ORIGINAL: mrbigg
i bet it isn't broken in totaly. mine took about a gallon before it would hold consistent needle settings. check the needle where the threads are exposed just to make sure it is not leaking. i had to put a little piece of fuel tubing there.
How did you determine the needle valve was leaking on yours? I noticed mine is somwhat wet with fuel, but I don't know if it's from leaking or from when I pulled the fuel line off the nipple to empty the tank. The fuel tubing idea is a good one. I think I'll try that just to make sure it's not leaking. This engine, even when new, did the same thing. I thought it was worn out, but now it's been repaired and the symptom is still there. I know it's probably not broken in (ring not seated yet), so I'll keep running it way rich. If I keep the flights under 5 minutes, it's fine....but that's no fun.
MIke