Thanks all for the prompt replies. Dave at DA wrote me back and indicated that some of the early DA-50's had a loose tolerance at the lower bearing. He said most were fine. He offered to fix it, but suggested I fly it a little longer. I think I'll fly it this summer and send it down in the fall. Just to clarify the problem, hot or cold there is a small "tick" when the prop is moved back and forth with the piston mid-stroke. Engine has only a 1/4 gallon through it. I wasn't sure if this was normal or not.

Thanks again for your responses !

Shaun