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Important new information on pipes. Click here.
AeroSlave carries the 3M170 engine, 3M140 dual glow plug head (fits OS140RX), 3M and AeroSlave exhaust systems and service parts. We also provide engine service for the U.S. See below for details. I have worked closely with 3M Mintor and earned my stripes repairing, testing
and providing feedback to the factory. I've been to the factory in Italy
and met the engineers and workers. Since starting with these engines in
2003 my detailed feedback has resulted in a number of production mods that have
reduced variability, improved reliability and made them easier to work on.
See the Tips & Tricks page for ways to get the most out of this engine. AeroSlave exclusive! To help support the US market AeroSlave has been authorized by Mintor as a warranty "screener". What this means is that if you bought an engine or part from me and you think it has a manufacturer defect, you can send it to Mintor or back to me. If I can confirm the defect, Mintor will ship a replacement to you. If I can't confirm the defect then it will have to go back to Italy. This is not the same as US based warranty service, but hopefully it would make things a little easier for our customers and save them some overseas shipping costs. The Products: 3M Mintor 170 Engine: Here's some info on the 170 that is not just a reprint of company literature. A popular prop is the 17x12 regular APC (8400 rpm), but I prefer the 18x10PN or the new 18.1x10.1 from APC. Both turn well over 8000 rpm and have a lower top speed than the 17x12 and better braking. Here's the key information:
Up until now, to get a bit more power for those vertical rolling maneuvers and large radius square loops people have been "suffering" with the OS160. By this I mean that you have to work at it to get it to perform for pattern because there is no pump. People are always discussing header tanks, Perry pumps, Cline regulators, muffler pressure and trying to tweak these systems into reliable operation. Although some have made it work, others have had a lot of deadsticks and frustration. And all of this risk comes at a 3 oz weight penalty and a side exhaust form. I don't fly any competition without a pumped engine. I own several OS140 and Bully 1.45s (same as Webra), but when this engine came along, I lit up.
The first thing I did was disassemble the engine looking for filings. None present. The engine is clean. The factory bearings have seals. It's completely milled from aircraft grade aluminum, which is different metallurgy than the cast aluminum parts we are used to. This is very strong and light, but usually too slow and expensive to manufacture. No one else manufactures this way. This metal has a "musical" ting when you play the fins. The parts fit is TIGHT. It took me a while to get the engine back together. Everything had very close tolerances. This should make for a leak free and long lasting engine. The engine exactly fits an OS140 mount and major dimensions (except the head is larger and a bit taller). The needle valve comes in the location to match the 140, but it is not cast into the backplate like the OS. It is repositionable to any of the rear screws or to a remote location. I've seen some people mounting their needle valves pointing down to hide them. This is easily achieved with this engine. 2 Header Options: The engine COMES WITH an O-RING HEADER that mounts to the engine on an O-ring exhaust adapter if you want it. Both 30mm and 60mm rise headers are available (specify when ordering). The header has a 20mm diameter outlet, which is just slightly larger than 3/4" and matches the Hatori and ES pipes and of course the Mintor and AeroSlave pipes (aluminum and carbon fiber versions). The header uses a double O-ring seal, which allows it to rotate. This gives some flexibility in using one header for different rises in different airplane designs. The O-rings and adapter match the OS/Hatori output size so if its a 40mm rise that you must have, then there's an option by interchanging parts. However, the Mintor header has two complete grooves to capture the O-rings and will last longer than the OS/Hatori design. Specify the header of choice when ordering. 140 Engine heads: We have 3M 140 engine heads. These dual plug heads fit the OS140 perfectly and are anodized for beauty and durability. These heads are what got me started with this company. If you want to get MORE out of your OS140, buy one of these heads. It will improve your midrange and make it less sensitive to pipe setup. It will also allow you to either lower your idle, or run your idle at a richer setting. So far, everyone running these upgraded heads is convinced of the improvement.
Exhaust Options: See our Exhaust Systems pages for options from Mintor and AeroSlave. All options are shorter than those from others, making construction easier. If you are upgrading from a 4-stroke or need weight forward, you'll appreciate this.
170 with re-used OS140 Karl Mueller header cut to 6.25 inches from rear plug and the Mintor carbon fiber pipe. Bolly 120N on top for size comparison. A Greve pipe is even a few inches longer.
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