Engine Question

I've been considering getting a larger engine lately, something that could haul a 700" sq. plane with a weight around 65oz (no, I don't have one that weighs that much, but I want to make sure that the engine could ahndle it if needed). Something along the lines of a ST.61 or one of the Stuka Magnum .53XL engines. In doing some research, I been looking closely at the Stalker-Modusa and Double Star lines of engines. Of the two, I think that Stalker-Modusa may be the better bet for me as it is a little cheaper.

My main concern, though, is on their website, they suggest all synthetic fuel, no castor. Is this right? Wouldn't that end up damageing the engine if you had a lean run? Also, are all threads on the engine metric - i.e. glow plug, head bolts, prop shaft, etc.? Lastly, of these two brands of engines, which typically runs good on a tuned pipe, as I am also considering giving that a try, though probably not for a while. I'd like the engine I get to run good on normal mufflers as well as pipes.

Also, how well do these engines run. They're heavily touted on the website and in their ads, but I want some real-life testimonials that are not payed for or sponsored.

Thanks in advance to all who help.

Tight lines to all,

If it's economy that is driving your choice consider both the Magnum 53 that Len modifies as well as a ST .51 as modified by Tom Lay. I have one of the Lay ST .51's and it does have plenty of power to pull a plane of the size you mentioned. Mine would pull my 58&1/2 ounce, 700 sq. in. Magnum through the pattern on a completely rich engine run, never breaking into a two cycly. Len's Magnum 53 will put out at least as much H.P. and torque as a ST .60 and cost a lot less too. Denis Choat, Jack and John Sunderland have used the Stalker engines and have had some fairly good things to say about them. Like all relatively inexpensive engines some may be subject to better quality control than others. For my money, i'd get one that has been set up to run by one of the engine experts. As far as pipe engines go, I can only say that my PA .51 flys my 62 ounce Intrepid extremely well!

I've got a Stalker .61RE. Took most of a season to learn how to run it correctly. You definately don't run it like an ST.60...at all. But what a horse. If you're interested, I can email you the setup I used that worked very well.

I plan on building a Pat Johnston design called "Epiphany" this winter to put the Stalker in. Pat has run a Neumann Magnum 53 and an ST.60 in it and the plane is a great flyer. I think it flies better the the Magnum, but hey Pat seems to like the ST in it. I think the Stalker will be great.

I've got a Stalker .61RE. Took most of a season to learn how to run it correctly. You definately don't run it like an ST.60...at all. But what a horse. If you're interested, I can email you the setup I used that worked very well.

I plan on building a Pat Johnston design called "Epiphany" this winter to put the Stalker in. Pat has run a Neumann Magnum 53 and an ST.60 in it and the plane is a great flyer. I think it flies better the the Magnum, but hey Pat seems to like the ST in it. I think the Stalker will be great.

If I was in your shoes, I would certainly consider either a unit made in this country! Pay what the modifiers/manufacturere want and follow their instructions! And, if it doesn't work as advertised, CALL them for advise! This is tough to do when dealing with folks overseas or who don't speak Texan.

Recently we (the Garden State Circle Burners), have had a bunch of motors done up be several of those offering their services in the PAMPA newsletter. All work well, though slightly different for each other.

See Ya

>SteveB:
>
>If I was in your shoes,
>I would certainly consider either
>a unit made in this
>country! Pay what the
>modifiers/manufacturere want and follow their
>instructions!

That's Right! By Amer-can!

Sheesh. There is a large selection of engines out there. Many can work well. The Stalker has been a good engine for me. The manufacturer has stood behind it. They are very quick to ship parts or answer questions. True, it's not down the street from me, but neither is OS...or Randy Smith for that matter. I'm not sure geography has a heck of a lot to do with it.

I imagine that synthetic is probably OK. The ABC system is a completely different animal from the traditional Fox/McCoy, etc iron liner. I've run straight synthetic in several different modern engines with no detectable problems. If nothing else, it's always a good idea to follow the instructions first!

> Also, are
>all threads on the engine
>metric - i.e. glow plug,
>head bolts, prop shaft, etc.?

I think the bolts and prop shaft are metric, with a standard 1/4-32 glow plug.

That's right. The engine is standard metric with a standard glow plug.

I have a 700 sq.-inch stunt plane that weighs 65 oz. I use an OS .40 VF and Smith-Werwage pipe. It has been quite trouble-free. The only drawback is that the .40VF is extinct. Mr. Buck can probably sell you one, though. His friends won't let him run his.

Yea, I built a new exhaust system for it, but it still sounds like a Harley. Maybe I'll re-name Pat's "Epiphany" to "Electra-Glide".

<>

Today I saw your airplane upon which was the Stalker. Dave Gardner has been flying it, and he likes it. You were absent at the contest, though. Tsk Tsk.

Yea, two problems. One, no airplane. Two, I spent the weekend fixing my wife's car. God, I hate Fords.