Home >> Hobbies >> Aviation

How to Mount an RC Engine

A remote controlled airplane requires careful mounting of the engine in order to perform stably while in flight. Earlier models tended to mount the engine onto a wooden engine mount that was actually built into the structure of the airplane itself, but if you̵7;re working with newer kits or from new plans, your airplane will likely employ a removable engine mounting system. The removable system makes mounting of your RC airplane engine easier, as well as creating a uniform mount that allows you to move engines across several models of the same size, eliminating the need to purchase and permanently mount a new engine for each airplane created.

Things You'll Need

RC airplane model
Epoxy glue
Drill
Blind bolts
Engine mount
Screws
Screwdriver

Instructions

- 1
  Fireproof the firewall between the engine and the airplane̵7;s structure. The firewall protects the airplane from the heat and fuel from the engine. Cover the entire firewall face with a layer of epoxy glue and allow the glue to dry completely to fireproof the firewall.
- 2
  Choose an engine mount that fits the size of your airplane and the engine type. Some mounts come pre-drilled to fit specific brands and models of engines, but there are undrilled mounts available that can be modified for use if pre-drilled is unavailable.
- 3
  Drill holes into the mount rear for the firewall placement and mount arms for engine placement, according to the airplane plans if you̵7;re using an undrilled engine mount. If the mount is pre-drilled, this will be unnecessary.
- 4
  Drill holes into the firewall to correspond with the holes in the mount that faces the firewall. The mount should be installed so that the engine is pointed slightly down and to the right of the plane. You can check the angle by dry mounting the engine onto the mount prior to drilling the holes in the firewall, and installing the engine mount in the proper position. If working with a kit, either the holes will be pre-drilled or your plans will detail drilling locations. Insert blind bolts into the drilled holes, securing them to the rear of the firewall.
- 5
  Install the engine mount to the firewall in the proper position using the pre-drilled holes and securing it in place with screws.
- 6
  Mount the engine onto the installed engine mount, screwing it into place. The rear engine must be a specified minimum space from the firewall. The distance required for the engine to sit from the firewall should be detailed in the engine instructions.

Aviation