Trying to learn

[sub]

So I’ve recently come across all these mineature engines, and they really fascinate me. I would really love to replicate a Subaru boxer engine, as I’ve got one in my garage to go off of. I know that might not be an easy task, so I’m hoping you guys could help. I would love to learn how to build mineature gasoline powered engines, whether it’s a flat four, in-line 3, or v6, I don’t care. I just want to gain the knowledge to eventually have my model Subie boxer. I have been searching for days to figure out how they work, and all I’ve found is how normal car engines work, with MAF/MAP sensors, ECUs, etc. But on every video of mini engines, there’s nothing of the like. How do the mini engines have the correct air/fuel ratio? I would love if someone could either answer some of my questions or even just point me in the right direction to learn. I apologize for the wall of text, I just want to make a mini engine

 

[Hopper]

Most model IC engines use a basic carburettor like engines did before ECUs and MAF sensors were invented. Building a four cylinder IC engine is a complex task. You might want to start with something a bit simpler, like an existing design for a model single cylinder engine or even a flame-licker type engine. If you google a website by Jan Ridders, he has many free plans available.

 

[e.picler]

Hi Sub!

Yes there is model engine with eletronic fuel injection.
Check the video below for V10 1/3 scale.

[ame]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rz0Uteqfpao[/ame]

Good luck on your project.

Edi

 

[Philipintexas]

That IS NOT a beginner project! WOW!

 

[sub]

Most model IC engines use a basic carburettor like engines did before ECUs and MAF sensors were invented. Building a four cylinder IC engine is a complex task. You might want to start with something a bit simpler, like an existing design for a model single cylinder engine or even a flame-licker type engine. If you google a website by Jan Ridders, he has many free plans available.

Hi Sub!

Yes there is model engine with eletronic fuel injection.
Check the video below for V10 1/3 scale.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rz0Uteqfpao

Good luck on your project.

Edi

Thank you guys so much! This is exactly the kind of response I was looking for. I really just want to learn how to build IC engines in general, and the boxer engine is a long term goal. I’m definitely going to start on something simpler, just didn’t quite know how much simpler I could find.

That IS NOT a beginner project! WOW!

No, it’s not. But as the post says I’m not doing the flat four as a beginner project! I’m looking to learn how to build a working engine, and go from there, slowly building towards it. Thanks for your response though.

 

[XD351]

I would also add a few points to think about :
Physical size of the engine - really small engines are more difficult to make and can be problematic getting a reliable runner .
Look for an engine that can be made from bar stock as you don't want to have to make castings .
What equipment do you have at hand ? Many an engine have been made with just a lathe but the addition of a mill makes life much easier .
I would recommend a single cylinder two stroke or maybe a side valve four stroke that is big enough to use the carburettor off a whipper snipper / weed whacker / strimmer as making carburettors is another skill to learn altogether .

The upshur engine or variation of it would possibly be a candidate

 

[sub]

I would also add a few points to think about :
Physical size of the engine - really small engines are more difficult to make and can be problematic getting a reliable runner .
Look for an engine that can be made from bar stock as you don't want to have to make castings .
What equipment do you have at hand ? Many an engine have been made with just a lathe but the addition of a mill makes life much easier .
I would recommend a single cylinder two stroke or maybe a side valve four stroke that is big enough to use the carburettor off a whipper snipper / weed whacker / strimmer as making carburettors is another skill to learn altogether .

The upshur engine or variation of it would possibly be a candidate

Ah! Didn’t think of that, thank you! Also I have no tools currently, was trying to figure out what route I need to take to learn before buying tools.

 

[sub]

I would also add a few points to think about :
Physical size of the engine - really small engines are more difficult to make and can be problematic getting a reliable runner .
Look for an engine that can be made from bar stock as you don't want to have to make castings .
What equipment do you have at hand ? Many an engine have been made with just a lathe but the addition of a mill makes life much easier .
I would recommend a single cylinder two stroke or maybe a side valve four stroke that is big enough to use the carburettor off a whipper snipper / weed whacker / strimmer as making carburettors is another skill to learn altogether .

The upshur engine or variation of it would possibly be a candidate

Any suggestions on a relatively cheap, but good lathe? I was looking around and honestly don’t really know much about them, so any help would be appreciated.

 

[XD351]

Can't make a recommendation on any brand in either second hand or new as it depends on where you are , how much money you want to spend , what sized area you have to put it in etc .
If you have had little or no experience operating a lathe i would steer clear of second hand as you are 90% guaranteed of buying a flogged out lemon !

 

[Wizard69]

Ah! Didn’t think of that, thank you! Also I have no tools currently, was trying to figure out what route I need to take to learn before buying tools.

Does that mean no hand tools at all? Im thinking Micrometers, squares, files and the like. It is important from the stand point of a budget because you can easily spend as much on hand tools, lathe and mill tooling as the lathe and mill themselves.

If you have no tooling and machinery at all you may want to consider CNC. There are various theories as to the use of CNC machinery in a home shop but there is the potential save money and time. The money can be saved by avoiding buying or building things like taper attachments, rotary tables and other machinery accessories that CNC has in many cases made obsolete. This might seem like an easy decision to make but everyone is different and there is a lot of joy in twisting knobs yourself. For simpler projects CNC would be of little use so keep that in mind.

Picking a set of machinery can be a real challenge. Many work on watch maker class machinery from the likes of Sherline and Taig. Others want to build larger engines thus needing larger machines. So if you want to build that boxer you need decide on what size model you are considering. You could end up needing a floor standing lathe and a large mill. I think is is fair to say that most guys limit their builds to the capacity of the machines they can afford. In the end building up a shop is expensive so you need to define your limitations shop wise which limits the size of the engine built.

So the problem with us suggesting a specific model or type of machine is that we don't know you well enough. Nor do we know what physical sizes you are interested in. That said i would buy the largest lathe and mill that you can afford and fit in your work area. The reason here is that personally I've used the machines i have for all sorts of things never planned for. Maybe that isn't your mentality but having the machines in place makes all sorts of things possible. Of course your available work area dictates size and you will need room for other things beyond a lathe and mill. Plan on space for a grinder, tool box, parts storage and whatever else you need. Again what you need in that space varies with you and the challenges you take on.

 

[Naiveambition]

I started this hobby in much the same way, I saw a train that was bout 4 foot long on Barrett Jackson auto auctions go for 80,ooo$. So started looking for them on the Internet. After a crapload of different sites I started seeing examples of other intricate models like 1 to 48 cylinder ic motors.
So then the bug has bit. And bought the smallest cheapest lathe I could find. I read almost every single post on this website and thru it all u will pick up how to machine, and also learn how the engine works.
This includes everything from basic air models to steam and my personal fav the 12 cylinder Merlin engine by mayhugh.
Now even though I grew up with pre sensor cars, (thank the great lord) the basic functions are still the same, Meaning almost all mechanicals are the same where they do change is using ecu to gain performance and whatnot. So my point being u can build your engine small, without ecu.
If you are able to miniaturize all the sensors and build or buy an ecu with strong electronic skills, go for it , but if not you will need to start with basic then graduate later. Mozart wasn't playing symphonies before he learned his notes.
And If I'm correct the previous v10 was one of the few to get fuel inj. to work in model environment.
After bout 3 different builds of an air engine and two poppin flamelickers, and a 1/2 scale madeuce. I'm just barely able to comprehend the steps involved in machining a engine and getting a usable peice without totally ruining it.
So like you I will have a v8 on my desk someday and am working torwards the needed knowledge and skills so break out the reading glasses and good luck:thumbup: