Second hand 2-Stroke Petrol Engine Fuji-IMVAC BT-32A 32 cc petrol R/C aircraft engine,

Identification: Fuji BT-32A

This is a Fuji-IMVAC BT-32A 32 cc petrol R/C aircraft engine, made in Japan. It is the original BT-32A, rather than the later BT-32B.

The blue cylinder head, large silver scale muffler, Walbro-style diaphragm carburettor, electronic ignition and the separate ATM Automatic Timing Module all match the BT-32A. Contemporary documentation describes the BT-32A as a 32 cc engine producing 2.2 hp at 10,000 rpm.

The engine in your photographs also has the identification sticker BT-32A and serial/identification number Y006542.

Technical specifications

Fuji's ATM system automatically advances the ignition timing as engine speed increases. This was one of the major selling points of the BT-32A, providing relatively easy starting at low speed while advancing the timing for increased power at higher RPM.

A contemporary 2002 test of the BT-32A used an 18×8 Zinger propeller and recorded 7,320 rpm at full throttle during the initial test period.

The BT-32A was specifically designed as an R/C aircraft engine rather than being a chainsaw or industrial engine converted for modelling. Fuji advertised dynamically balanced crankshafts, flywheels and propeller hubs, along with purpose-designed R/C mufflers and mounting hardware.

Vintage Fuji-IMVAC BT-32A 32 cc petrol engine for large-scale radio-control aircraft. Japanese manufactured single-cylinder, air-cooled two-stroke engine fitted with Fuji's Automatic Timing Module (ATM) electronic ignition system, Walbro-style diaphragm carburettor and the original-style large scale R/C exhaust/muffler.

The BT-32A has a displacement of 32 cc (1.95 cu in) and was rated by Fuji at 2.2 hp at 10,000 rpm. The electronic ATM ignition automatically advances the ignition timing as engine speed increases, giving easier starting and low-speed operation while allowing the ignition timing to advance for higher-speed performance.

The engine is fitted with the distinctive blue Fuji cylinder/head assembly, large finned cylinder, diaphragm carburettor, electronic ignition components and substantial propeller hub. The identification label clearly shows BT-32A, with identification/serial number Y006542.

The BT-32A was designed specifically for large-scale R/C aircraft and became a popular alternative to converted industrial engines. Contemporary R/C testing used an 18×8 propeller, and the engine was used successfully in large scale models including the Pilatus PC-6 Porter.

Condition: Used vintage engine with visible age-related cosmetic wear, oxidation and marks from previous use. The engine turns over freely. It has not been tested by me running, so starting and running performance cannot be guaranteed. The ignition wiring and electrical connections should be checked before use. The carburettor and fuel system would also benefit from inspection/service before running.

A very interesting Japanese-made large-scale R/C petrol engine, particularly suitable for collectors and enthusiasts of vintage giant-scale model aircraft.

Manufacturer Fuji-IMVAC
Country Japan
Model BT-32A
Type Single-cylinder 2-stroke petrol
Displacement 32 cc / 1.95 cu in
Power 2.2 hp @ 10,000 rpm
Ignition Electronic CDI with ATM automatic timing
Carburettor Walbro-type diaphragm carburettor
Spark plug Champion RCJ6Y specified
Weight Approximately 3.1 lb / 1.4 kg without muffler
Typical propeller 18×8
Fuel Petrol/2-stroke oil mixture
Serial/ID visible Y006542
Era Approximately early/mid-2000s