jpanhalt

Where can one get parts for 3W engines? I wrote to Cactus Aviation on November 2, and to 3W in Germany a week later about getting a replacement cylinder for a 3W48iB2 twin and have not received any reply. I bought the motor new, but sight unseen, from an individual. The cylinder fins on one cylinder have numerous casting defects. The attached pictures show some of the more serious of these. The other cylinder appears fine.

The defects are evident on both sides of the affected fins, so I assume they go completely through. I don’t expect such poor castings on an $900 engine, and it’s not enough to say they probably will not affect performance. I don’t want to take any chances on an engine failure that could have been avoided. Moreover, I take more pride in my workmanship than to install something like that for power in an airplane I have spent many hours building. While all manufacturers can have problems with quality, it’s the complete lack of communication that really disappoints me.

I remember reading somewhere, but can’t place it exactly, that some 3W cylinders were interchangeable with another brand. Does anyone know what brand that would be? Are there any other options or sources for 3W parts? Thanks.

Antique

My Feedback: (4)

Never heard that any other brand cylinders would fit, I have a bunch here and look nothing like any other brand.....
rcbugman would probably know if the 3W 24 cyinders are the same, it stands to reason...
There are no other sources that I know of...
Why not call Cactus at 1 520 721 0087 ?

Marcelo Assis

My Feedback: (3)

Go to www.aircraftinternational.com
Gerhard is a very goog guy.
Marcelo

RTK

My Feedback: (1)

Try giving Bobby a call http://cactusaviation.com/

wjvail

My Feedback: (3)

http://www.3w-modellmotoren.com/engl...r404.html~main

As for getting this fixed, my guess is that your going to pay 200-300/cylinder... and I think you're picking nits. What failure do you expect that could be avoided? A fin to crack off?

You will find this engine has far greater problems than cosmetic. While I've spent years fighting my 48-B2 I think I've finally got it dialed in. It funny we're talking about this because I've just got mine back out and on the test stand this week after giving up 6 years ago.

Bill Vail

rc bugman

My Feedback: (30)

Hi,

I would contact Gerhard at Aircraft International in Colts Neck, NJ. He should replace the cylinders under warranty. They are the same cylinders as the 3w-24.

(732) 761-0997

Personally, I would just run the engine until something happened.

Elson

wjvail

My Feedback: (3)

Here is a pic of the jugs on my 48. I guess a little nicer to look at but I don't know if they are any more functional. I would not call any 3W a "pretty" engine. They always have a rugged "purposeful" look to them.

Bill Vail

wjvail

My Feedback: (3)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ygLLE9wypoA

Since we were talking about it and since the SOB was on the stand I thought I'd wake the neighbors.

Bill Vail

alfonso8182003

Dear Sir/Madam:
We-Quzhou Goodray Engine Production Co.,Ltd(China) is located in Quzhou city in the eastern of China,close to Shanghai(Chinese biggest city).We are specialized in manufacturing the gasline engine for 3 years.We can manufacture many kinds of gasline engine(CDI) to form RTR airplane model.At present,there are 26cc(single),45cc(single),50cc(twin),100cc(twin) to supply.We have many engineers to research and develop new products to meet client's demand.Our products has fine property but with preferential price.
Welcome to conclude transaction with us!
Alfonso Wang
G.Manager
Tel:0086-570-8557393
Fax:0086-570-2333185
E-mail;[email protected]
MSN:[email protected]
Add:No.13,Jiaochi street,Quzhou city,Zhejiang province ,China

arobatx

I had a similar problem a while back, emailed both Bobby and Gerhard the digital pics...both offered to replace the cylinder, no problems. Bobby spoke up first, we talked on the phone...since I have no problem disassembling engines, he just sent me the new cylinder, and I sent the defective one back in the same box, snail mail. Good luck!

jpanhalt

Thank you everyone for the advice. I called Bobby today, and one problem seems to be that the 24cc cylinders may not be made anymore. I will be calling Gerhard tomorrow (I assume it's not a holiday in Germany) or Friday to find out the status on production.

wjvail

My Feedback: (3)

Here a pic or two of the inside.

Bill Vail

Supermod56

My Feedback: (36)

Gerhard at Aircraft International stocks a lot of parts for the older motors. The casting flaws in the pics won't hurt anything, power is not always pretty Neat little motor, I got one

Tom