Hi Bill, Thanks for the info, I feel better that the engine is not damaged. I am about 95% convinced that my problem is a damaged fuel fill valve. I did not have the correct fitting for the TT one and used another brand's nipple. Think it may have damaged the valve which would have caused the engine to suck air instead of fuel. The condition I was experiencing was a lean condition because the engine would race erratically and only momentarily. That would account for why the engine acted like a flameout but came back from idle position to full power when I applied full collective for the auto. When I saw the correct male fitting in the manual while looking up parts it dawned on me what had happened. Expensive lesson. The correct fitting did not come with the heli when I bought it so I substituted another thinking they all were pretty much the same. Will check for binding with the glow plug out though just to be sure. Will be pulling the Defender fuse for a red white and blue paint job anyway...

Thanks! Charlie