H9 232 (Was: Gas Engine Comments)

Fri Jan 24 19:50:21 AKST 2003

Tim - I think your question about the FPE has already been answered (First
Place Engines, distributed by SIG).
As to the 232 - Yep, I fought some problems.  Mine was a real head
scratcher.  Plane seemed right in all flight testing, but had a really bad
habit of progressively pitching up when as it slowed down for landing.  CG
was at the forward side of spec.  After many "fixes", end solution was 1)
adding 16 oz of lead to the nose (!!!), and then 2) I rebuilt everything and
moved the wing back about 1" - and got rid of the weight.  I just recently
sold a second one NIB - when I compared the two, it sure looked like H9 did
the same thing in later production models.  Move your CG at least 1/2 inch
forward, and then even more if it doesn't settle down.  Betcha that will
tame the beast!

This is kind of a smallish plane for a 2.4 gas engine, so overall weight is
a concern for performance.

-Ted

-----Original Message-----
From: discussion-request at nsrca.org [mailto:discussion-request at nsrca.org]On
Behalf Of Tim Seyfarth
Sent: Sunday, January 19, 2003 10:45 PM
To: discussion at nsrca.org
Subject: RE: Gas Engine Comments

What's an FPE 2.4?  I had a Hangar 9 Cap 232 that exhibited stall
characteristics all the time (high speed stalls in a gentle turn?!)  but I
did buy another that is not yet finished.  Do youhave the same problem with
yours - instability?

I ask about then engine since I donot yet have one for this airplane and
thought about a G23.

Tim

-----Original Message-----
From: discussion-request at nsrca.org
[mailto:discussion-request at nsrca.org]On Behalf Of Ted Sander
Sent: Sunday, January 19, 2003 6:04 PM
To: discussion at nsrca.org
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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