Just received my engine back from Desert Aircraft having warranty service provided. The engine was almost 2 years old and has been well flown. I returned it to DA because the engine power and rpms were reduced to around 6000 and the cylinder showed pinkish signs of overheating.

DA reported that the engine had excessive carbon build up and a partially stuck ring. They also found an air leak from apparent over tightening of the carb bolts that distorted the carb reed block. They replaced piston, ring, pin, and worked on the carb block and reed.

Back when the engine was new, the carb bolts loosened up enough to permit the gasket to sag and admit an air leak. Upon contacting DA the rep cautioned against over-tightening the carb bolts and distorting the carb reed block.

The dilemma is this. If you tighten the bolts (with blue lock tite) enough secure the carb, the carb reed block becomes distorted and thus introduces an air leak. It seems that a small amount of torque on the bolts will cause this.

Have other DA-50 owners had to contend with this problem and what was the remedy? Does it seem that the carb block is not solid enough to support sufficient tightening of the bolts to prevent air leaks and the bolts from backing out? Has anyone tried to fabricate a plate to go between the carb and the reed block to distribute pressure and prevent the block from distorting from bolt tightening?

Thanks - Jaketab