Valley View RC Brand Engines
08-02-2015, 09:53 PM
#376
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Wow, Kahu1958,
Thanks, that's some important info there. Since mine hasn't seen any real wear or action, I should check with them to see if they have some sort of recall or service notice on this. I know, I know; it's not a Chevy or a Subaru, but we can hope! They're in the next town over from me, so stopping by is no big deal, and from what I've heard from some of the other guys, they don't mind you stopping in if you call them first. I've never been inside, but I know where they are.
If there is anything that needs to be done, it would be easier to pull the engine off and bring it in now than after the plane (RC Guys Pitts Special) is all buttoned up with the full cowl and spinner and the works.
Wow; I just noticed you're in New Zealand, Kahu. Do you send it to a local service area there in New Zealand, or all the way here to the states? I know you're probably laughing at me for assuming that New Zealand is big enough to have such a thing, but hey, you never know about something unless you ask, right? By the way, New Zealand is one of the few places in the world I've ALWAYS wanted to visit. G'Day!
Jim
Thanks, that's some important info there. Since mine hasn't seen any real wear or action, I should check with them to see if they have some sort of recall or service notice on this. I know, I know; it's not a Chevy or a Subaru, but we can hope! They're in the next town over from me, so stopping by is no big deal, and from what I've heard from some of the other guys, they don't mind you stopping in if you call them first. I've never been inside, but I know where they are.
If there is anything that needs to be done, it would be easier to pull the engine off and bring it in now than after the plane (RC Guys Pitts Special) is all buttoned up with the full cowl and spinner and the works.
Wow; I just noticed you're in New Zealand, Kahu. Do you send it to a local service area there in New Zealand, or all the way here to the states? I know you're probably laughing at me for assuming that New Zealand is big enough to have such a thing, but hey, you never know about something unless you ask, right? By the way, New Zealand is one of the few places in the world I've ALWAYS wanted to visit. G'Day!
Jim
08-04-2015, 11:38 PM
#377
Senior Member
I've been hoping to hear from more guys about their 40CC VV RC Twin's performance / longevity / etc. now that they've been out a while. This whole thread is 15 pages, which took maybe an hour to read through. I'm still finishing up my RC Guys Pitts, and though the engine is bolted on and running, I've yet to really see how it performs in flight. Until then, I hope to enjoy the twins vicariously through others!
I installed a pair of Frank Bowman aftermarket rings in mine, and it seemed tight, but it turned over and started okay, and wasn't too tight after that. It probably wouldn't have been tight had I run the engine any amount before going to the aftermarket rings.
Cool sounding engine!
Jim
I installed a pair of Frank Bowman aftermarket rings in mine, and it seemed tight, but it turned over and started okay, and wasn't too tight after that. It probably wouldn't have been tight had I run the engine any amount before going to the aftermarket rings.
Cool sounding engine!
Jim
BCCHI Tired old C&H guy.My twin brother turned 80 first of may.Still try to fly three days a week.
08-05-2015, 07:47 AM
#378
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BCCHI,
I took it back apart three times to check everything - and I know just what you mean about rings that can't "Slide by" each other at the ends. The third time, I put the original rings back in (I hadn't turned it to see how they felt before dis-assembly), and found that they were pretty close to the same. The engine just had good, close tolerances. I put a squirt of oil in the cylinder, sat down to watch Farscape, and just started turning it over while I watched the TV show. By the time the show was over, it was turning smoothly, but still firm. Firm is probably a better word for it. I took it apart, wiped everything down, and then reassembled it. So far, I'm pleased with the craftsmanship on the VV RC 40 Twin. Nothing looks shabby, from the mold-work to the machining. Even up-close, it's a pretty little thing.
