I ran my first tank of fuel through my new OS 55AX, mounted in my Phoenix Super Decathlon, today

Having experience from the 46AX (my first engine) I primed the engine with two flips of the prop, and she started up on the first flip with the glow plug installed, using a chicken stick. I performed OS' routine of running rich for one minute, then cycling between super rich and rich for 10 seconds at a time. Boy is this engine QUIET! It has a nice deep, 'throaty' sound to it, not typical of most of the 2 strokes I've heard thus far. I am simply amazed and baffled at how easy OS series of AX engines are to start and tune, and at how forgiving they are. I was not as nice to my 46AX as it was my first engine. I definitely ran it lean the first time I started it, but no damage done; my 46AX is the best running and most reliable engine at my field, probably until my 55AX is fully in service.

So my plan with the new engine is to run it for the first flight as rich as I can get it while being certain it's not too rich that it will quit in flight. I will run it this way for a few flights, then lean in out a touch, and progressively lean it out until I get a gallon or two of fuel through it. I guess this is where I could use some advice as to how long it should take to get the engine fully leaned out, and how many tanks between adjustments (2?). I bought a tach for this one as I want to do it right, though shouldn't need the tach for a few tanks as I'll be running pretty rich.

As with my 46AX, I am using fuel with a blend of synthetic and castor oil. I personally like the added protection of the castor during the break-in period, and am not so concerned with using castor once the engine has been run in. This is my own personal belief, and I understand there are many different theories on what type of oil to use.

Again, the AX series from OS is the best engine I've seen. I have an electric starter and have not once found the need to bring it out of my trunk. The combination of performance, reliability, and ease of use is simply unmatched.

I am PRAYING for no rain tomorrow so hopefully I can maiden my BEAUTIFUL Phoenix Super Decathlon and write about how much I love the plane, too