Gasoline four stroke conversions
 

Has anyone converted one of the Honda (or equivalent) mini four strokes into an aircraft powerplant? Where did you get the engine? What was the weight after conversion?

They are becoming very common and for a "tinkerer" look intriguing for a sport type model that needs a lot of nose weight anyways.

Re: Gasoline four stroke conversions
 

There is someone in Barrie that has one of them on a little 25% Cap 231 or 232, never saw it run or even in person but I hope he was able to finish it off with the cowl I sold him.

If your reading this, post a pic please, and answer the motor questions please.

Re: Gasoline four stroke conversions
 

Thanks Steve, these may work well in the short nose WWI aircraft and I'm willing to try it out.

Re: Gasoline four stroke conversions
 

I am thinking that it would pose some unique challenges.
Weight would be one issue, then come oiling. I believe these are a splash oil system, and in a aircraft that would be in several different attitueds during flight, that might be a problem. Now if they use a pressure system to oil, then another problem comes with uncovering the oil pickup when inverted ect.... Possible answer would be dry sump oiling, but again added weight of an oil resivoir plus the pumping system. If they could be run on a premix without burning up, then it could be viable.

My .02 worth
Derrick

Re: Gasoline four stroke conversions
 

The Honda mini 4-strokes are designed for 360 deg operation,so going inverted etc. should not be a problem,you could also check out the Shindaiwa Hybrid 4,these are a 4-stroke design running on a 2-stroke mix fuel,no sump,a little lighter.I have dealt with both at work on garden equipment,good little engines.They are both a little heavier compared to the 2-strokes,but quiet and cleaner burning.
You might be able to buy either as a power head(motor) only,no shaft, weedeater head etc.I know some manufacturers sell this way.
There is also one from Stihl and Makita,I believe most manufactures are trying to develope them .There are backpack blowers also,even trying to do chainsaws.

Re: Gasoline four stroke conversions
 

Thanks guys, some good tips here.

Re: Gasoline four stroke conversions
 

I remember the gent telling me that the plane belonged to someone else that worked for Honda and perhaps it was a gift to the original owner. Wish I could remember who..

Re: Gasoline four stroke conversions
 

I have a brand new Honda gx power head that I was going to convert for a 1/3 scale cub but I ended up selling the plane . anyone interested make a offer. Roger

Re: Gasoline four stroke conversions
 

I will keep it in mind Roger, still doing my research.

Is there a link to the power head that you have and is it new or used?

Re: Gasoline four stroke conversions
 

it's brand new .I noticed it had a tiny bit of residue in the exhaust port when I opened the box ,must have been started at the factory.anyway it's a Honda gx22 made in japan.Roger