Ah!!! Vibration. Never thought of vibration and the rubber hose. I did hold the hose straight during the engine run so vibration should have been minimal. Still have to think about these things. I did balance the prop. It is something I did not do when I used to fly. Learned about it here. Lots to learn on this forum. Thanks.

John, thanks for posting the photos. My engine did come with the needle valve extension. I thought it was for airplanes with engine cowls. I will install it and give it a try. My old OS had a straight needle valve bringing you close to the prop. This engine has the angled needle valve which is better. The extension will make it much better and safer. Thanks.

My plane is just about ready to fly. Learning the computer radio and all its programming was probably my most difficult task. Totally different from my old plain 6 channel radio. Once completed, I plan to setup the plane in the living room and go throught the control for a good while. Learn to do things without looking at the radio.