You did good with this trike mod and your video presentation was both informative and comprehensive. I don't understand why 18 people would give a thumbs down. There were some comments made by people of obvious intelligence and knowledge that you may want to give serious consideration to, for the sake of improving your design and for safety. After all, you can only stay airborne so long as your power plant continues to work properly. Wish you many happy flights to come.

Dude, it is about time the AC engines become affordable.

Please please when a pilot yells CLEAR ! Wait for a couple or three seconds. Love the four stroke engines on airplanes, Great video. Sorry just one small comment about aviation in general. Clearing the Prop is a aviation must, and has been taught since day one. But, and so many pilots do it wrong. Please please when a pilot yells CLEAR ! Wait for a couple or three seconds for anyone to respond. I do be leave that is the purpose of the call out. Example I was involved in a near chop chop situation situation as my buddy called CLEAR and hit the stater before I could yell "NOT CLEAR". I was not injured but had to roll under the aircraft and crawl out between the landing gear. He was a lot bigger than me and wasn't injured in the debriefing.

I designed, built and test flew the first "Rogallo Wing" trike, around 1971. It was powered with a JLOL297 two stroke, pushing a 4.5 foot two blade prop of my manufacture at around 4500 engine RPM via a 2.1/1 helical gear reduction. My next project was a hovercraft called Vanguard (which I used to sell as builder kits.) It was at a time when the first Briggs "Vanguard" came on the market, ( the name is pure coincidence, but 4 stroke wins over the two stroke) around 1990 perhaps. I worked my way up to a Stock Kohler 26HP with gravity feed fuel and no muffler by 1991. History repeats itself, almost.

I've been using these engines on Flooring equipment like concrete grinders, tile scrapers, and large industrial vacuum machines and we find these engines rock solid dependable even tho they do see a lot of abuse in this industry, and we run ours on propane. These engines should last and last in your application where it will be much better maintained. I'm sure you're getting better than 27hp out of that engine as well if you're running it up to 5500 rpm instead of the governed speed of 3600 to 3800, especially with that larger carb and properly jetted it should be pushing at least 40hp the way you have it set up, and probably closer to 45hp if you run it at 5500 rpm engine speed. I have seen one of these engines push 100hp but it had upgraded internals and was turbo charged, and around 70hp normally aspirated, but you want to stay with stock internals in order to keep the engine as reliable as possible (you can upgrade to stronger rods and pistons for even more reliability, but I wouldn't mess with higher compression ratios or hot cams which could wear one of these engines out faster). Personally I would say any of these engines, Kohler, Kawasaki, or Briggs Vangard engines will do very well in aircraft applications

Very nicely re-engineered to suit your application! Likewise, very nice presentation, narration and information! Thank you for sharing your really neat installation.

I would highly suggest putting safety wire on those mufflers. I have seen those exact mufflers crack and go into the fan on a hovercraft before and it shot through the side of the duct like a cannonball.

I’ve gone over 5,000 hours on all my v-twin Kohlers before replacing them. Even then they still ran like a banshee, they just burned a quart of oil every day haha. changed the oil every 50 hours of service. I live and die by them. The biggest issue I’ve ran into is a crankcase seal going bad. Lawn care use on it

A constant velocity carb does a LOT to compensate for altitude changes but if you are below 3-4ooo feet.. wont matter much.

Love your story. Truly know your stuff. Thanks for your effort.

Great design & build! Like you mentioned smooth as silk. I was really amazed how smooth it is. Like H Bethune mentioned there didn’t look to have safety wire on some of your critical components? One item in particular that I noticed that showed high vibrations was the air-filter itself. Maybe consider at least safety wire the chrome cover to the bottom black carburetor attachment piece. And safety wire the assembly to the carb. These have a tendency to vibrate apart sending the pieces into the prop. Then again maybe your still in the design and test phase? Not sure but I personally have had several items vibrate loose in time on my aircraft so I am a big preacher of the need for safety wiring anything and everything. Loved your design and adaption of the motor. Can’t wait to see it fly!!!! Fly safe my friend.

