Gas Engine Comments

[Michael Ramsey]

I've got the FPE 2.4 in a Kanke Models Texas Hurricane. One of the points
that was recommended to me is to send the engine back to Kurt Roth at FPE
and have the Richmon ignition exchanged (with a check for about $80) for a
C&H Syncrospark ignition. The outcome would be lower idle, smother
transition and up to 500 rpm high end increase; all reasons for sending the
engine back for the upgrade.

I never ran the engine with the stock ignition, but I have to say that my
FPE is the smoothest running single that I have experienced. Perhaps the C&H
module is the reason for that? It is loud. The muffler is still on. Zero
headaches with the needle valves. It turned a Master Airscrew 20-10 scimitar
at 7,000 rpm on the first tank, which I thought was fine and I haven't had
the need to check it since.

Yeah, I'd buy another too.

Michael Ramsey


----- Original Message -----
From: "Ted Sander" <tedsander at attbi.com>
To: <discussion at nsrca.org>
Sent: Sunday, January 19, 2003 8:04 PM
Subject: RE: Gas Engine Comments


> OK Ron, maybe a real answer for you:
>
> I've flown a Hanger 9 CAP232, 76" for the past two years.  Year one had it
> equipped with a YS120SF, Slimline muffler, cast alum. motor mounts.
Decent
> performance, but not enough for trying 3D.  Closest I could come was with
an
> APC 17x6 and 30% Helicopter YS fuel.  But, that worked out to about $5 per
> flight.
>
> Bought an FPE 2.4.  All up weight, except for the battery, was exactly the
> same as all the YS related stuff I took off!  Engine is currently turning
> 7,400 with an APC 20x10.  After slightly more than one season, I'm still
in
> love with it.  Great power, weight not much of an issue.  Always starts,
> just like the manual says.  The cons:  With stock muffler, is loud.  Stock
> muffler needs to be shimmed out from the exhaust port (auto gasket
> material), else it rubs on the body of the engine.  Locktite the muffler
> screws, and safety wire the muffler to the plane (screws vibrate loose).
> This is my only gasser, so not much to compare it to - others report that
> vibration is higher than some others.  It is very noticeable at low idle,
> but except for the muffler screws, there have been no side effects on the
> rest of the aircraft after 1 year of intensive use.  I may explore soft
> mounting it this winter....if the mood strikes.  I also plan to spend the
> big dollars for a CF 21x8 prop, to both give me even more 3D capability,
and
> to be able to slow down quicker for decent landings (can't remember exact
> low idle - but do remember that it came out to be significantly lower than
> my YS was capable of!).  Would I buy another, even at full retail like
this
> one?  YES!  (and 22 cents per flight is way cool!!!!)
>
> Ted Sander
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: discussion-request at nsrca.org [mailto:discussion-request at nsrca.org]On
> Behalf Of Ron Van Putte
> Sent: Thursday, January 16, 2003 10:07 AM
> To: discussion at nsrca.org
> Subject: Gas Engine Comments
>
> This is a bit off topic, but I am in the market for a gas engine for an
> 80" World Models Extra 300 I just ordered.  I'm looking at the ZDZ-40,
> ZDZ-50, 3W-50 or a First Place 2.4.  I'm leaning toward the First Place
> 2.4, simply because I am a dealer and can get them from Sig, while
> e-mails to the 3W and ZDZ people went unanswered.  I know you guys never
> have any opinions <BG>, but can anyone offer comments about the engines'
> relative merits?
>
> Ron Van Putte
>
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