OS Max 46LA (That Blue Motor)

For the last few months I have been trying to decide to purchase a
46 size engine. I had a need for an engine of that size because at the time I was building a airplane which I thought would finish to heavy for a OS40FP.
I went to my local hobby shop (Homewood Hobby) in Homewood, ALa.
where my good flying buddy (Bill Norman) works. I wanted a OS46 LA but I was hesitant at first, what was I going to do with a BLUE Engine?
After the purchase I changed a few things (1) replaced the plastic back plate with one from an FP40, (2) the NVA assembly was moved up front through the venturi.

Installation. I was ready to redrill mounting holes and move everything arround when I discovered, Hey, this motor will fit where my OS FP40 sits. Well all the sudden everthing got real simple. This engine was not bench test run, it was broken in on the front of my Cavalier, in the air. The motor bolted up without any changes, attached fuel lines, install a 12/5 Zinger prop, Sig 25/5 fuel, 2" Tru-Turn spinner, 60'lines, Fox Idle bar plug.

Sunday morning fuel is added, adjusted the needle valve to where I thought it should be, glow driver is positioned, two flips of the prop and the OS 46LA comes to life.
I have been flying this motor for 5 Sundays almost 25 flights and one gallon of fuel.
WOW this is a great motor. The 2/4 break is perfect but it is too much engine for the Cavalier. With the power produced by this motor I believe it should power anything from 40 to 55 ounces without any problem.
If you are a beginner, intermediate or advanced flyer this engine should not be overlooked if you are looking for a new power plant.

HI Mike. Our vice pres, Curtis Comer has been using one of those blue beasts, only his is now silver. I guess the "paint" comes off easily. Contact me at [email protected] and let's see if we up north here in Rocket City can get together with ya'll down there in B'ham. Ty

Hey Mike,

I have been flying one of the OS LA 46 (BLUE ENGINES) for a couple of years now in a Brodak 38 Special Biplane. Initially I had an OS LA 40 in the bipe that had had an aluminum back plate and a Super Tigre needle valve put in it by TCI Hobbies. The 40 was good but it wasnt as strong as the other 40's I have had in the past. I tried the 46 because it bolted right in place where the 40 had been and the LA 46 is even a little lighter than the 40 (can you believe that). It seems the 46 uses the same chankcase as the 40 but since the it is bored for a larger piston it is a little lighter. Anyway the 46 is a great motor and I am using it stock with the plastic backplate and remote needle. I had no real knowledge of the 46 when I bought the motor I just took a chance because the price was right, about $60.00 then at the local hobby shop. I was not disappointed at all the 46 churns out plenty of power for the 38Special and it starts easy and runs very well every time.

It wasnt until I came to the forum that I realized that so many people are using the 46 and having remarkable results. I have asked a lot of questions and have been told that the motor can even be made better with a regular needle valve/ spraybar and a Mac's muffler. Some guys claim that they are using the 46 on some pretty big airplanes like the Legacy and so on. Sure makes you wonder doesnt it because you cant beat the price and you see used LA 46's all the time that RC guys are selling for about 15- 20 bucks. I passed on a deal like that a few months ago and I wish now I hadnt have done that.

Good Luck Rick

I have been flying several of these engines since 1999/2000. One has over 400 patterns on it with no signs of wear. It, as well as the others, starts easy, gives excellent fuel economy, and delivers all the power you need for 600 to 650 or so square inches of wing. You may experiment with various head spacings and 5 to 10% nitro concentrations. I always run with no less than 25% total oil content. 7.5% nitro works year round. 11X6 props seem to be about right all round. Ground rpm at release about 8200. The stock backplate is just fine if you don't over tighten it. Your just going to keep loving this thing more and more as you go!

My experience with the Blue .46 is very similar. I mostly have run the Mac's Muffler, but some with a Big Art tube muffler. Both setups were good and easy to run, with different props required.
Fuel economy was reduced with the 4-2-4 run, of course. Steve