Engine Clinic
Model Airplane News|December 2016

Vintage Power Questions Answered

Clarence Lee
Engine Clinic

Before we get to our letters this month, I would like to bring to your attention two websites that I am sure readers who are interested in engine technicalities will find interesting. One is on compression ratio and the other on combustion chamber shapes. Both sites have been written by my good friend Randy Linsalato, who in conjunction with his wife, Anching, own and operate K&B/MECOA. If you are interested in some of the technical aspects of how our model engines operate as well as photos showing how to measure an engine’s bore and stroke and how to set the head clearance, you will find these sites interesting reading. The websites are mecoa.com/faq/ compression/compression.htm and mecoa.com/faq/squish/squish.htm.

Q&A Email your questions to Clarence Lee at MAN@airage.com.

CONDOR .91 FOUR-STROKE

I’m a longtime reader of MAN and like to collect and run antique and oddball model-aircraft engines. Yes, I do fly RC and have been building models since the age of three. I’m one of the last few scratch-builders left. The main reason I am writing you is a bit of a quandary I’m having over an engine I own that nobody seems to know anything about. When I purchased it, the engine didn’t run or start too well, and I attempted many things to try to get it right; most failed.

This story is from the December 2016 edition of Model Airplane News.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the December 2016 edition of Model Airplane News.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM MODEL AIRPLANE NEWSView All
Model Airplane News

Legend Hobby / Seagull Models - Cessna Grand Caravan 208

The Cessna Grand Caravan 208 is a legend in aviation circles. A single engine utility aircraft that punches up with capabilities that rival many twin engine aircraft in its class. Its seemingly simple configuration belies its near extreme utility.

time-read
8 mins  |
January 2022
Model Airplane News

PROPER CG LOCATION FOR AEROBATICS

If you are getting into aerobatics and are starting to perform more advanced maneuvers, it is time to discuss ways you can not only become a better pilot, but how you can also improve the flight characteristics of your airplanes.

time-read
5 mins  |
January 2022
Legend Hobby 13-Foot L-19 Bird Dog/ Cessna O-1
Model Airplane News

Legend Hobby 13-Foot L-19 Bird Dog/ Cessna O-1

This famous multi-mission single engine observation aircraft served from 1950-1974. From calling out target locations to providing intel/recon information, the Bird Dog was a valued asset in both the Korean War and Vietnam.

time-read
1 min  |
January 2022
EARN YOUR WINGS
Model Airplane News

EARN YOUR WINGS

10 Tips for First-Flight Success

time-read
6 mins  |
January 2022
Old School Model Works Fifty Six
Model Airplane News

Old School Model Works Fifty Six

The Fifty Six takes its design cues from the original .09- to .15-size Carl Goldberg Falcon 56 of the 1960s. Reworked to incorporate modern, lasercut techniques to make kit building better than ever.

time-read
1 min  |
January 2022
Model Airplane News

FLYING TWINS Multi-engine warbirds made easy

Let’s face it, there’s just something extra special about twin-engine RC aircraft. Most modelers stop what they’re doing when a twin fires up on the flightline.

time-read
6 mins  |
January 2022
HOW TO BALANCE PROPELLERS
Model Airplane News

HOW TO BALANCE PROPELLERS

Four easy steps to increase performance and reduce vibration

time-read
5 mins  |
January 2022
PRODUCT REVIEW: RC PLANE STANDS BENCHTOP MODEL
Model Airplane News

PRODUCT REVIEW: RC PLANE STANDS BENCHTOP MODEL

I’m a sucker for shop stuff. I buy tools I will probably never use just because they are cool, or I might need to use them someday. When Glen from RC Plane Stands reached out about a review, however, I knew as soon as I browsed their website that I would be receiving something I would use a lot, maybe even daily.

time-read
2 mins  |
January 2022
Model Airplane News

SPIRIT OF RHINEBECK AWARD WINNER

A close up of Norman Malinowski’s 1/3-scale Albatros

time-read
3 mins  |
January 2022
CENTER OF GRAVITY BASICS
Model Airplane News

CENTER OF GRAVITY BASICS

The secret to a plane that flies well

time-read
6 mins  |
July 2021