I'd like to say that I'll have the RC Guys Pitts the VV Twin is in all completed and ready for the field shortly, but I'm about to be on crutches for twelve weeks after foot surgery next week, and I have a feeling that I won't be pulling the Pitts down off the ceiling while I'm in that condition. I'm having to pick and set up my projects so they're within reach of me. The two projects I've chosen are (I think) my big GP Super Stearman, and a General Hobby Skyline Raven (74"), which is supposed to be on its way to me. Unfortunately, I just don't have the room to have too many models down off the ceiling and shelves, and my ability to pull them out and put them away will be severely compromised, so I have to choose a couple and leave them within reach. I haven't made any flying friends yet, so I don't have any to ask! The Pitts is pretty close to being done, so much of what it needs would require it being assembled, which I won't be able to manage. When the Stearman gets to that point, I'll put it aside and start on the Raven.
I've given some thought to taking some of that time to changing my GP Giant Super Sportster over from gas to electric. The town of Lakewood (where I live here in Washington) just designated part of the park across the street from me as an RC airfield. But they'll only allow electric-powered aircraft.
Jim
I took it back apart three times to check everything - and I know just what you mean about rings that can't "Slide by" each other at the ends. The third time, I put the original rings back in (I hadn't turned it to see how they felt before dis-assembly), and found that they were pretty close to the same. The engine just had good, close tolerances. I put a squirt of oil in the cylinder, sat down to watch Farscape, and just started turning it over while I watched the TV show. By the time the show was over, it was turning smoothly, but still firm. Firm is probably a better word for it. I took it apart, wiped everything down, and then reassembled it. So far, I'm pleased with the craftsmanship on the VV RC 40 Twin. Nothing looks shabby, from the mold-work to the machining. Even up-close, it's a pretty little thing.
I'd like to say that I'll have the RC Guys Pitts the VV Twin is in all completed and ready for the field shortly, but I'm about to be on crutches for twelve weeks after foot surgery next week, and I have a feeling that I won't be pulling the Pitts down off the ceiling while I'm in that condition. I'm having to pick and set up my projects so they're within reach of me. The two projects I've chosen are (I think) my big GP Super Stearman, and a General Hobby Skyline Raven (74"), which is supposed to be on its way to me. Unfortunately, I just don't have the room to have too many models down off the ceiling and shelves, and my ability to pull them out and put them away will be severely compromised, so I have to choose a couple and leave them within reach. I haven't made any flying friends yet, so I don't have any to ask! The Pitts is pretty close to being done, so much of what it needs would require it being assembled, which I won't be able to manage. When the Stearman gets to that point, I'll put it aside and start on the Raven.
I've given some thought to taking some of that time to changing my GP Giant Super Sportster over from gas to electric. The town of Lakewood (where I live here in Washington) just designated part of the park across the street from me as an RC airfield. But they'll only allow electric-powered aircraft.
Jim
08-05-2015, 09:56 AM
#379
Senior Member
The VVRC 40cc Twin I had certainly seemed to have lots of power. 7500 RPM on a 20X8 prop on the ground. Lots of power in the air. Great little engine performance wise.
As far as longevity goes though they seem to have a weakness in the crankshaft. Mine cracked the front crank web at the big end crank pin. It lasted about 6 months. I hear several others have had broken crankshafts as well. Not sure if it was just a bad batch or all engines.
I understand VVRC are trying to find another manufacturer to supply better crankshafts, hope they fix this problem.
I have sent mine back to VVRC but have not heard from them yet.
As far as longevity goes though they seem to have a weakness in the crankshaft. Mine cracked the front crank web at the big end crank pin. It lasted about 6 months. I hear several others have had broken crankshafts as well. Not sure if it was just a bad batch or all engines.
I understand VVRC are trying to find another manufacturer to supply better crankshafts, hope they fix this problem.
I have sent mine back to VVRC but have not heard from them yet.
08-07-2015, 12:41 PM
#380
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Okay, I spoke with Tom at Valley View today, and he said that there was a batch with faulty cranks that they caught, and at this point they've accounted for all of them (he's pretty sure of this). The batch in question was sold in/around February of 2015. If you aren't sure about yours, you should probably call Tom with your Serial Number.
