Swat Cop

My Feedback: (11)

I have a BME 110 that I have owned for about a year. It ran great at first, no problems or adjustments needed at all right out of the box. After about three months it has started eating Hall sensors. I am now on the 3rd or 4th (I can't remember). They always seem to go bad over night. Work all day and dead the next morning when you get to the field. The last time a flew the engine it was in my 2.6m all composite Edge 540T hovering at about 60 feet when it went deadstick. Didn't quite make the runway, now I am an expert on composite repair. I haven't run the engine since and am not sure of the reason for the deadstick. It could be that it overheated (cowl is correctly baffled unlike most, see Cactus Aviation website for baffling instructions) or it could have toasted another Hall sensor. If it was another Hall sensor it would be the first time it ever happened while the engine was running.

I have owned 3W, ZDZ, RCS and BME engines and used customer service on all. I would rate BME as good or better than any in the customer service department.

jsm77777

My Feedback: (4)

OK hobdean, you want reliability here goes. I have had 9 3W's over the past 11 years. I had a 3W 120 in a 40% Laser that I put over 1300 flights on it, and more than 200 gallons of fuel through it in over 3 years. I used to fly IMAC unlimited, so I flew a lot. Never a problem, although I had to replace plugs about every 500 flights. 3W, or DA are the best engines out there, bar none. I just like 3W for myself, as I am pretty loyal since it's never let me down. I also like the power advantage of 3W over DA. Scott

Ehab

My Feedback: (44)

This is all good info for anyone like me trying to buy a 100cc class engine. I was almost set on the BME. But I am still going to listen to your comments and decide later...I am going to finish my Cap 580 and leave the engine and rudder servos to the end. By then I hope to have enough info to decide on engine (Now, I am considering the 3W 106!! but where to buy it from?).

Thx for what seems to be good honest non bashing data...

RTK

My Feedback: (1)

If you buy 3W, try Bobby at Cactus Aviation, he has always treated me right.

Swat Cop

My Feedback: (11)

Keith at BME has done the same for me.

You are going to find examples of problems and strong runners with all three engine companies.

RTK

My Feedback: (1)

Swat-- I too lost a Hall sensor, Keith sent me a new one and I had it in 3 days.

You know to tell everyone the truth, I don't think I have had a "BAD" engine from any of the above mentioned manufacturers.

Having owned or had hands on experience with most, I still favor the 110 for it's light weight, phenomenal running and Great service that Keith has given me.

With all the new engine type's Keith is producing now, who knows what he will produce next.

jsm77777

My Feedback: (4)

Try Gerhard at Aircraft International. Scott

flyinrazrback

My Feedback: (69)

I get my 3w stuff from Cactus, Gerhard at AI seems to only want to talk to you if you are going to buy from him, and can be a stickler for support after the sale.

RTK

My Feedback: (1)

We seem to have opposite experiences with both engines and retailers.

Tired Old Man

My Feedback: (1)

Pick the one that's in the weight and affordability range you're looking for and go fly the darn thing. The quality is very high for all of them.

I know of people that have burnt up every engine type out there. Of course it was never their fault, always that of the manufacturers. The manufacturer was the one that mixed the oil (I think it was mixed?), tweaked the needles (I don't think that's too lean), forgot to install the baffles in the cowl (baffles? what are baffles anyway?), and ran it for 25 tanks of gas on the ground at full throttle breaking it it (aw shucks, it shouldn't hurt anything).

Bottom line is that with any of the engine types mentioned in this thread, a little care and attention will provide the purchaser/user with years of service. Be just a little dumb or uncaring and you'll end up with a pile of junk in very short order. Then it'll be your turn to blame the manufacturer, and later tell us all how poorly you were treated.

Sheesh!!

Ehab

My Feedback: (44)

I've been in this hobby for a very few years and I have seen many modelers blame the product for their own stupidity. Having said that, there are many modelers who are understanding of the products they use and can use them with respect. I fly turbines and I am very careful with my stuff, so if these engines are designed well and have quality built in(sounds like they all do), then I will not have a problem with any of the three engines!!!

T. Bob

My Feedback: (9)

Hey Mike

I used JMB cans 60/60/270
With WildHares headers it ran a 28X10 Mejzlik around 6,800 rpm.
With a 28X10 prop transition was a little slow but for IMAC it is a perfect setup.
For 3D I would go to a 27 X 10 Mejzlik or Menz.
I think the JMBs are the quietest cans around.