Russell Sutton’s 9 cylinder radial engine based on the Honda XR600 is one of the most complicated home built engine projects we’ve seen. These latest photos just in from Ian Drysdale, show the progress Russell’s made since the last video. You’ll notice the heads are on, the exhaust is on, oil lines in place, and according to Ian, we’re going to see a start up in the very near future. He’s come a long way since we first saw this almost 4 years ago.
The internal detail shots are very impressive, and after seeing the shop where all of this work is being done, it’s even more inspiring to everyone who has a project in mind but less than the best facilities available.
Whether it’s a radial like this or one of the engines built by Andreas Georgeades, these builders, working in very basic surroundings, show the real capability and knowledge that makes it all possible resides in the builder and not some fully equipped shop with every computer controlled machine tool imaginable. I’m really looking forward to the first start up video and I’m betting quite a few of you are, as well.
More photos below:
GuitarSlinger says
Amazing that anyone still has these skills and tenacity : remembering that back in the day this was how 90% of all engines were built . In a barn/shed/garage by someone with the curiosity – discipline – at least a bit of know how and the ability to answer problems when they arise by trial and error . Sure Mr Sutton has it a bit easier : having the cylinders /pistons etc already made – but getting them all in this configuration and then getting it to function still takes a heck of a lot of work etc
Any idea what ( if at all ) what the intended use ( airplane etc ) for this is : or is it just the man wanting to build his own radial ……… because he can
Please do put up a video of the beast once its up and running
Paul Crowe - "The Kneeslider" says
It’s slated for airboat duty.
B50 Jim says
Four years’ work and all he has to show for it is this awesome engine? We all could use some lessons in tenacity and ingenuity from Russell! My arithmetic says 600 x 9 = 5.4 liters, unless he changed the stroke. It will make serious power regardless. Good on you, Russell! Can’t wait to hear it run!
TVs Hasselhoff says
This is just ridiculous.
I don’t mean that in a negative way, but I’m having a hard time gettting my head around this. I’m excited just installing a new head gasket on my Tempter.
WickedTRX says
That’s inspiring! Not only “home built” but as far as I know it’s the first OHC 4 Valve radial engine! having camshafts in the heads that spin on “oil bearing” I would really like to know how the oil scavenge is done.
todd says
don’t forget that it’s the only Hemispherical 4-valve radial engine ever made.
I always like to mention how there are 72 rocker arms in the heads.
As far as the technology available in the shop, computer controlled machinery is better suited to production volumes, not one-off prototypes. For projects like this the best tools available are time and patience.
-todd
John S says
Absolutely! And incredibly complicated engine. I’m glad it is slated for an airboat. As magnificent as the engine is I’d still be leery about testing my craftsmanship at 10,000 feet.
Rich says
One should not forget that the crankcase, rods, et cetera, were manufactured and machined by Ian Drysdale who has a rather extensive shop. Ian is a very competent engineer, machinist and designer. Much of the success of this project must be placed squarely on his shoulders.
Larry kahn says
Russell for President!
mikesundrop says
That would be a tragic waste of this man’s skills.
peabody says
It’s way cool….but, alas, I am afraid that it has very little practical value.
That said, it’s still very cool and I applaud the guy(s)!
Mike Jones says
Long live the XR6!
Mike Jones says
Long live the XR6! The original “big red pig.”
TomBow says
Whenever I set about building something in my shop. (Mostly tools) And I start off by taking photos of existing tools for ideas, people always ask me why I don’t just buy what’s available.
1: I’m halfway poor. I can’t afford that junk.
2: I can make it better.
3: You can’t go out and find things like THIS project on the shelf of your local supply store.
Cheers for keeping the spirit Russell.
Greg says
That’s it in a nutshell Tombow! Most people don’t have access to mult-million dollar machinery,tools and the most needed DOLLARS! Good job Russell! can’t wait to see and hear the finished project.
MARTIN says
Typical kiwi and it’s ANZAC day as well(Australia and New Zealand, first world war,landed on the beach in Turkey,massive losses under the command of the English.,ie cannon fodder,god bless) when he pops his head up again. He should be applauded for his brains and tenacity, I,ve checked this out before and of course in the video clips he uses a Honda engine to turn it over.His friend Mr Drysdale back in the day made a two wheel drive,no brakes,hydraulic transmission off road bike.
From memory he made everything except the tires.
WickedTRX says
And the V8 bikes made using yamaha barrels and heads.
dylan says
holy crap! and i mean it in the best possible way…. HOLY CRAP.
Jim Kunselman says
Simply amazing work, Russell.