Interesting and yes, lithium is vastly better than lead. I did a bit of math and it seems a 1.3m prop (bit over 4 feet) doesn't cross the speed of sound at the tips at 5000rpm so has anyone ever tried a 1meter prop directly on the engine? Just seems a lot more elegant to skip the gearing and maybe a bit of cowling to help the air flow better around the engine and help the smaller prop. If we can use automotive engines directly it all becomes easier. With smaller prop and no gearing we might also consider 2 engine designs.

What a great setup you have made. Can I suggest that you might look at lock wiring things like the filter, encapsulating the chain etc, because anything going through the prop is a disaster waiting to happen. It would be just as bad or worse than the cast iron flywheel you mentioned. I only state this because you have done a great job of reducing weight and I’m not sure if the mast would take the shock of a damaged unbalanced propeller for any amount of time. All the best!

Nice set up. Put your seat belt on before cranking it. You never know what might happen and you need to be in control, not just holding on!

Awesome idea and excellent work. I wonder if a smoother transition in the intake manifold might bump horsepower a bit.

Nice man, I was thinking about doing the same thing just with a plane.

Very interesting had me glued to it

Saw this engine in a Backyard Flyer....sounded like a Harley.....great engine.

Thank you for this, this is really awesome. I am new to this stuff and am just interested in it just for fun no real plans to do anything. I have always wondered if this could be done but never seen anyone use anything but Rotax or the like. Thanks again

Love the build

I saw a video of an ultralight that used 2 separate 200cc engies and it had plenty of power to take off and was able to cruiz with one of the two engies set to idle as a demonstration. They were honda engines but equivalent to preditor 212 engies. They were modified with billet aluminum rods and billet aluminum fly wheels with custom fabricated belt reduction drives. Proof that these cheap engines can be used in place of $3000+ 2 cycle engines.

The slapping reduction gear chain is not right. Yes, i'm sure it has a sweet spot but, it can be improved. I'm not sure how well it would work but, on my old Harley, there's a nylon tensioner/dampener of light weight and long life. It surely is lighter than a chain idler. I also agree with others on here that a sealed double row chain, even with it's more friction, is better than what you have. But, obviously, im no expert. I'm a metal fabricator. Thank you for such an enlightening video. I enjoyed it all.

I loved the finned crankcase for oil cooling. Kohler used to be top flight, but I think they arent anymore.

Thank you for the great video!

Kathleen Shaw is 100% correct please consider a redesign of your setup. internal combustion engines especially small v engines tend to pulse the crankshaft pretty hard and at some point will cause the crankshaft to fail the way to prevent this is to incorporate a harmonic crankshaft dampener every power stroke causes the rod pin to bend past center then snap back past center in the opposite direction, this happens several times before the next power stroke the crankshaft can only put up with so much of that before it fails .... also consider the amount of stress placed on the thin cast aluminum block ( the engine block) due to a considerable amount of leverage held down with only four bolts.

If you could find a housing that takes old style tapered roller bearings it would be better. Those dual tapered roller bearings can handle a ton more axial loading. Maybe clean, inspect and repack annually.

Ive always imagined one of these in a 2 place motor glider

Awesome set up!

Sounds like more than 3600. I could be wrong. Also my experience with Kohler has not been good at all. I don't trust them anymore on my lawn equipment but maybe in this application it will hold up. Good bit of engineering on your part very impressed 👍

the chain seems to be flapping around pretty much. You might want to consider an idler pulley!

It should be possible to calculate just how much power and torque the engine is making from prop diameter,rpm and blade pitch? Very impressive work. Use a Magnum in a racing hovercraft I built for a customer. Performance suggested a power output of 35 to 37 horsepower after very similar modifications. Next step will be to modify it to a twin plug setup for dual redundancy and a bit more torque and power. Plan to squeeze in 10 mm plugs. Idea copied from a BMW boxer twin engine that was fitted to a microlight aircraft.

