Please, Request Help about Engine specs, and experience.

[Moseus]

I began reading about the RX-1 not long after I moved to Alaska. I love the technology and four strokes. When studying the engine online I realized it may be a solution to another problem, possibly. I am planning to build a plane. The plane's airframe can only handle abou ~120 hp but it will need it from a standstill, cruise will likely occur in the 60-80 hp. The big problem is weight in a plane. Advantages of this engine would be peak hp would available for take off, getting off a short lake and above the trees at gross weight, ie, 120 hp for about 3-5 mins., then a decrease to cruise. Built in alternator, expected light weight, crankshaft designed to handle the side load of a belt drive, not a two stroke with low rebuild time, not a two stroke noise, not a two stroke gas consumption, ie reduced weight in fuel and range.

Since most props don't work over 3500 rpm without mind splitting noise and loss of efficiency, it will need to be reduced gearing by about 3:1 which should drop the prop rpm to 2500-3### rpm.

Does anyone know the weight of the 3cyl and or 4 cyl engines?
without exhaust, with carbs and intake? or any variation thereof?

Has anyone had any problems with overheating in stock motor at high output for periods of time? (The average sledhead won't have pushed a steed this hard.)

Is there any Fuel Injection available for either of these engines?

Any other contributions which you think might be of help are appreciated also. Some may be ROTF laughing at this point as I am smiling but thanks in advance, hoping for help.

Raymond.

 

[Buckeye]

You are one day late. I put the engine back in the sled yesterday. I knew I should have weighed it. The sucker is heavy.

 

[LazyBastard]

Has anyone had any problems with overheating in stock motor at high output for periods of time? (The average sledhead won't have pushed a steed this hard.)

I think you're wrong about that. Its rare that you'll find someone who DOESN'T pin it and hold it for minutes at a time. I know I do. Find a nice long lake and GO!

There are absolutely NO overheating problems with the 4-cyl when given correct level of cooling (can't comment on the 3-cyl since I don't have one). Since you would be putting it into a plane, you'll be building your own cooling system anyways, so you're going to have to make sure that your radiator is adequate for the motor.

I have no idea about the weight.

 

[Mikey]

I could be wrong but dont airplane engines have to have a true dry sump system where the engine bearings are fed oil thru passages and hoses and dosent the rx-1 motor use a remote resivoir wet sump system? you may have a bearing oil starvation problem on extended periods of unlevel flight.

 

[Moseus]

Thanks to Buckeye and to LazyBastard.

Mikey, you are correct for acrobatic planes. This plane will be no acrobat, however, any loss of gravity in the downward direction will be momentary and similar to an airborne RX-1, temporary, with gravity soon to return. Any extended loss of gravity might cause more problems than a lack of oil. Ride well. Moseus