One of the worst things you can do to a gas engine is run it on the ground under large static loads (i.e. high RPM and someone holding the airplane) You induce loads larger than encountered in flight and you have the least airflow possible.

In flight, loads are much lower and airflow is much higher and you always want to take it easy on the first few flights (no WOT or hovering, etc).

The engine was burned up as a direct result of a lean setting and a high load. ... I wouldn't warranty it either.

I have only had my hands on one of these engines, while it didn't have the timing issue the one here did, it did run hot at first so we ran it blubbery rich on 30:1 petroleum oil for the first 4-5 flights (about a gallon) then we set the high needle a little leaner. After 4 gallons we switched over to 50:1 H1R and leaned it for max RPM - 300.. amazing power. I have nothing but good to say about this engine.


DP