ORIGINAL: Cyclic Hardover
This is where I disagree-sort of. Ed is dead on the ring engine getting better as it gets some run time. I don't believe for a second that and engine that is having problems needs more run time. Why? the problems will still be their when you get done. If an engine is having problems, I feel is a "skill thing". They can't tune the engine any better than a redneck can tune a fork? I have no idea what that means, it just sounded good.
I have them all OS, ST, Jett, MVVS, and others. All run great. My main sport engine of choice is Super Tiger. Why spend $250 on a 91fx when I can get equal or better performance and reliability for $120. If I want High performance, I go with a Jett. None of these engines are any better than the other if you can't dial them in right.
Breaking these in on 5 gallons of fuel (to me) is a waste of time and money. Then we see here , the all too common scenario of my engine is doing this or that, the answer? Get a Pump. Oh sure like thats going to solve your problems. So now he has a pump on an engine and he still can tune it properly.. Lets add a glow driver, some $50 glow plug and the right prop this time. Some i4c electronics and onboard computer.
Maybe that computer will finally tell this clown what his problem is.
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I do agree that tuning skills are paramount to obtaining proper performance and that some of the problems newbies experience are directly attributable to improper tuning techniques.
Yes, an experienced engine man can fly-in an engine much earlier than one that is just learning the tricks of the trade. But I enjoy bench running engines and really keeping an eye on the engine while it is breaking-in, so I am biased in that direction.