Tiny 4-Cylinder RC Engine Will get Working Three-Pace Guide Gearbox

Combustion engines energy quite a lot of autos, massive and small, and scale-model ones are able to powering RC automobiles. These small engineering wonders characteristic most of the similar components and processes as a typical automotive engine, however it’s not a whole powertrain. A brand new video from JohnnyQ90 on YouTube reveals the method of constructing a customized three-speed guide transmission that pairs with such a small engine.

The working guide gearbox connects with a Howin L4-172 Nitro RC four-cylinder engine. The four-stroke, 17.2 cubic-centimeter engine has a single overhead cam, makes 2.27 horsepower (1.69 kilowatts), and includes a potent and functioning water pump. It weighs 2.6 kilos (1,200 grams) and is intricate, with a strengthened crankshaft, precision-machined rocker arms and camshafts, and completed in silver and black.

The construct course of started by modifying the engine’s flywheel to accommodate the clutch. A 3D-printed transmission case housed the gears, hiding them from view. Nonetheless, the case is modified later within the video to disclose them. Servos are added to function the throttle and the gear shifter by way of distant management, and every part is then linked for testing.

It takes a bit to get the engine began, however it supplied  nice throttle response as soon as it was operating. There was a small coolant hyperlink that was simply mounted. It idled excessive, too, at round 6,500 rpm, however it reached simply over 14,000 at full throttle. 

Nonetheless, the transmission wasn’t excellent. Throughout testing, the third-gear canine ring broke, which led to rebuilding the half with longer enamel. Nonetheless, that wasn’t the gearbox’s solely mechanical hiccup. The second-gear canine ring snapped a tooth, however it didn’t hinder the operation. It continued to perform with none points.

JohnnyQ90’s channel is full of movies about scale-model engines, and this isn’t the primary we’ve lined it. He’s beforehand constructed a two-rotor Wankel engine and a 1/10-scale mannequin carbureted V8. Automobile tradition extends far past the brand new metallic on showroom flooring, and it contains RC automobiles and their intricate, real-world powertrains.