As the inventor of the Smooth Stop I probably have a bit more experience with them than most. If I am at a jet rally and any one on the field is having a problem with one, or is looking for help setting one up they almost always get directed to me.

Over the years I have found two that where defective, one I fixed, the other need to go back to BVM so that they could correct the problem and figure out how it happened. The later case was in the last couple of months and I do not know if it was sent back or not.

I have come across a couple that where plumbed backwards.

Many did not have the linkages installed correctly, and the original version was sensitive to that.

Several needed the “O” rings re-lubed

Several needed new “O” rings.

Several the leak was found down stream of the Smooth Stop.

In the end after the plumbing was corrected, the linkages where done as the instructions call out, or the “O” rings where tended to, all but the one worked correctly and did not leak.

For years BVM had a simple offer on their web site, if you have a problem with a Smooth Stop, no matter how old it is, we well fix it free of charge. A couple years ago Bob told me that not one single person had ever taken them up on that offer. So when you hear some one complaining about a Smooth Stop remember, they had rather complain about it than have it fixed free of charge.

Back in the DF only days I had a some what troublesome BVM 91R, I just could not get the mixture to dial in right. I called Bob and after a few minutes he told me to quit frustrating myself with it and send it to him, which I did. That engine can consistently push my Aggressor III 230mph. BVM wants you to be happy with your models; you just have to be willing to let them make it happen. How many of you ever bought a car that never had to go in for repair?