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Based on 2364 reviews
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Semto Build and Generator Review coming soon!

Gonna do a complete writeup and review with pictures really soon. Just now working out the bugs and finally getting it to run now but only on the glow plugs and homemade fuel so far. Could not get CDI and gas to work properly yet, but carb wasn't set correctly. Had no idea where to even start with the carb, not that I don't know how to tune a carb (first time tuning this size and kind of engine though), not even that I didn't eventually find some help online (from Stirlingkit more though), or even after all that I could even understand the very very very hard to understand directly translated instructions in fact it would have all been easy except one main thing:

The damn instructions assume you have experience with this style of carb and know which needle is which, and it does not label what is the "main oil needle" or whatever anywhere and if you don't know then your lost. It took taking it apart for me to even realize oh duh it's just a slide carb, with diaphragm pump.

If the instructions labeled the needles on the carb and maybe even have the user themselves assemble it, not have it preassembled so they have a better understanding of how it works, it may make it easier for beginners to get it running.

Cause I'm sorry folks, unless you have worked with RC or model engines before, no these engines are not easy to get running like advertised. They do not just start right up like on YouTube.

But don't get me wrong it's been fun! I'm just the DIY/tinkering/tweaking/inventor/pioneer/too smart for own good/just plain bored type. Peace

My advice so far is start with what the book says and use nitro fuel and glow plugs and run it as a compression type engine first until you verify it's good, and get the carb tuned for that first. It will make it easier to tune it to gas, and make sure you use either your own or a good (old version) CDI. Personally I plan on scraping the hall sensor and using something like a photoeye maybe.

But hey what do I know about engines my degree is electronics engineering. But I'm trying. Also in the future will be doing all kinds of would like to do all kinds of reviews on different mods, as well as using different DIY or commercial fuels. Hydrogen would be cool. I can see hooking on up to my HHO torch machine and running it off of that using water as the fuel. But also maybe something homemade and free like woodgas would be awesome also. Look forward to my reviews on the future but be patient. Also will be doing an enjomor L4 with turbos and Toyan V8 new version, flat 4, etc.

**Btw the picture isn't it's current state, that was when I first built it straight out of the box. I had several problems some of which or most/all of which seem to be common with a lot of people and it takes so long for EngineDIY or Stirlingkit to process and ship stuff, so I had to kinda build my own quick makeshift electrically insulated base to mount engine upon, which mounts to semto base, as people know the screws don't line up on the semto base properly!!!!! However, gonna do the detailed review on the Toyan X-Power-A water cooled version I bought from Mechartisans off of SHOP app. It came like ten times faster than EngineDIY or Stirlingkit, and was cheaper, came with starter/water kit etc. more on this later**

Could have better instructions

Building the motor is no problem however the Ignition module can only handle max 5 volts no where in the instructions say that I made the assumption that since the starting motor is 7.4 volts that the ignition modules are the same well there not the second I flipped the switch they went pop so now I can’t even start the motor how fun

Very good machining and finishing - nice kit and engine

This was my first kit from engineDIY, I have purchased this one because I wanted a Hit & Miss engine model that function like the real thing, and also have scale looks to it and not the same square form that other engine models have.

I decided on the KIT, so that I can enjoy the building experience, and also learn how everything is put together and how it works, as an introduction into the hobby.

The kit was shipped quickly, and very well packed, everything arrived in one piece.

As for the kit it self and the parts, the machined parts are impeccable (only paint issues, but not many), all parts fit together very good, including the fine parts which need very low tolerances fit nicely and my fears of having a delicate part not fit went away quickly. most painted parts were very nicely painted with a few very small occational scuffs

What I would suggest - build the kit when you have time and are stress-free, take your time, don't rush (especially with fine threads), and pay attention to the conical brass sleeves of the fly wheels - do not tighten them until the fly wheels are set in their final position as once those are tighten you can not remove those without damage to the parts. also follow the instruction booklet don't skip steps or mix them up, I took the exact steps from the manual (what some you YT do not do) and found it was a smooth ride, as almost everything is very thought out.

I have finished the engine it self, I still have the ignition kit to assemble, but that will be no problem.

My overall experience is pure joy.

