Spar

I am currently Breaking in my new Saito FG-11. I have been running it according to the manual. So far I have two full 8oz tanks through it running really rich at about 4500 RPM. I am just looking for any over all advice as I continue run in, and tuning later on? I have no experience with these particular engines!! Any advice would be appreciated!!

w8ye

My Feedback: (16)

You should be able to go ahead and start trying to set the needle valves.

Spar

Ok, the manual say's to check and adjust the valve lash. Should I do this later after more run time, or in your experience, will it need to be done sooner? I am guessing it will start running crappy when it get's out of adjustment? Thanks for the help!

Cyberwolf

My Feedback: (4)

IMO the valves should be checked before the engine is initially run and again after a few tanks have been ran through it. Don't forget to add some oil to the rockers while your in there also. After that the valves should be seated and stop needing frequent adjustments, However they still need to be checked every so often as a normal routine.
Set the needles like Jim said and fly it.

Spar

I have adjusted the valve's, and now I am adjusting the needles. I put a 13x8 wood prop on it. The first two tanks of fuel were with a 12x8 prop. It runs good, and transfers from low to High real well. I can only get about 6900 rpm's out of it. Saito say's it should reach 85-8800 with a 13x7 APC. I don't know what I should get with the 13x8 wood? Any help would be great!

Cyberwolf

My Feedback: (4)

While a wood prop is lighter and will spool faster they don't as a rule get as high of RPM that the composite props do. What type of wood prop are you using? Some are more fit for stirring paint than on the front of and engine.

Spar

The 13x8 prop On it now is a master airscrew. I just ordered some 13x7 Zingers. I am considering putting the 12x8 on again for now and see what I get for RPM. Saito say's 13x8 is max, so I wonder if it's a little too much? Thanks again

Tim

Spar

Just ran the engine with a Zinger 12x8. Got 8200 RpM. After it hits around 8200, it backs down a hundred or so. Is that normal, or should I lean it a little more? The transition is good, with maybe a hiccup once in awhile. I have it idling at about 26-2700. Still a fair amount of oil coming out of the exhaust and breather. I am about a turn and a quarter from full seated on the main needle.

w8ye

My Feedback: (16)

The backing down a couple hundred is normal as heat builds up in the combustion chamber. Don't try to do anything about it.

Spar

I think it's ready to maiden! We held it vertical, and it sped up a little, so I think we are real close. It is a little rich, for now that will work. I will try a different prop after I fly it. Thanks for your input!!

Tim

WindGap

My Feedback: (3)

I say richen it up for first flight. Just my advice, but if it runs well(or perfect) on ground, richen it up for flight. Just the nature of em Saito gas engines.

Spar

What is the best way to minimize the oily residue from the breather getting all over the plane? I am thinking of lengthening the tube, and running it down by the gear or something.

Tim

Indiomike

My Feedback: (5)

Just put a length of fuel tubing on it and route it out the bottom of the plane.