ORIGINAL: Bpar4



Messed up my engine Friday. The lower end of the connecting rod broke and sent my shiney new spinner flying through the air when it stopped. The lower end of the con rod had a piece break off. The bushing insert on the lower end was still on the crank pin and it came off easily when pulled on it. So the bearing hadn't galled. The engine hadn't been run much and I followed the the instructions for the first 15 minutes with an APC 13x9 prop @3,500 rpm.And decided to fly the rest of the break in. The plane took off easily at less than 1/2 throttle and was running with a burble. I had started and stopped the engine several times taxiing the plane around before I got up the gumption to take off. I had flown several laps (six maybe) in the pattern when it stopped. On dis-assembly there were little shards of aluminum all through the crankcase. When I took it apart, the piston and cylinder wall had no marking. So, I think it is ok and just need the rod replaced. Will try to post a pic of the rod later.

Fuel tubing: Try this stuff from Sullivan. It sure makes using small tanks very easy. It is very flexible. Don't know how long it will last, as this is my first use. http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXXWD2&P=7 Unfortunalely, it only comes in two sizes but the small is flexible.

Bob