Saito Engines... can I trust them?  
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Saito Engines... can I trust them? - 6/12/2005 6:34:11 PM   
Navy18



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I like the weight versus power of the Saito engines but there seems to be a stigma concerning break-in and satisfactory idle; is this an unfair trait or is there some "tinkering" and unexceptable deadsticks to deal with? I want to put this argument to bed....
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RE: Saito Engines... can I trust them? - 6/12/2005 7:11:34 PM   
exeter_acres



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You never will...everyone has an opinion.....


but I LOVE my Saito!

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IMAC members, Thanks for voting!

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RE: Saito Engines... can I trust them? - 6/12/2005 7:26:25 PM   
Navy18



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I know your right about that; As exoensive as they are, I just want to know it the weight savings is going to be tainted by a finicky idle.

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RE: Saito Engines... can I trust them? - 6/12/2005 11:25:15 PM   
delman


 

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I have two Saito 72's - once broken in and set slightly rich I haven't had to adjust needles again. Never noticed any experienced flyers having a dead stick problem after engine breakin on the bench. Problem normally caused by running too lean or lack of exit for cooling air when using a cowl.

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RE: Saito Engines... can I trust them? - 6/13/2005 12:25:35 AM   
fredscz


 

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Hi Navy, I've owned/own many Saito's and a few OS's and two Magnum's and I've not had a bad one yet [kow]. There is no stigma, all any of them have needed is a little common sense, patience and an OS F glow plug with fresh fuel. Break-in has never been a problem, but the more you run them the better they seem to run. Normally I run them for 4-6 tanks on the bench so that I have complete control of the cooling-mixture-throttle, etc. I have one 56 that has 10-12 gallons thru it and runs as strong now as it ever did.
Fred B

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RE: Saito Engines... can I trust them? - 6/13/2005 12:29:42 AM   
Navy18



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Thanks Fred; it appears most of the readers have faith in their Saitos; that is good to hear.... it seems the brerakin is critical and then just proper common sense. It seems so many OS engines get the reputation of running great out of the box with no problems.... this might just mean their settings provide greater error. The Saito seems to be a possibly most precise tool needed some care at first.

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RE: Saito Engines... can I trust them? - 6/13/2005 12:45:11 AM   
cloudancer03


 

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LOVE MY SATIO 150!! dont believe everything you hear in this hobby..

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RE: Saito Engines... can I trust them? - 6/13/2005 1:49:13 AM   
donkey doctor



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Hello; I trust them. I have Saito's in 30, 40, 45, 50 56, 65, 80, 100, 100twin,120, and 150 sizes. They're worth the break-in hassle, and done properly, will probably last forever.. Best tip I could give to a beginner, buy Saito

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RE: Saito Engines... can I trust them? - 6/13/2005 3:08:25 AM   
jgraham10


 

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Only thing better than a Saito is a YS engine.
I love both of my 100's and would not give it a second thought to purchasing another.
I have a buddy that can set them really good, he has been flying for years and has a ear
for setting engines both four strokes and two strokes. I'm lucky to have him around as he
has set all my engines so far. I want to learn all I can about setting engines.
John

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RE: Saito Engines... can I trust them? - 6/13/2005 4:30:05 AM   
mwright


 

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I've got a Saito 40a, 80, 100. Absolutly the best! My 80 is about 15 years old with only one bearing replacement. I fly it almost every weekend. The 100 sounds like a sewing machine. The little 40a is blast on my Seniorita. I see a new 82 or 72 in the near future for me.

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RE: Saito Engines... can I trust them? - 6/13/2005 3:25:47 PM   
WCB


 

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The rough idle is a rich low end needle setting. After a Saito is broken in lean the bottom end out and the idle will smooth out and you can slow it down. I've had/have .56,.82,.91, 1.00 and 1.50 and all were fine engines. The breakin is not that big of a deal...just run it rich at low rpm for a few tanks and then fly it rich the rest of the way. After that set the high speed 300 rpms on the rich side and lean the bottom end until you get a good smooth idle and transition. After an hour or so of running (or if it starts losing power) adjust the valves. After that you don't have to mess with it anymore. Saitos won't tolerate a lean run so be cautious of that.

WCB

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RE: Saito Engines... can I trust them? - 6/13/2005 6:53:48 PM   
Navy18



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WCB,
I was with you until you said, "after an hour of running, adjust the valves".... what does that mean? I have been running OS engines for 14 yrs and never had to adjust valves. This is where the Saito tinkering confises me... why do I need to adjust valves after an hour (or at all)? What am I missing?

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RE: Saito Engines... can I trust them? - 6/13/2005 7:39:00 PM   
mwright


 

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I assume the clearance between the valve tappet and rocker arm changes a little after break in. Again assuming being a new engine that is heated and beat upon at a staggering rate will change the this clearance +/- 0.001 inch or so. I still set the clearance on my old 80 every once in a while just for fun.

Takes about 5-10 minutes tinkering per valve. To set the clearance you take off the valve cover. Turn the prop and look at the rocker arm, turn prop until the rocker arm is fully up. Use your supplied spanner (hex wrench) to loosen the stop nut. Insert feeler guage bewteen valve and rocker arm. Turn top of push rod with a straight screw driver until the feeler guage has slight resistance when sliding in and out of gap. Hold push rod in position and tighten hex nut. Replace valve cover.

Sounds a lot more complicated than it really is. I like to set my clearance on the tight side to increase duration. Could be more tinkering than some want but I'm sure there's some eager motor head at the field that would love to show you how. It's really a quick and painless operation. Just another rich part of our hobby.

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RE: Saito Engines... can I trust them? - 6/14/2005 3:01:19 AM   
WCB


 

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I guess I'd stay with OS brand then.

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RE: Saito Engines... can I trust them? - 6/14/2005 3:12:12 AM   
FenceMagnet


 

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"I guess I'd stay with OS brand then"

and what, prey tell, makes you think your OS's valves aren't in need of an adjustment ???

oh.... I forgot, the OS plug and play syndrome.... no maintainance required !!!!




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RE: Saito Engines... can I trust them? - 6/14/2005 4:24:07 AM   
Navy18



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