como 40

i recently purchased a como 40 on ebay. unfortunately the NIB engine is frozen solid......anysuggestions on how to break it free without harm?

roy

Roy:

When you say frozen solid, I assume that the engine was test run at the factory and the residual lube has solidified. If that is correct, here are three methods I have used with success:
1. Heat the cylinder and head with a heat gun (like used for shrinking film coverings). Heat the engine evenly and thoroughly. You will need a heavy glove to hold it if hot enough. I don't use a torch or a "paint stripper" type heat gun. Install an old 10 - 12" prop on the engine and work the crank back and forth. DON'T use any mechanical means (wrench, etc) to force it free (bent rod). After it begins to turn over, oil with air tool oil, after run oil, or ATF.
2. Pull the glow plug and soak the engine for a day in old glow fuel. Use a prop to turn over and lube as above.
3. Secure a crock pot that will NEVER again be used for food prep. Fill it with auto antifreeze to a level that will cover the engine. "Cook" the engine for a night, install prop and proceed as above.

For another method go to "Cleaning Stuck Engines" in the Product Review Section. Mel

Roy,

The Como .40 is a mighty heavy engine. What are you going to use it for? I have a brand new in the box Como .40RC that I purchased 17 years ago when I thought I wanted to build a Balsa USA Swizzle Stick for some RC flying. I never built the plane, however, I haven't been able to figure out how to put the Como .40 to use in a control line plane. Any suggestions (besides doorstop or fighing sinker)?................T.Durrill

LAST EDITED ON Aug-04-03 AT 10:37 AM (CDT)
 
>Roy,
>
> The Como .40 is a mighty heavy engine.

I guess I'm suprised. How heavy is it? They share a lot of similarities with the ST's. I have a Como 51 and it weighs 10.5 oz. with an ST51 venturi and large ST needle valve. Weight-wise that puts it reasonably in the middle of the ST46(around 9.5 oz) and the ST60 (around 12). If I'm not mistaken, didn't Como have several 40's out including models for R/C pylon and Quickie racing? Might make a difference from one model to the next.

Jim Womack

>Roy,
>
> The Como .40 is a mighty heavy engine. What are you
>going to use it for? I have a brand new in the box Como
>.40RC that I purchased 17 years ago when I thought I wanted
>to build a Balsa USA Swizzle Stick for some RC flying. I
>never built the plane, however, I haven't been able to
>figure out how to put the Como .40 to use in a control line
>plane. Any suggestions (besides doorstop or fighing
>sinker)?................T.Durrill

Chris Basile had one of those Como .40s in the early '70s,
and used it in a scale T28, loved the weight as it balanced out with the short nose of the 28. Flew beautifully, albeit a little fast for a "trainer"...
Mike in Atwater

Can you use it in carrier? Most carrier planes had radial engines, thus short noses. Might work.

Is this the Como .40 with the ringed piston and baffle or the later schnurrle version? If it's the early cross flow then it's a gas guzzler because of the perry ports on the exhast side of the baffle. Also, all Super Tiger G40 parts will interchange. You can convert to an ABC or iron/steel without the baffle if you can find an old G40 P/L and head. Might not want to for stunt though. The crank is the same one as a Mk2 G21 .35 BB Tiger. The old Como .40 is a real power house with .400" venturi and, rings are still available from Frank Bowman.

Hope that helps,
Giffy