My only critic, is that the instructions do not contain the warning in regarding to the fly wheel conical brass inserts, to make sure people avoid tightening them immaturely and having massive issues (thankfully I have seen the warning in a YT video) also could be nice if the first page in the instruction would clearly list the tools and oils required for the assembly, another small critic is on the "old version" crankshaft there are four edges that are sharp and should have been beveled out to avoid people cutting them self while assembling it.

Overall impressed, great value, I am a pretty critical person and I am telling you, this kit is worth it.

A masterpiece

I very recently built this turbofan engine and have done a complete build review and video. Check out my link:

https://modelshipworld.com/topic/37583-110-military-turbofan-engine-teching-build-review/#comment-1075657

Judge.me YouTube video placeholder
Larger radiator and fan shroud for Toyan L400bgc

This larger radiator combined with a fan shroud should help keep the Toyan L400g from overheating. This radiator is of excellent quality and size, and has a divider in the top tank to ensure the water flows through the core of the radiator. The shroud will ensure the fan sucks air through the radiator core. I’m hoping for good results with this setup.

Stirling Heli

Nice functional "toy" based on Sterling engine principle. Easy completation in couple of minutes. Working from the box, just to fill the candle with some alcohol and light it up.

Awesome Jet Engine

Love this kit. Build was a little difficult, but worth it. The blue engine light and smoke coming out of the exhaust is a nice touch. The actual model is a little different than the pictures on this site.

Eine echte Miniaturlichtmaschine

Ich habe mir die Lichtmaschine für meinen Cison L4-205 Vierzylinder bestellt. Die Lichtmaschine selbst ist auf demselben hohen Niveau wie die Cison Motoren.
Optisch erstklassige CNC-Qualität, bildschön gefertigt und sauber verarbeitet. Umfangreiches Zubehör ist beigefügt, leider aber keinerlei Anleitung, wie ich die beigefügten Elektronikteile verwenden kann. Das ist sehr schade, denn die kleine Maschine funktioniert offenbar wie eine echte Lichtmaschine, was den Modellmotor an den man sie montiert vermutlich noch echter macht. Vielleicht ist es sogar möglich den Motor mit dem Strom den die Lichtmaschine erzeugt zu betreiben. Auf der Webseite von Cison-Engine.com habe ich eine zu kurze Anleitung gefunden, aber einem elektronischen Laien wie mir hilft sie nicht wirklich weiter. Fazit: Lichtmaschine und Zubehör sind excellent, aber eine leicht verständliche Anleitung fehlt - oder ich bin zu doof.

Retrol 1140

Very nice engine, good runner good Finnish. Once the fuel is through starts easily with the pull cord and even started it by hand. It can only get better with running. *****

Wishing for the rest of my order

Good looking little motor still waiting for half the order so I can't put it together and start it until the rest of the order gets here, which has been almost a month so if you want an order from these guys, be prepared to wait, which of course goes without saying they are in China.

Enjoyable build.

This Metal Beam, Steam and Boiler engine was fun to put together. Not one problem. I ordered the set with the Generator Scene. The Gen scene was backordered, but Lucas sent me the engine first and told me the Gen would be early September. I received the Gen Scene exactly as I was told and there wasn't any extra shipping charge.
I assembled the steam engine a month ago and it's been running very well.
I bolted the Generator Scene to the main engine assembly (I drilled the holes and had small bolts), but I'm having trouble keeping it running. The belt that is included is too long to do this (I just wanted one solid assembly instead of the two) so I've been experimenting with various rubber bands etc. Possibly there's too much tension and I haven't hit on the right combo or the thicker oil (STP) I just applied is too heavy.
Either way, it's still fun to tinker with which is half the enjoyment!
I'm very pleased with this RETROL Full Metal Beam Engine Steam Engine as well as doing business with Enginediy!!

Boiler

Quickly delivery. function OK. Lots of steam, lots of power...

It's all good now. I cannot edit my old review

EngineDIY saw my initial one star review, they contacted me and sent out replacement parts to fix the issues I had with the cyclotron.

Its all good now and works as it should.