Wilber and orville Wright would salute you

a later model harley sportster has a carb with a diaphragm instead of a float bowl I thing it would be safer on a airplain they work great I have one on my 1953 FL works fantastic

Would suggest the engine sprocket be mounted closer to the engine, to reduce overhung load on the engine crankshaft and bearings. The prop sprocket of course would need to be brought closer to the engine to maintain chain alignment. Is prop shaft made from 4140 or similar high tensile material ?

I love creating machines with aluminum. 👍☺

Would it benefit from a brace between the redrive and the vertical yellow square tubing. Seems that there might be a moment on the engine case from thrust.

This is my concern. Belts tend to give you a warning. They show wear, start flinging a string, or make noise. In my experiance chains have a tendency to just go. Like break or come off without warning. Your thoughts?

Would like to see part numbers and sources!!!!

The chain jumps around due to off center sprocket gear. According to my EXPERIENCE it needs only a few tens of a milimeter to do that.

Brings back fabulous memories of my old trikes and magic what 'smithy' skills can achieve! Only thing concerning myself is total lack of any restraining/safety wires anywhere - or have I jumped-the-gun?

Nice video

Nice

Slap one of those on a boat and Bob's your uncle instant airboat!

Lets see a follow up on reliability and lessons learned.

Awesome product. Do you think it can work for a 2 people trike or it won't be enough power? I dont know if there are these type of engines in 40+ hp

I've done this I put a 503 rotax on a 16 ft Jon Boat you can't even get it on plane so you better get a boat that doesn't have to get up on plane that means a real wide boat, you'd be better off to build your boat out of sheet aluminum and styrofoam to get the size you need and it would work great, jon boats don't work, you get the size you need and then it's too heavy Waters a different Critter when it comes to these motors takes a lot more horsepower than what you think good luck

What dose it weigh including fluids and gearbox.

How much it costs?this motor?

Thanks

What is the size of this Mikuni carb in milimeters on your engine ?

Have you changed the cam in this engine? I'm actually surprised that you are running it at such high rpm, is there a reason you need it to Rev higher?. I have the same engine, that I was planning on converting for a plane I'm building. But I was planning on running about a maximum 4500rpm maybe less.

I would recommend a chain sprocket idler

Saweet

how light are these? expensive?

I wouldn't personally trust single row chain in that application, mainly due to the harmonic loading, it will be the one thing that causes a failure, especially with a lightened flywheel. The only way around it would be a torque cushioned drive, or possibly running duplex chain or belt. The coupling you prefer is a Taperlock fitting, they are heavy, but good when working within spec. Your pepper pot mufflers will be costing some horsepower, but they are light and cheap. The smart spark CDI units provide electronic advance for smoother torque curve and better fuel burn. They will let you tune the motor to a wider RPM range than fixed type.

Why haven’t you gone to EFI, the engine is solid, fit for purpose and it seems to me it would benefit both the engine and operator from EFI, the Swissmotor seems to run well 4 stroke 250cc 2 cylinder PPG motor.

So let me understand correctly. The engine as it sits there now, cranks out at 2000RPM? That would be ideal for say like a Ultracruiser or something that's swinging a decent sized prop, if I'm not mistaken.

Put a chain tensioner on it. It flops around like a drunk sailer

You could yry more pitch? You nees the prop to dig in and be within the rev range it sounds really good. Variable pitch prop ??? It's not about speed but climb rate rigjt?

I work for a Generac generator dealer and have access to engines ( used ) that can be converted for UL aircraft use. Have a few just collecting dust if anyone is interested.

What fuel pump do you run I see you there on the valve cover is it vacuum style

How many hours do you have on it now? What is the total installed weight and HP? Thanks for sharing!

Are the valve covers plastic? I bet they would be easy to duplicate with a 3-D printer with a customized logo and wild colors using ColorFabb filiament...

hmmm. No thrust bearing? Just two conrad ball bearings are enough. I'd never have guessed.

Did you put stronger valve springs ?

When did John Goodman start flying trikes?

Do you need to do something on oil pan? How much of angle rotation is maximum

Carborator held on by a single hose clamp!

