Hello... first post here. Looks like a great venue for all R/C issues.

I'm in the process of SLOOOOOOWLY breaking in my TT .91 F/S. I've read a few posts regarding this engine and the proper method of break-in. I'm trying to follow these guidelines, but I'm beginning to get a bit anxious and I need some verification that things are normal.

I'm using Sig Four Stroke fuel, 20% oil, half syn/half castor. I have an OS-F plug installed. I've only run about a third of a gallon, if that, through the motor. I'm using a 13x7 prop for now, but plan on switching to a 14x6 when I go flying (Hog-Bipe). Currently, I'm running rich, rich and richer. Constant smoke coming from the exhaust and glow driver required to keep her going. I can get about a 10 minute run out of it before it gets pretty hot, then shut it down for an hour or so before trying again. It always seems to run best on the first run, then is hesitant to keep running on subsequent runs. Not sure if that is because of the heat buildup or what. I've read that after a tankful or two you can start leaning out just a hair, but everytime I try it gets real balky. Doesn't want to start, or just revs quickly then dies. I can't even approach reliable idle at this stage, and if I try turning the low-end needle in a half turn in order to shed the glow driver, I get nowhere.

So, my questions are these- for those of you with experience with this engine, is my condition typical? One would think that after a third of a gallon of fuel the thing would at least be able to run a few minutes without a glow driver on. I love the sound and feel of this engine... it appears to have a gob of power. I've been looking forward to flying this bipe since last fall when I started building it, and I'm getting anxious to get this motor somewhere near functional/reliable. Is my glowplug not hot enough? Should I be happy just running rich for a few more tanks and then try to lean a bit? I'm using after-run oil religiously following every run session, prior to sitting her back on the bench.

Any and all specific feedback would be appreciated. Thanks.