Katerina Swanson
The Saito FA-180 is a powerful 4-stroke engine that is easy to start and fly. It consumes fuel at a rate of 16 oz. in 9 minutes on full throttle. For longer flights, a larger tank is recommended. The engine's fuel consumption can be improved by converting it to run on gasoline instead of glow fuel. This conversion also provides better starting, better idle, and improved fuel economy. The recommended fuel mix for the Saito FA-180 is a ratio of 16:1 to 20:1 of gasoline to synthetic oil. The size of the fuel line for the Saito FA-180 engine will depend on various factors such as the desired flight time, fuel consumption, and tank size.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Fuel Consumption | 16 oz. tank in 9 minutes on full throttle |
| Fuel Mix | 20:1 Synthetic Oil |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline |
| Power Output | Equivalent to FA-180 |
| Power Consumption | Lower than FA-180 |
| RPM | 9300 |
| Bore | 1.41 in (36.0mm) |
| Crankshaft Threads | M8 x 1.25mm |
| Cylinder Type | Ringed |
| Cylinders | Single |
| Displacement | 1.80 cu. in (29.10 cc) |
| Engine Weight | 31.0 oz (879 g) |
| Muffler Threads | 15mm |
| Muffler Type | Cast |
| Plug Type | CM-6 spark plug |
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Synthetic oil mix ratio
The Saito FA 120,150,180 engine can be converted to run on gasoline instead of glow fuel. This conversion provides better starting, better idle, and improved fuel economy. When using gasoline, the synthetic oil mix ratio is 20:1, which equates to 50 ml of oil per 1 litre of gasoline. This mix ratio is also specified in the owner's manual for the Saito FG series engine.
The 20:1 ratio is recommended for both break-in and continuous operation. The manual further advises using a high-quality 91 octane unleaded gasoline and a reliable, high-quality 100% synthetic oil designed for 2-cycle engines. Some recommended synthetic oils include Evolution Oil, Morgan OIL CP14, and Royal Purple 2 ST.
It's worth noting that the power loss with the 20:1 mix ratio is about 10%, but this is still considered sufficient power for most applications. For those who require more power, there is the option of the GLOW CH CDI Conversion, which can provide a higher-power alternative.
While the 20:1 ratio is commonly recommended, there are other mix ratios available for 2-cycle engines. For instance, the Pro-Mix Premium 2-cycle engine oil is designed for use with mix ratios of 50:1, 40:1, 32:1, and 16:1. It's important to follow the manufacturer's recommendations for the specific engine to ensure optimal performance and longevity.
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Fuel tank size
The Saito 180 engine typically consumes about 3 gallons of fuel. However, the size of the fuel tank you need depends on the desired flight time.
For a 12-15 minute flight, a 20 oz tank should suffice. If you want to fly for more than 10 minutes, opting for a larger tank, such as a 24 oz tank, is recommended to ensure you don't run out of fuel.
To determine the optimal fuel tank size, it's advisable to start with short, low-time flights and gradually increase the duration. By monitoring your fuel consumption during these test flights, you can make informed decisions about the required fuel tank capacity for your specific needs.
Additionally, the placement of the fuel tank is an important consideration. Ensure that the tank is easily accessible for refuelling and that its location does not affect the balance or performance of your aircraft.
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Fuel consumption
The Saito 180 is known for its high fuel consumption, with some users reporting that it burns through fuel faster than other similar engines. The exact fuel consumption will depend on various factors, such as the type of fuel used, the duration of the flight, and the weight of the aircraft.
When using a 20:1 fuel mix (50 ml oil to 1 L gasoline) with the Saito 180 engine, you can expect to get around 2.5 to 3 minutes of flight time per 1 ounce of fuel. This means that for a 10-12 minute flight, you would need approximately 20-24 ounces of fuel.
To ensure that you don't run out of fuel during a flight, it is recommended to start with a low-time flight and check the fuel consumption. Based on that, you can gradually increase your flight times while keeping notes on the amount of time you fly. This will help you get a good idea of how long you can fly without running out of fuel.
Additionally, converting the Saito 180 engine to run on gasoline instead of glow fuel can improve fuel economy. The conversion involves adding a CH CDI and CH hardware, which can provide better starting, better idle, and reduced mess from fuel gashing. However, it is important to note that the engine will run hotter, so proper airflow for cooling is necessary.
Overall, while the Saito 180 may have higher fuel consumption compared to other engines, careful planning, testing, and potential conversions can help manage fuel usage and ensure a successful flight.
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Power output
The Saito FA-180B 4-stroke engine has a power output equivalent to the FA-180, but at 10% of the fuel cost. The smaller Saito 4-stroke ignition module provides easy starts and reliable performance with lower power consumption. The engine weighs 900g and has a bore of 36.00 mm. The crankshaft has M8x1.25mm threads and the cylinder type is ringed, with a single cylinder and a displacement of 29.10 cc.
The power output of the Saito 180 engine has been described as being able to pull about 17 lb of thrust with APC 18x6W and 30% nitro. It has a 1.3 thrust-to-weight ratio and can pull out of a hover "nicely". However, it has been noted that the Saito 160 engine makes more power on 15% nitro than the Saito 180 on 30% nitro. The OS engine also uses less fuel than the Saito 180 when both engines are running at full throttle.
One user commented that the Saito 180 "won't be a rocket ship" but that it can climb nicely out of a hover. Another user commented that the Saito 180 can pull their 12.5 lb plane out with a "good" bit of authority, rating it a 7 out of 10.
It is recommended to use Red Line or Power Model synthetic oil only, at a mix ratio of 16:1–20:1. The benchmark prop is 16 x 8 @ 9300 rpm. The RPM range is 2,000–10,000.
To improve power output, one option is to add the CH CDI & CH hardware, which provides a better start, better idle, and improved fuel economy. Running on gasoline, you can get 2.5 to 3 minutes on 1 oz of fuel mix with a 20:1 synthetic oil fuel mix. This will result in a power loss of about 10%, but users have noted that this is still enough power.
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Engine conversion
The Saito FA 180 engine can be converted to run on gasoline with a 20:1 mixture. This conversion is a good option if you want to move away from glow fuel. The conversion kit provides better starting, better idle, and improved fuel economy. Running on gasoline, you can expect to see 2.5 to 3 minutes of run time per 1 oz of fuel mix. The engine will run hotter, so ensure proper airflow for cooling.
When converting an engine that previously ran on glow fuel, the suggested fuel/oil ratio is typically between 32:1 and 50:1. However, the factory gas Saito engines use a 20:1 mix, which is what Saito now recommends. This mix can be achieved with 50 ml of oil to 1 L of gasoline.
It is important to note that eliminating the nitro from the fuel will require a leaner mixture. Additionally, a rich mixture may be necessary to compensate for advanced ignition timing.
For those who are new to flying, it is recommended to start with a low-time flight and check your fuel consumption. Based on that, you can gradually increase your flight times while keeping notes on the amount of time you fly. This will help you get a good idea of how long you can fly without running out of fuel.
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