randy Cuberly]

Randy Smith o
at Aeroproudects is a dealer for Enya Engines.  Contact him for info and availability of the Enyas.

I have a CRX61 Enya and a SS50 ring Enya and both are immensly powerful engines that give great stunt runs.

The 50 although a bit heavier than an OSLA46 is much more powerful and will fly any size stunter that a 60 size engine will.
Ditto for the CRX61.  If there is any downside to the Enyas it's simply that they take considerable running time to break in...I don't think I've ever seen one worn out that was run properly!

I am a proponent of the LA 46 but it does have some power limitations when compared to the Enya 50.

The real utility of the LA46 is that it is at home in any of the Classic airplanes and will fly clean airplanes up to about 55 oz and 630 SQ in.

It's perfectly at home in a Nobler or a 46 size Skylark!

Just run different props...The 46 will adapt to slow and easy or fast and powerful with simple venturii and fuel changes.

For most applications it is not necessary to add head shims or anything else.

The plastic back plate problem can be solved very simply by removing the screws and putting silicone sealer on both sides of the gasket and replacing the back plate but do not tighten the screws beyond just tight.  Never over tighten them.  Just firmly tight with the silicone sealer and they will not come out and it will not leak.  I have several with aluminum back plate and they work fine, but I also have several with the silicone sealer and plastic backplate with hunderds of runs and they never leak.

Randy Cuberly

[Dennis Moritz]

The LA46 is a solid citizen. Like bankers. Used to be. Lots of folks set these engines up. If you are around anyone who flies control line stunt they should know the drill. The engines are also versatile. Can be run sloppy rich, leaner, or even a bit leaner. Jim Lee can provide different size venturis, if you need to tune the engine to get the exact power you want. I'd run the plastic back plate, silicon it. Aluminum plates are $15. If they are still being machined. A standard FP needle valve to replace the remote one, a good idea. They seem to work a bit better than the remote needle. Also they fit better inside the cowl of stunt birds.

[Gene O'Keefe]

Depending on your money situation, I would strongly recommend a T&L Super Tigre G.51 - a very user friendly engine that runs really well -- also, if you can find any Aero engines they would be your best bet.