Carolynne says
That’s really coming along, even in the short time I have been following. Out of curiosity Russell, how does your wife feel about all this? I only wonder because I have been on the wife end of one of these projects it can get a little lonely.(of course it was on a much smaller scale to what your building.)
B50 Jim says
Carolynne —
His wife might as well get herself a hobby, say, reading the entire Lowe’s Classical Library or building a house from the ground up. Projects like this are an obsession worse than drugs, and use up most of a husband’s available free time. But the results are worth it — a complete running engine that he built from scratch, and he knows it’s the only one like it in the world. I realize that some wives might not see the significance of this — I mean, if he wanted an engine he could simply buy one. It’s that Mars/Venus thing rearing its hoary head. BTW; the Thunderbolt project will begin soon, but the house also needs a bathroom remodel, so the two will be concurrent. No problem — it’s just different tools.
Carolynne says
Oh yeah, I am all to familiar with “no problem” just a little of this and tap up that… and I am still waiting for the bathroom remodel. I bet your wife has some interesting stories too. I think if my husband started a project like this I would have to take a lover.
B50 Jim says
Carolynne —
We won’t discuss the 1966 Barracuda, now gone to make space for our two vehicles. Actually, the main project at our house now is my wife’s — dealing with the detritus from her mother’s estate and trying to figure out her family history, which is somewhat convoluted. She spends a lot of time with the library’s on-line genealogy sites. But the bathroom has to be done, so I’ll take a week off and dive into the project. After 17 years at the house it’s time. Uh… taking a lover might work all right — until he starts HIS project! It’s a vicious cycle. Might as well just get your Virago and explore the back roads.
Mystic says
The motor is reported to be going into an airboat. Displacement will be 8 litres or 890cc per cylinder thanks to a longer stroke. Max RPM 4,000 geared down to 2,500. Overall impressive numbers.
The engine casings look beautiful. I’ve recently discovered vapour blasting or vapour bead blasting. I wonder if this process was used.
Before pics;
http://www.eurospares.com/graphics/engine/XR_Radial_05.jpg
All pics and info gleaned from the www.
Thanks thekneeslider for the follow up.
Paul Crowe - "The Kneeslider" says
All of the pics and info on the www have been gleaned from The Kneeslider. Just go to the search box on the top right of this page and look for Sutton radial for all of our previous posts on this engine starting in 2008.
Mystic says
I’d seen some of the previous posts just didn’t think to search here first. Thanks for the tip. I noted most posts from www were connected to TKS. Cheers.
Bob Nedoma says
Question:
As the master con-rod has a substantially higher reciprocating mass, will the wear on the piston, rings and the cylinder walls be noticeably higher in that one cylinder?
If so, should it best be located at the top of the engine, or at the bottom?
John says
I guess this answers what I was about to ask. The reason for the counter weight, it must be to counter the master rod.
Dolf Peeters says
We in the Netherlands need a new prime minister in order to fix us a governement with almost as much political parties as are in tha eadial dream. Do you have some leftover time?
You realy made a masterpiece! Congrats!
iXeReR says
Hi Russel, XR600R-Driver from Munich, Bavaria, Germany here. Great building site!
I’m really impressed! Keep going!
Do you use one separate timing chain for each cylinder or a single long chain to control all 9 cylinders? From which aircraft engine is the mother connecting rods?
Throttle is right hand!
Russell Sutton says
Carolynne and B50Jim
It was a fair question Carolynne and B pointed out the obsession, which gets worse as the project moves along, especially when big problems arise that have to be solved.
Lynda has felt pretty neglected at times. We live in a remote area whch is not easy all of the time.
Yet she still supports the project and is able to see the achievement I feel.
Lynda has a great resolve. She ‘s a special Lady.
Carolynne says
Russell, its nice to hear your recognition of your wife. As a wife who has been there and done that, trust me. Take her out to dinner soon, a happy wife means happy projects!
Russell Sutton says
Rich
You are right of course. There are four people that shine brightly in this project, making this engine possible to biuld. Impossible without them.
Finding the right minded types took over a year.They must have the passion too.
Dennis says
I own a ’92 XR so therefore my interest. But I have a technical question about this radialthing. How is it possible that the main connecting rod has a different pivot point than the other small ones?
Steve K says
This is a fabulous project that has started with ten years of dreaming and drawing, more time researching and then a loving wife who lets him complete the project. Magnificent work Rus. Hope to see the project for real soon 🙂
Andries Daffie says
Russell you are the man!!!! I would like to have that on my Cropduster plane.
You are a true mastermind.