Converting a G-38 to electronic ignition?
#1
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Converting a G-38 to electronic ignition?
I've heard and seen mention of this being done, but a quick search didn't turn up anything.
Basically, if this has been done, what are the pros/cons and what all is involved? For me I'm looking to drop the overall weight of my plane (Dynaflite Super Decathlon) for better performance, while also making the engine easier to start. It tends to be a bit finicky, especially since I don't fly it too often so it sits up for months at a time without running.
I also need a good way to keep my B&B smoke valve from gumming up after sitting, but that's another project.
Basically, if this has been done, what are the pros/cons and what all is involved? For me I'm looking to drop the overall weight of my plane (Dynaflite Super Decathlon) for better performance, while also making the engine easier to start. It tends to be a bit finicky, especially since I don't fly it too often so it sits up for months at a time without running.
I also need a good way to keep my B&B smoke valve from gumming up after sitting, but that's another project.
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RE: Converting a G-38 to electronic ignition?
www.ch-ignitions.com
Bolt on diy conversions. Just need to know new style or old style, price is the same, but parts are different.
Bolt on diy conversions. Just need to know new style or old style, price is the same, but parts are different.
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RE: Converting a G-38 to electronic ignition?
There is also BCMA Engines, http://bcmaengines.com, they have a conversion kit to its like 135.00 bucks
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RE: Converting a G-38 to electronic ignition?
Sorry I left part of the adress off http://bcmaengines.com/index.htm hope that works
#7
RE: Converting a G-38 to electronic ignition?
Here is a pic of my RCIgnitions G-38 that is going in my H9 P-47.
Unfortunately I don't have a good enough scale to measure the weight.
It may not be but a few oz. but the difference is noticable. I have another unconverted G38 and It feels like a chunk of lead compare to my RCIgnitions G-38.
Just getting rid of the huge flywheel and the magneto cuts a lot of weight.
RC Ignitions
1783 Whitehall
P.O. Box 636
Williams, AZ 86046
928.635.2455
Unfortunately I don't have a good enough scale to measure the weight.
It may not be but a few oz. but the difference is noticable. I have another unconverted G38 and It feels like a chunk of lead compare to my RCIgnitions G-38.
Just getting rid of the huge flywheel and the magneto cuts a lot of weight.
RC Ignitions
1783 Whitehall
P.O. Box 636
Williams, AZ 86046
928.635.2455
#9
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RE: Converting a G-38 to electronic ignition?
That's awesome! Is that including the weight you had to add back onto the plane for the ignition and the on-board battery?
ORIGINAL: karolh
Depnding on how much of a diet Ralph puts it on it can be almost one lb lighter. My G23 lost 14 ounces.
Karol
Depnding on how much of a diet Ralph puts it on it can be almost one lb lighter. My G23 lost 14 ounces.
Karol
#10
RE: Converting a G-38 to electronic ignition?
With the exception of the RC exl ignition, Ralph houses his unit in the rear of the crankcase so it's weight is included in that of the engine. With my G23 Ralph used a lighter than stock prop hub, but apart from the engine's significant weight loss, I was able to remove the 9 ounces of ballast required for balancing the model that the engine originally powered.
The weight of the 700 mAh Nicad battery pack that I use for ignition is approx 2 ounces, but for sure there are much lighter battery systems with more capacity available.
Karol
The weight of the 700 mAh Nicad battery pack that I use for ignition is approx 2 ounces, but for sure there are much lighter battery systems with more capacity available.
Karol
#11
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RE: Converting a G-38 to electronic ignition?
Do the kits from CH-ignitions and BCMA include a replacement prop hub? In looking at the pictures and reading the package contents I don't see it mentioned, but that would pretty much be a requirement. Also, does anyone know if Ralph at RC Ignitions sells kits or does he only do the conversions himself?
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RE: Converting a G-38 to electronic ignition?
ORIGINAL: Cobra99
Do the kits from CH-ignitions and BCMA include a replacement prop hub? In looking at the pictures and reading the package contents I don't see it mentioned, but that would pretty much be a requirement. Also, does anyone know if Ralph at RC Ignitions sells kits or does he only do the conversions himself?
Do the kits from CH-ignitions and BCMA include a replacement prop hub? In looking at the pictures and reading the package contents I don't see it mentioned, but that would pretty much be a requirement. Also, does anyone know if Ralph at RC Ignitions sells kits or does he only do the conversions himself?
#13
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RE: Converting a G-38 to electronic ignition?
ORIGINAL: tkg
The Ch ignition conversion replaces the flywheel with a mini flywheel and reuses the stock prop hub. The new flywheel is machined so that the length of the engine does not change after conversion.
ORIGINAL: Cobra99
Do the kits from CH-ignitions and BCMA include a replacement prop hub? In looking at the pictures and reading the package contents I don't see it mentioned, but that would pretty much be a requirement. Also, does anyone know if Ralph at RC Ignitions sells kits or does he only do the conversions himself?
Do the kits from CH-ignitions and BCMA include a replacement prop hub? In looking at the pictures and reading the package contents I don't see it mentioned, but that would pretty much be a requirement. Also, does anyone know if Ralph at RC Ignitions sells kits or does he only do the conversions himself?
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RE: Converting a G-38 to electronic ignition?
ORIGINAL: mrbigg
How hard is it to get the old flywheel off? Does one need a special puller?
ORIGINAL: tkg
The Ch ignition conversion replaces the flywheel with a mini flywheel and reuses the stock prop hub. The new flywheel is machined so that the length of the engine does not change after conversion.
ORIGINAL: Cobra99
Do the kits from CH-ignitions and BCMA include a replacement prop hub? In looking at the pictures and reading the package contents I don't see it mentioned, but that would pretty much be a requirement. Also, does anyone know if Ralph at RC Ignitions sells kits or does he only do the conversions himself?
Do the kits from CH-ignitions and BCMA include a replacement prop hub? In looking at the pictures and reading the package contents I don't see it mentioned, but that would pretty much be a requirement. Also, does anyone know if Ralph at RC Ignitions sells kits or does he only do the conversions himself?
#15
RE: Converting a G-38 to electronic ignition?
Don't know if Ralph offers kits, but know for sure that he does all his conversions. Checking his web site or giving him a call might be the answer.
Karol
Karol
#16
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RE: Converting a G-38 to electronic ignition?
I was going to have Ralph convert it a while back. He was going to shorten the prop hub some. It sticks out of the cowl too far on my DR1. I really want some more power for this airframe and was going to put my G62 in it. Ended up needing the 62 for another plane. I'm thinking of keeping the 38 and lightening it up for one of OMP's 80" profile ARFs.
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RE: Converting a G-38 to electronic ignition?
I have a G38 with a Ralph Cunningham ignition built into the mount.
It starts most of the time with one flip after priming. Pretty sweet.
Billrad