Balloon Powered Radial Engine

Updated version can be found on the MakerWorld: https://makerworld.com/models/1801690-balloon-powered-radial-engine
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updated November 3, 2025

Description

PDF

Updated version (crankshaft doesn't block the exhaust anymore) can be found on the MakerWorld: 
https://makerworld.com/models/1801690-balloon-powered-radial-engine



Run by just blowing air into it. Demonstration:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=\_FDZzKAFSz4

Exploded view in 3d viewer:
https://skfb.ly/6LQBR

If you like how it works, you can support me by purchasing the Pneumobile chassis:
https://gum.co/pneumobile (3d Viewer: https://skfb.ly/6LV6D)

Works with this remote:
https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3675568
Or with simpler remote from the Vapemobile set:
https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3606204

Extra parts needed:

  • M3x8 Bolts (x15)
  • M3 Nuts (x15)

Nitrile Gloves (thumbs from M sized gloves worked the best)
or Silicon (worse) or PET (not tested) ones
Optional parts:

M3x12 or longer bolts (2x)(for the gears)

  • M3 Nuts (x2)(for the gears)
  • 6x4mm Silicon Pipe (can be found in aquarium shops)
  • M5x10mm Washers (x2) (instead of printed ones)

105ZZ Bearings (x2) (noticed no difference in performance)
Printed well with 0.6 nozzle at 0.2 layer height. Some parts (Cylider_Back_Lid and Valve_Lid_6mm) need supports. After printing cut away the brims from Cylinder_Ring parts.

Parts with "X_" in their names are optional.

Assembly:

Use 3d diagram as a guide: https://skfb.ly/6LQBR

  • Cut off a glove finger tip (thumbs from M sized glove worked well)
  • Pull it onto a Cylinder_Ring (Use Helper_Finger to leave enough height)
  • Connect a Piston to it with two Washers
  • Clamp the Cylinder_Ring between Cylinder_Plate and and Cylinder_Lid
  • Clip them with Helper_Clamp so they won't fall apart at once
  • Bolt them together to Plate_Top
  • Repeat for the other 2 cylinders
  • Insert th Crank with 2 Washers
  • Fix it in place with Frame_Bottom
  • Bolt all the parts together
  • Put the Valve_Inner in place
  • Bolt the Valve_Lid into place

The engine should be running!
Troubleshooting:

  1. Rotated freely by hand, but struggling when working - the inner valve may have too much friction against the frame (sanding the valve and the frame may help for a while).
  2. Jams on a certain cylinder - this glove finger may need a bit more slack.
  3. Isn't rotated freely by hand - gears bolted too tightly to frame (should have a bit of play), some gear teeth didn't print very well, or the whole gear printed with "elephant foot" and runs too tight with another gear.

Print instructions

Category: Mechanical Toys Print Settings

Printer: Anet AM8

Rafts: No

Supports: Yes

Resolution: 0.2

Infill: Solid

Filament: Bestfilament PLA Dark Grey

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The author marked this model as their own original creation. Imported from Thingiverse.

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