My first engine was a mds 48, which I put in my trainer. Before I even started flying, which was only a few months ago, I too read all the negative blab about dead sticks etc.

I was so concerned I considered replacing it with another motor and not give it a chance to put my plane into a body bag !!

As a precaution I sealed the exhaust, pressure nipple and carbie throat. I ran four tanks thru the motor on the bench.

When I first started flying the motor, transition was crap and power was no where to be seen...BUT ..it never dead sticked....never.

After a bit of exposure to the hobby you learn things, and what I learnt was that I had set my idle needle open at only 1 and 3/4 turns ....way to lean for an mds.

I dialed in the idle needle which for my mds is about 2 3/4 turns out...and i make the point that despite my own bad setting that motor never quit. I also replaced the plug with just a standard plug ( though the idle bar plug seems to be what everyone suggests)...SUDDENLY...this engine is running sweet , power has picked right up..and I'm getting better economy than the OS guys....by a few minutes.

So I'd say, seal everything up, yeah run it in on the bench , but only about three to four tanks, make sure you get the idle needle set right, change the plug after about 10 tanks..and she will be your Russian love !!