thank you ed,

i would think the larger prop would be a good idea as well.

almost like acting like a flywheel for the engine which would delinetly help at the lower end of the rpm range in flight.

i dont have another plane this size to put a brand new engine into but i will be patient and break it in right.

even if it takes a gallon of fuel to do it.

a few days and 15 dollars in fuel is a small price to pay for reliablity and an airplane coming back in one piece.

thanks for your help.

mike v