xcellman

My Feedback: (10)

I ordered a weston magnum from weston-usa. On the very first flight the connecting rod in the engine broke and the ensueing glide ruined the wing! The crank is not connected to the piston any more and you can look into the exhaust port and see an chunk of metal at least 3mm x 5mm long. In short the engine is definately toast. I called weston-usa and they will not do anything. I also tried to email westonuk with no response. Does anyone else have any ideas. I'm really frustrated. My other magnum lasted me several years and I finally sold it just because it was getting a little rough. Thanks

RC-Captain

Just a devil's advocate question, isn't the warranty information on the box the plane aand or engine came in ?

Also did you rev the engine up on the ground several times before first flight ?

If I were you, as I have learn by visiting RCU , keep calling Weston USA and ask for somebody in a managerial position. Under no circumstances deal only with customer service personnel.

GL

RCF esq.

Rudeboy

I don't exactly know what Weston does or does not cover... but:

The V1 is basically a racing engine, it has "sport" roots, but that's where it ends. All manufacturers I know of give very little or no warranty or their high rpm engines... since it is just too easy to kill these engines by abuse.

On the other hand, unless you've revved it to 25K, the conrod shouldn't have let go. How did you run the engine?

At any rate, no matter how long you complain, the best you are going to see is a new or revised engine... the damage to the plane is yours...

Flyboy Dave

My Feedback: (21)

Almost any product as guaranteed by the manufacturer to be free from defects
in material and workmanship when purchased. Clearly, the rod was probably
defective....they should at least repair the engine....at their cost.

Most reputable outfits would replace the defective product at once.

FBD.

bob27s

My Feedback: (19)

If the engine component failed in flight, the engine should be under warranty. Either Weston USA or the folks in the UK should back the engine itself. If you have your purchase receipt and such, they should be able to work something out.

The w-50 is a pretty robust engine. Rare to hear of a mechanical failure. But, I guess anything is possible. Usually the only thing that breaks a rod is a sudden stop (ie, the engine ate something - from outside or from inside)

On a tight-fitting engine such as the West 50, it is very important to perform the initial break-in on the ground - flight rpm, properly leaned engine (only 500-600 rpm down off of peak rpm). At least 30 minute like this before flight.

Bob

xcellman

My Feedback: (10)

Thanks for the replys. I did break the engine in on the ground. The pipe was still at the stock length and I was running an APC 9x7 at 18300 on the ground. Still no word from weston. They will not answer my emails.

rconabudget

I would suggest that you phone Weston UK and speak to them directly. I used to be the agent for the in Australia and found them to be fantastic with after sales support.

Rudeboy

Yeah... don't use email... I found out they are terrible at answering mails... just give them a call.

xcellman

My Feedback: (10)

Ok, you convinced me. I'll give them a call and let you all know.