Just Engines asked me, to do a report independently from RCM&E on the heli version of the ASP 36 series 3.

As I have been really impressed with the aero version of the ASP 36 (which I reviewed for the magazine) I purchased (yes, paid hard earned cash for) the parts to convert mine to heli spec.

The heli version has front needle carb., (like O.S. .32)

For a full review of the technical bits of the engine see ASP 36 RCM&E review here.

Heli Engine

The Heli Engine has been fitted in my Shuttle, for some six months and has performed faultlessly over this period, although I strongly recommend a good running in period on this engine as the ABC liner piston fit is extremely tight when new, and it is not advisable to use it flat out, straight out of the box.
It is highly recommended that if possible, bench run the engine first in aero spec before fitting into a heli, as this will enable you to set the engine up easier and permit the parts to bed down at a cooler temperature, giving your engine a much longer life. So buy a cheap silencer (offered by Just Engines for only an extra £5) or borrow one (most .32-.38 silencers fit - as the engine uses an industry standard 35.5mm exhaust port (like O.S. .35/.46 FP/LA range)) - and find a 9x6 prop (balanced ofcourse). The better the engine running in period, the better the engine will start and perform through it’s life.

I have found that the engine has been very reliable and very easy to use, the idle settings have not been altered since the RCM&E test, but the main needle has been opened 1/4 of a turn for a richer mixture to give the big end etc. a little more protection, as is the norm for heli engines.

FUEL USED
Model Technics RTF 5
Model Technics Formula Irvine
Both fuels use have a 5% nitro content and this has been proved to be quite adequate for this engine.

PLUG USED
Fireball Medium
The plug used over this period is still the same one as use in the RCM&E test and is still burning brightly. Any decent medium heat plug (eg OS8 or ASP4 or FirepowerF5 should also be fine)

Enjoy the ASP 36 heli - the performance is great and at a price that doesn’t hurt the wallet too much either!!

Malc Pinnock

More Reviews

You can find more ASP engine reviews here.

Just Engines Online | Engine Reviews & Comments | ASP Reviews | A.S.P. 'Series 3' .36 Heli by Malc Pinnock