They are made in China by Tianjie, a precision engineering company who has been around a long time in the model boat business. They are well known in the European boat racing scene. In terms of the quality I would say that there is no production model gas engine on the market that is as well made as these are, just my opinion of course. I have been running, testing and modding one of the prototype the TK27 for several months and I cannot fault it. I am using it as supplied from the factory with 4 bearings and the original crankshaft.

Dave:

Thanks for your opinion on the TK engines.

A few questions since you are one of the few subscribers here to have examined these closely:

Crankshaft Alignment: Do you find the cranks to be straighter than average?

Sleeve Quality and Maintenance: What is your opinion about the sleeve construction and are
they as easy to replace as has been claimed?

Wrist Pin Bearing: Anything going on here worth noting? Is it similar to other engine designs
or has TK gone in some different direction with either the wrist pin or the bearing?

The crankshaft on mine was close to perfect alignment which may be normal or could well have been checked by them before they sent it to me. The liner slides in and out of the cylinder block with a perfect fit and I tried a spare liner and that fitted perfectly too. I did not find the need to use any sealant on it even though the liner has been out many times for modifications. I changed the head bolts to stainless but all other parts are original and perfect although the insulator block needs matching to the cylinder block. Crankshaft is a very strong full circle type with strong looking conrod with slits at each end for lubrication. Wrist pin bearing is conventional with steel spacer washers.
The engine has massive torque, much more than any 27cc or 30cc engine I have used and those who like to use big props will love it. We have hammered this motor on purpose, overloading it with big props but it has never shown any signs of overheating, detonation or unusual wear patterns. All good so far.
I met with the main man from Tianjie earlier this year and I can tell you that he is determined to supply an engine that is high quality and FULLY tested. This engine was raced from early 2012 to iron out any issues before being put on sale.

I have checked the motors that I have and the cranks are not tapered and they fit the 4 bearings perfectly. I do not understand this talk of 2 bearings vs 4 bearings.

Bruce said today on Jims that he 'measured wrong' and they will take 4 bearing .......

You selling any yet Dave and will the be out in a 30 cc -- It's almost winter here so I can wait if a 30 will be out soon

Cheers

Randy

Let me know when they are available please

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"I have checked the motors that I have and the cranks are not tapered and they fit the 4 bearings perfectly. I do not understand this talk of 2 bearings vs 4 bearings."

Dave I am confused as well. Bruce put up pics of the crank measuring .470", and the ID of a brg. at .471"

A standard 6001 brg. has an ID of .4724" ( 12mm. ). Is his micrometer wrong or are you getting the same measurements? If those #s are right, is this a one-off crank and brg. set-up?

Dennis,
Bruce is probably using those pics as an example. It is good that he admits his error and is fixing the problem, good customer service.
I can tell you that the bearings slide onto the crankshaft with what I consider a perfect fit but I would not be measuring bearing fits with a caliper!

OK now I'm confused - is the Tiger King sent to dealers assembled from factory ? Or do dealers assemble them?

Thanks

Randy

Mine arrive assembled

Hello the way come ready to run in the box and assembled at the factory

Thank you !

Bruce Lykins
Gizmomotors