Originally posted by WhiskyVR-4
your best bet is to buy a compression gauge (both dynamite and hobbico make them) and check your compression. Take note of what it is, and monitor that as you run more and more fuel through the engine.
You really should keep a notepad handy when you run your car. Keep track of carb settings, suspension geometry changes, engine temp, compression (both cold and warm), weather (not just temp but humidity and pressure), etc.
I gurantee that if you keep good, clearly organized notes about how the car ran in different weather and different carb settings and such you will get a VERY good feel for your car in a hurry.
Very very good point!! I use to monitor it all just as you stated, until I got a good feel for these engines. But I agree this is a very good Idea for those still learning how to tune a 2 stroke.
And as for 2.5-3 gallons being bad, I know but it was the same with every one of them. I was also running them at around 240-270, and yes they were lean, cause I was in a hurry LOL!! However I do know that some folks out there have squeezed 5 or so gallons out of them which is very very good, but not likely for most of the engines, considering the rear bearings tend to come apart after about 2.5 gallons!! I guess it all depends on how you run them, cause I am a die hard basher, and normaly dont stop until something breaks.