I have a question for you what is the weight of motor by it self without the proper or anyting

all aircooled engines have to run a richer mixture for engine cooling purposes. nature of the beast. how much finning you have especially in the clyinder heads will determine how long you can go without forcing air over the engine... look at motorcycles...for good design practice, and how they fair during long periods at rest. then look at the engine you just stripped or fans, and ask yourself.. how much cooling fin area do I have in comparison.

Would you trust a predators engine

Whqt enggine models?

It runs but does it fly

Any motor mounts? Also, plenty of chain slap.. something to consider

Update: aircraft batteries must be obsolete seeing that LiFePo motorcycle batteries are widely available.

Can you at least make a video of this thing flying? If you made one, I haven’t ran across it. Thanks

I want to know about engine details .... How much does that engine cost....? How to get this English....I also want all the details of the engine and with thesis... Please reply my messages...

I saw the original video years ago, tried to contact this gentleman and never got a reply. Great idea but it apparently hasn't gone anywhere.

If I send you an engine will you make it just the one you just showed me? If so, how much?

725 cc is a 24 hp in lawn mowers. 740 is 27 hp but I think Kohler had to revise these figures downward when challenged. Who knows what the real HP is.

the gearbox is off the chain? is it strong ????

Where can I find that flywheel?????

Sir how much price in this engine. I Need a engine for my hung glider.

I need this engine can,, can you help give this some information

How about using a Predator engine from Harbor Freight ?

you could have a similar engine by moto guzzi that is stronger built, more power,larger displacements available,about the same weight,overall built racing strong 8000 rpm.

Excellent video... what is the make and model of the trike frame? 27hp... what wing are you using and normal cruise speed?

I'm working on building an Affordaplane, and would like get some more information on the build. How hard is it to build up if you have simple mechanical skills but not computer savvy? Can you put together a " how to " video? Or if you are on the East coast, between Florida and VA, could I meet up with you and get you to talk me through it? Thanks, Bill

How to buy sr this engine

You could make some reducers and utilize some sport bike/ motorcycle mufflers which use a straight through core and repackable fiberglass canister housing. Also tjey sound excellent and can be run with or without the decibel reducing inserts. You could have dual Yoshimura cans facing down which would be sweet from the pilot seat. Look up Steves Cycle Salvage in Georgia phone 229-386-8668. You are engineering, designing, building, tuning and tweaking we are brothers except you fly and I ride. They are both hugely rewarding and therapeutic and both demand perfection. They have no sympathy when life is involved. We both love being close to death because it makes us feel so alive. State of Grace time to race. Just a saying I used in the past. At 54 I don't bounce no more. Both hobbies are extremely dangerous. Maybe it's time to try ypur sport!!!. Peace and fun to ya and love the time, care and perfection you put in your projects. Thanks John

u running that chain dry?

✌️nice! What is the fuel consumption: per/hour❓🤔

Price

The Russian are making clone Rotax

1/2 vw made the 2 strokes a joke.

Why in the world did you employ that sharp 90 deg intake manifold as this is very restrictive. On the Cheap you could go with 2 smaller China knock off carbs that would be much more efficient. Also since you are running a sprocket to reduce the prop speed you don't need to rap the engine so tight, and from experience I wouldn't run that engine that fast, 5K is pushing the Big Bang limit. If you ran the engine at it's old 3600 speed you can simply lighten up the stock flywheel and it won't go BANG in flight. Built a shitload of go-cart engines and there is a better method to make it happen.

Have you ever consider to go with propane cause Kohler make EFI propane engine , the propane is lighter than gasoline save 20 pounds for 10 gallons , cleaner cylinder , cooler engine, and with EFI no problem with altitude it adjusted automatically , did you see this video ? kzfaq.info/get/bejne/mMuAlLWap6-2dZs.html I am with you the aircraft engine are over priced since now engine are really reliable !

I had one till everything was stolen.

700+ cc and only 27hp?

cant say i like your manifold your probably losing some power with that