That's some good news for me. I bought mine in Spring or early summer of 2014, I think. I need to go through my posts to be sure exactly when, but it was quite a while before the batch in question.
I hope this is of some help.
Jim
That's some good news for me. I bought mine in Spring or early summer of 2014, I think. I need to go through my posts to be sure exactly when, but it was quite a while before the batch in question.
I hope this is of some help.
Jim
08-07-2015, 01:40 PM
#381
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Okay, I spoke with Tom at Valley View today, and he said that there was a batch with faulty cranks that they caught, and at this point they've accounted for all of them (he's pretty sure of this). The batch in question was sold in/around February of 2015. If you aren't sure about yours, you should probably call Tom with your Serial Number.
That's some good news for me. I bought mine in Spring or early summer of 2014, I think. I need to go through my posts to be sure exactly when, but it was quite a while before the batch in question.
I hope this is of some help.
Jim
That's some good news for me. I bought mine in Spring or early summer of 2014, I think. I need to go through my posts to be sure exactly when, but it was quite a while before the batch in question.
I hope this is of some help.
Jim
I have emailed VVRC but have not had a reply. (the email address off their website)
I really miss having that engine and model (Edge 540). I do not want to have to fit a different engine and have to cut the cowl to fit it, the VVRC 40 fits so well..
I was planning on filling the current exhaust cutouts in the cowl and making a custom exhaust with outlet in the correct scale location.
Last edited by Kahu1958; 08-07-2015 at 01:50 PM.
08-07-2015, 09:10 PM
#385
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kahu,
I'd go to the Valley View RC site and find the contact info and call Tom. If yours is in for service, he can check your engine's S/N and perform any warranty work it might need prior to returning it to you. He was very helpful when I called.
Jim
I'd go to the Valley View RC site and find the contact info and call Tom. If yours is in for service, he can check your engine's S/N and perform any warranty work it might need prior to returning it to you. He was very helpful when I called.
Jim
08-07-2015, 11:28 PM
#387
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Upon inquiry, I received an email from Valley View that they no longer carry the 40cc Twin and are looking for a manufacturer that will produce a quality engine. They stated that they will not sell engines that don't meet their quality standards.
08-08-2015, 12:46 PM
#390
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Hi #1 Saito Man, Tried to PM you - don't know if it took, but I'm interested in your engine. Does it have the small 1\4" plugs or the CM6 plugs and are they angled? Many Thanks for your time.
Mike Brennan
Club Saito #723
[email protected]
Mike Brennan
Club Saito #723
[email protected]
08-08-2015, 08:37 PM
#393
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My 40cc in my Beaver
I LOVE IT!!!... Runs perfect...and no problems what so ever... I love Tammy, Tom and the rest of the Family over there... Great service and great deals,,ALL my gassers come from VVRC.. Dle 111, 170, 222, and my 40 twin.. love em all....I run 100LL in all of them, with 32:1 Lucas racing oil, with an ounce of Marvel Mystery oil.. no problems, and they run great..
08-22-2015, 01:00 PM
#398
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I gave them a call yesterday, and as it happened they were in the process of packaging my engine to return it to me after being repaired. Repair and return shipping covered by warrantee. Excellent service, and nice people to deal with.
08-22-2015, 02:22 PM
#399
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Yes, he seemed like a great guy to talk to when I called the other day. I'd buzz over to the next town and go in to visit them right now if I could walk, but as I recall some of the store is upstairs, and I'm driving a knee-scooter instead of a left lower leg and foot, so it'll be a while!
Great to hear that you got through and the news was good. I'd like to hear about how you found the engine to be, with all the pros and cons. What I'd REALLY like to do is go visit New Zealand and talk to you face to face! I've always wanted to do that!
Jim
Great to hear that you got through and the news was good. I'd like to hear about how you found the engine to be, with all the pros and cons. What I'd REALLY like to do is go visit New Zealand and talk to you face to face! I've always wanted to do that!
Jim
