I''m a long time fan of OS MAx engines (since 1978 !) and have purchased numerous different sizes over the years and have had very few problems - I always reccommend OS to fellow modelers. I recently purchsed a new .91FX from Tower on 1/05/08. I installed the engine and have startyed flying it and have only approx 1/2 gallon of Byron 15% (18% oil) glow fuel through it. I ALWAYs run it dry before storage and use after run oil religiously and plug the exhaust and intake. It''s never been in wet conditions such as rain, etc....Also, I live in southern AZ so the humidity is natually low here.

I recently noticed that the engine felt "rough" and suspected a bearing issue. Out of curiosity I disassembled the engine and was shocked to see lots of rust. The rear bearing is very rough feeling when spun. I cant image that the rust developed due to improper maintenance on my part based on my post-flight regime. I''m thinking that it existed prior to my purchase and worstened in spite of my post-flight care but do not have evidence of that.

I also had a similar situation with a new .46AX....same looking rust deposits after only a few months. At this point I''ll be pulling the backplates to check for rust after delivery.

Have you been seeing many new OS engines experiencing bearing issues lately ?

I cant think of anything I can change on my side. Suggestions ?

Thanks, Eric