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ENGINE: You have many choices for power on the Taylorcraft from 1.08 to 1.48 size 2-stokes and
1.20 - 1.80 4-stroke glow engines or a gas engine. Much of the decision on the power plant will be
based on your flying intentions. I plan on flying this aircraft in a scale manner. I also wanted to
install a smoke system so I decided to use the Zenoah G23 gas engine. This engine is known to be
highly reliable and will develop the heat needed in the muffler to produce good smoke.
The manual has 2 separate sections that deal with installing the engine. I used the instructions that
pertained to the G23 installation. There was a half page dedicated to some corrections to the
manual in one of the addendums. It appears that the manual did not include the instructions on the
mounting hole locations in the firewall. The addendum walks you through this process.
A really nice feature with this kit is the included mounting stand-offs that are included specifically
for the Zenoah G23 engine. These stand-offs provide the correct spacing between the firewall and
prop hub to allow the correct cowl clearance. Once the holes are drilled, you will need to install 4
blind nuts into the backside of the firewall. I ran into a small problem during this step. 2 of the holes
ended up right behind the shelf for the fuel tank. I had to cut away some of the plywood on this
tray to be able to install the blind nuts. This took a bit of time because there was not enough space
to get a Dremel tool in there, so I had to use an Xacto knife and whittle away at it. I attached the
G23 to the firewall with the supplied stand-offs and mounting bolts
Next I assembled the fuel tank. Because I was using a gas engine I changed the fuel line to gas
fuel tubing. I decided to use a 2 line system and install a "T" in the supply line to the carburetor for
filling and draining the tank. The stopper that is included with the tank is designed for use with both
gas and glow fuel. The tank is installed on the tray in the front of the fuselage. I installed some
foam around the tank for protection and to minimize vibration. I completed the installation by gluing
a small balsa block behind the tank to be sure that it would not slide out.
SMOKE SYSTEM: I decided to install a TME Simple
Smoke System into the Taylorcraft. This system runs
on its own 4.8 volt battery pack and it connects to an
auxiliary channel on the receiver. In my case I used the
landing gear channel (Ch 5).
I installed the smoke pump and controller under the
fuel tank in the front of the fuselage. The battery would
be installed under the receiver on the servo tray. I
used a 12 oz. tank that I installed right at the CG on
the bottom floor of the fuselage. The tank is held in
with tie straps and double sided foam tape. This tank
also uses 2 lines. The feed/supply line connects to a
Dubro fuel filler valve
Dubro fuel filler valve
and then goes to the feed side of
SMOKE LINE ATTACHED TO THE
the pump. Standard gas fuel line is used here. The
STOCK G23 MUFFLER
vent/overflow line exits through a hole in the fuselage
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