SAMS Pippit - a Design, Build and Test Thread

Andy Sephton wrote: I tried to fit one of my Clan Diesels, but I could get neither of them to run - they'll both be sold as un-run non-runners!

Send them to Gildings, you don't have to make any statement as to condition... I'll be sure to keep an eye out to (not) buy them - unless you want to put them in the for sale section on the forum...?

I don't know if you've ever had these running, but I have it on good 3rd hand authority that the designer was so rude to someone closely associated with the engine drawings that the person deliberately inserted an incorrect dimension that changed the timing such that when made to those drawings, they won't run. The person who related the story to me has a copy of the original correct drawings in his possession... Take it with a pinch of salt or however you like it
N

My experience with two Clans was also very negative. The only way to get a consistent start was to use a Cox starter spring to get sufficient speed to get it running. It was always a tricky operation. The one I had in a Tigernezer broke a crankshaft in a very moderate arrival and there was loittle assistance when I tried to find a spare from the seller. Also the crankcase is worn out with the crank rocking in the bearing housing. I now have a put both away. Red Phins are far superior.

I heard of a chap who had one running ,badly, so he took it apart and found a bent con rod. He straightened it as you do and found it then would not run at all .He made 3 others and got it to run well. But next thing the crankshaft snapped. He binned it

I've made the decision to get rid of the Clan engines as un-run-non-runners. I've been researching the issue on other forums and they all come up with the same answer - the engines are, fundamentally, cr@p!

Anyway, it's nice to have it confirmed on here, so thanks to all who have contributed.

Coincidently, I also found the chap who sold me the engines back in 1980something, to be exceptionally rude. I was on the point of cancelling the order (I now wish I had! ), but I decided that my need for a couple of small diesels was greater than my annoyance at the time.

... and I also concur that the Redfin engines are much better. I bought an 0.020 last year. It fired first flick and was running sweetly on the third. The only time I had difficulty starting it was with old fuel. A change to a newer tin instantly brought it back to life. Unfortunately it proved to be too heavy for the Pippit, which is the reason I'm now trying out the Cox 0.020.

I can vouch for the Redfin, the new ones from the 030 TBR range are very good, easy starting and quite powerful for their class too, even the standard side port. Its a shame the 020 is merely an 030 with a short stroke crank as its less power for the same weight Its very quiet though from my experience of a friends example running

Hmmmmm... I was assured by Alex Phin when I bought the 0.020 that it was lighter than the 0.030! If you have one to hand, Chris, would you bring it to the RC Nats please, and we can weigh them both.

Andy i have just weighed the Clan at 44.5 gm and the Red Phin at 46.3 gm. Not a big difference and way more power. My experience with the Ukranian engines has been very positive all round. The 030 is almost as powerful as a 'PAW 55 and the 020 is in Dart territory

Not to flog a dead horse/Clan, but I went looking for some test data on the latter. There was an AM engine test by Richard Herbert back in August 92, not an issue I have, but apparently not particularly complimentary.

To balance the rumours, the issue was picked up by Maris Dislers who published a more successful test on Adrian's Model Aero Engines website here: adriansmodelaeroengines.com/catalog/main.php?cat_id=158

Depending on whether you are lucky and have an early example or unlucky and have a later CS-made example (or two) seems to be the deciding factor whether you will have success or not. There are apparently plans with correct timing data available on modelenginenews.org, drawn by Ron Chernich, together with a build log here: www.modelenginenews.org/nano/clan.html

Any definite plans for when, where and how much you will be selling them for Andy? I'm a sucker for impossible tasks... and I bet KlipKlop could best the beast (?!)

Chris, would you bring it to the RC Nats please, and we can weigh them both.

I will it'll be interesting to see them side by side. I only have the 030 TBR RV to hand the side port is the DH60 and having trimmed it I don't want to disturb it . A slight difference to DHNut my 030 TBR RV weighs 44.5g but I can concur with the power of the 030.

They're for sale now Nigel, the first sensible offer will be accepted. Otherwise, they'll either go on eBay or the next engine auction.

PM me if you're really interested.

I'll bet he could .Especially with the timing data to hand.

Here's the relative weights. But the bottom line is that the Clan's don't run, so their weight is irrelevant! The Cox will be going into the Pippit.

As I thought your 020 has the same weights my 030 RV - about 44-45g give or take the scales

I was looking at the Clan .4 cc not the .24 cc hence the weight difference. What prop will you use on the Cox Andy?

DHNut wrote: I was looking at the Clan .4 cc not the .24 cc hence the weight difference. What prop will you use on the Cox Andy?

Ah, that explains the difference in weight, Ricky, I wondered why yours was so heavy!

As far as the prop goes, I'm not sure yet. The recommended is 4.5" x 2" but I used to run the engine on a 5" x 3". I'll have to see what I can find in the prop box... , then see which one the engine will run.