Tower Hobbies .46 ABC Engine

I am just getting introduced to the hobby and received by Sig LT-40
ARF yesterday. I bought a Tower Hobbies .46 ABC engine to go along with it. After reading several posts, I wonder if this engine was the right choice. Should I return it for a Thunder Tiger .46, or should I keep it. Could anyone with experience with this engine offer some insight. Thanks so much for your help.

You were told wrong. Sealed front bearings are not common on the front of two strokes. There is also no price correlation between sealed and shielded bearings.

If air is leaking past the front bearing it is because there is too much clearance between the crankshaft and case.

If you get a good one, they are great. If not, they can be very frustrating.

I bought one. It sucks. It has never run right. I own an OS SF46 that has been the greatest.

Does it have one needle or two?

Two needles. It appears to be the same carb but with the main needle casting at an angle.

On 10/3/2003 10:49 PM Ted shuffled out of his cave and grunted these great (and sometimes not so great) words of knowledge:

I started out with a Tower 46 engine (had been away for 30 years).
I would not suggest it as a first engine. They are a powerful engine,
BUT can be VERY frustrating to someone just starting out. They are notorious for not shutting off with the transmitter and there are numerous reports of poor idle (mine idled great - just would not shut off).

My first choice for someone just starting out is the OS 46 FX. This engine will run "Right Out Of The Box" and is as user friendly as you can get. It is a powerful engine you can use for other planes as well. It is a little more expensive than a TT (about $110 against about $90).

My second choice is the TT 46 PRO (make sure you get the Pro - it has the ball bearings). This engine is equal to the OS in almost every way. The reason I put it at #2 is because the needle valve is on the carb and therefore closer to the prop. The TT will also need a longer break-in period than the OS. The OS will perform great after 2 - 3 tanks of fuel, the TT needs about 1/2 gallon before it comes into it's own.

I've got two of these engines. They are fairly good motors for the money.
Good amount of power and quite reliable when tuned correctly. The only shortcomings I've seen is the reluctance of the engine to quit after cutting all throttle trim. I'm told this is due to air entering through the front bearing due to the cheaper unsealed bearings used.
My son has a TT Pro .46 and that is an excellent engine for the money.
Cheap, powerful and reliable, with no bad habits.
IMHO, the best engine in the .46 size class is the OS 46FX. I've had a few of them. They cost a little more, but they are a sweet running powerhouse.
These are just my opinions. "Like noses, mouths and other body cavities, everybody has one."
I'm sure you'll get many more and varied opinions.

Hi,
A have TWO Tower .46 engines and they work beautifully!! Two years of hard use and lots of flying, no trouble. Just break them in very carefully, DO NOT USE SYNTHETIC OIL (only Castor oil) and it will work fine with your Trainer. Good Luck!!