Thread: Making a model diesel engine?

Originally Posted by jack620

Have any of you blokes had a crack at something like this:

MLA Diesel (MLA-17)

He makes it sound easy to build, but I can see the crankshaft, conrod and piston being a challenge. Also, I'm not sure how I would turn the domed head without a ball-turning attachment. Then again, I suppose it doesn't have to dome-shaped? Making things like this is one of the reasons I bought a lathe, but I don't want to start something like this and have it turn into an exercise in frustration. What do you guys reckon- is this project doable for a relative beginner?

Chris

I would like to make a steam engine. I just appeals to me. This engine has less direct appeal but could be used for a specific purpose I suppose. There are many references on the net for building model engines. I would say have a go. It is all a learning curve. Do your research and if you don't succeed at first have another go. I would also like to make an engine like this at some stage. Lots to learn first tho. Work your way up until you make a 16 cylinder engine like you can see on YouTube.

Look at each component and work out how you would make it. If you can do this with all of the bits then have a go.

Dean

I was thinking u meant something liek this Scratch Built 4 Cylinder Model Diesel Engine - YouTube

Mate just give it a go! Sounds like an awesome project. $60 is cheap for what you will learn. Hopefully it has detailed instructions.

I wish I had the time to have a go at this project. Sure you can find free plans for stuff on the net but they usually require a lot more expertise which you will get over time.

I'm a beginner in steel work and I would jump at this. If it's anything to do with wood which I'm comfortable with I could design it from a picture. But I started that path a long time ago.
Go for it! Post in some pics when your done!

Has anyone bought the MLA-9 steady rest kit ?


Steady Rest (MLA-9)



If so is it a good project for a beginner machinist ? Sorry to hijack this thread

For lots of info and "how-to's" on compression ignition engines of the model aircraft type see Ron Chernich's site. He is Brisbane QLD. based. It's a huge site.

Though called diesel engines they don't use diesel

If you like these types of engines you will find plenty on his site. For tips etc on building them go to "Resources" in the index on the left.

Ron's Model Engineering and Model IC Engines Index

Cheers.

Thanks for the feedback fellas.

Log,
I did a bit of reading on Ron's website. He has a couple of beginner's engines that look interesting like the ML Midge.

Chris

Some more inspiration:

World smallest working Six Poster Hot Bulb Model Engine No. 2-06 - YouTube

findsminimodelhotbulbengines.dk

What about buying a model aircraft engine, pull it apart and put it together, then remake each part the way you want.
In the end you'll have 2 of them.

Just a thought and you get to see all the parts before you make them.

Originally Posted by cba_melbourne

Some more inspiration:

World smallest working Six Poster Hot Bulb Model Engine No. 2-06 - YouTube

findsminimodelhotbulbengines.dk

I had a look at the worlds smallest V 16 model engine some time ago on YouTube. Something to aspire to.

Dean

Originally Posted by _fly_

What about buying a model aircraft engine, pull it apart and put it together, then remake each part the way you want.
In the end you'll have 2 of them.

Just a thought and you get to see all the parts before you make them.

fly,
based on my limited reading on the subject, mass produced engines are more complicated because the manufacturers are able to make special tooling for large production runs. They are also made from castings, whereas many DIY engines are milled from solid. That way if you screw up you haven't ruined an expensive casting. Also, an amateur really needs someone to explain the steps in the machining process.

Model airplane "diesel" engines are not reallly operating to the Diesel principle. They are rather "compression ingnition" engines. And as such, they require a fuel based on anaesthetic Ether plus an ignition enhancer such as Amylnitrate or Methylethylketoneperoxyde. Without good connections it may be difficult to obtain these components in certain countries like Australia, since Ether and Amylnitrate have nowdays other recreational uses (sniffing, poppers) and MEKP is also an explosive. I have to admit that as a kid I loved the smell of model diesel fuel.... albeit I would never have wasted it for sniffing. Before buying or building a model diesel engine, make sure you can get the fuel. Chris

Chris,
I have a source (legal) for hard to get chemicals. Apparently the standard fuel for CI engines is equal parts kero, castor oil & ether. I'll check whether my contact can get ether before I start cutting metal.
Chris

It can't be too hard to get necessary fuel as I sometimes drive past a particular park on a Saturday or Sunday and there are usually flyers there with the aeoroplanes on a string, been that way for as way back as I can remember. Good hobby shops that sell the engines, planes etc should be able to advise on the availability of fuel(or components thereof).

Cheers.

They are most likely glow plug engines. The fuel for those is readily available. It's methanol, castor oil and nitro. The old style "diesel" engines use a different fuel containing ether.