Ken Kehlet

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Me too for membership.

Hi Bill Robinson,
I have been building and flying R/C models since the mid 1950s so I'm no stranger to two stroke or four stroke engines. I have rebuilt maybe 25 two strokes and 4-5 four strokes.

I currently own 28 Saito four stroke engines, (2) 30, 40s, 45 Special, 50 GK, (4) 56s, (2) 65 GK (4) 72s, (2) 80s, (4) 91s, 100 single, 100 Twin , 115. (2)120s, 150, and a new 180.

I bought a used Saito 150, "Ready to Run" engine from someone getting out of the hobby. The engine was very stiff when I got it. The previous owner said it was dry and had been sitting for about a year, and it was 4 years old. I didn't like the "Feel" but I bought it anyway.

When I turned it over it felt like it had rocks for bearings and very little compression. When I got home, I put a 50/50 mixture of Marvel Mystery oil/automatic transmission fluid in it to see if it would help.

It loosened up, now Poor compression and bearings are smaller rocks. After checking the Valve clearance and anything else that might affect the normal functions, I ordered a new set of bearings and a piston ring from our local hobby shop. When the new parts come in, I will tear the engine down.

Are there other problems that I should be looking for ? Other than Valve timing, is there anything that may be difficult when going back together ? Should I go through the normal "Break-In" after replacing the Piston ring ?

If it's all OK I will install it in a Goldberg "Tiger" 120.

Thanks in advance,

Ken Kehlet AMA 1528 (Original number since 1948)