Thanks EngineDIY

wrong plugs

Have sent note weeks ago no response except another survey PLUGS DO NOT FIT MY 17.55 CC l4 engine want refund already ordered one hopefully will fit and I paid for them want RMA or refund for 4 plugs sent by you and have sent requested pix of plugs !!!
Regards Richard Taylor

Looks nice no instructions

The generator base looks nice here are a few of the things that I encountered. With the generator and engine mounted the throttle lever is tight against the generator and had to be turned to facing the engine. There are NO instructions whatsoever the voltage stabler does have + and- in and out written on it so that helps but as far as the red and green lights go it’s anyone’s guess. Also the switch holes at the side are over the bottom lip of the base and almost impossible to get the switches in once the wires are soldered to them I ended up putting the push button starter switch in the center front hole and the larger red light on the top by the on/off switch. Other than that red to red and black to black on the wires and you should be good

Very nice machine work

I received the engine kit very quickly and it did come with the full color instructions it went together well However once it was fully assembled it didn’t have any compression I found that the valves didn’t have any clearance I ended up sanding about 10 thousandths off of the lash caps that corrected the issue. I purchased the gas conversion kit and the engine runs well however the “new version” CDI unit didn’t last more than a couple minutes so I can’t really say what the longevity of this little engine is on gas enginediy did stand behind the failed unit and has shipped out a new unit

2 minor issues

1. Lubricant item 066 not supplied. I used sewing machine oil. I hope lubricant is supplied with my intended purchase of my next engine!
2. Assembly step 12 a real challenge due to tight threads in crankcase and awkward placement of screws. I was afraid that screw might break off in crankcase.

IT WORKS!!

SEMTO 2 cyl OHC

I ordered the RED ST-NF2 engine it came in just a couple days however as of this review the gas conversion kit and the generator base haven’t shipped. It went together well with the full color instructions included I was a little disappointed in that I ordered the RED engine and unlike the pictures the ONLY thing that is red is the valve cover. I’m a mechanic so assembly was pretty straightforward HOWEVER when it was fully assembled there was no compression due to the rocker arms having less than 0 lash there is no provision to adjust the valve lash so I ended up milling about 0.010 thousandths off the the lash caps now I have full compression and a little bit of valve clearance. I really wish it had the red sprocket accents like advertised but the black anodized ones match the rest of the engine I guess

Nice little 4 stroke engine

It's an excellent kit for the beginner or medium skilled hobbyist. Instructions are clear and kit is very well organized. I followed couple of build videos to understand the minor tweaks and lubrication. With the starter kit connected, it worked on the first try. Highly recommended

Cison OHV V8 air filter

Adds the finishing touch to your engine, beautifully machined with a foam filter. You just need to move the throttle lever to clear the air filter but this isn't an issue.
Unfortunately the supplied screws are way to short.

Amazing small fanjet cutaway model display kit

What a beautiful, working model of a cutaway fanjet engine.
Easy to assemble (only 50 parts).
High quality, perfect parts fit.
Attractively pre-colored.
Motorized and red-lighted exhaust, activated by a throttle on the base/stand.
One of the nicest kits of this type I have ever seen.

Retrol HM-01

I bought this motor for pleasure, I like it very much, everything fits beautifully, only a small snag on the clutch is such an aesthetic defect, but they wrote back to me that it does not affect the function. But from an aesthetic point of view, it's a pretty big mistake. Originally, I thought that the engine was supplied with an old type engine, but it came in a new one. The engine is not yet fully assembled and I will post a video when it is functional.

Works great. Some mod ideas

The engine worked wonderfully right out of the box! A,few suggestions though. Make the cap that is removed the fill the pump larger. It is hard for aged fingers(75) to handle. Perhaps a t handle.
Also, make the gas control more sensitive. It seems like it is either on or off.
Again, a great little machine and would buy it again. Thank you.

V8 small block air filter

I bought the air filter the day it was released. It arrived with the wrong bolts in the kit but that’s not the worse thing!!
It will not fit the engine!! Hits the throttle lever,
Clearly not checked on an actual working engine.
I’ve spent a large chunk of money with this company and keep gettin let down by little things
Bolts missing, wrong bolts in kit, items not fitting as they should!

CISON 44cc V8

First, I really appreciate how much detail was built into this engine. I have only just begun to assemble it.
The fit and finish of this engine is incredible.
I have watched many YouTube videos of other people’s engines and was really impressed of how well they run.
When I received my engine, I opened the wooden box and inside was layer after layer of parts neatly positioned in soft foam.
The finish on my engine was anodized and it was flawless. So far I am very happy with my engine, and the folks at Enginediy.