Hi Josh, just my two cents. Breaking in a 4 stroke with a chicken stick can be done, but it's MUCH easier with an electric starter. I figured it out after my first engine, I didn't think it was possible for a 4 stroke to run backwards but they will if they're rich enough.

Some break in suggestions, not mine but from an old guy out at Fentress who's Saitos always seem to run just a little bit better than everybody elses. In other words, he knows what he's talking about!

Rich, rich rich. First couple tanks of gas thru the engine shoudl be so rich you can't run it without the glow starter. Hard on the starter, but good for the motor. Then you can start leaning it out. You do have a tach, right? He (Willie) considers minimum break in 1 gallon of fuel thru the engine on the bench, NOT SYNTHETIC! Don't run castor oil in a Saito, but for break in you want something a little less "slippery" than synthetic. Helps the engine's moving parts seat in better. Dont't exceed 4k rpm for the first 1/2 gallon or so, just keep it ticking along. Personally, I don't consider a Saito really broken in untill it has at least two gallons thru it, then I'll start leaning it out and really looking for peak performance. Adjust the valves after your first gallon of fuel, before you mount the engine on the airplane. If you need help I'll be out at Fentress this weekend.

Andy