I'll try to answer the best I can- I am wondering what is going on with question #1, because I thought that this engine (dl 50) had a rear carb, and would not be directly in the airflow... I run the toc 53 that Tom sells, and I have had some troubles along the way with airflow- I think possibly what might be happening is that there may be a low pressure situation in the cowl due to the prop disc covering the intake opening on the front of the cowl, and due to the fact that the bottom of your cowl is pretty closed up.. I would DEFINITELY open it up quite a bit more if I were flying it out where I am... (Palm Springs area, 120+* in the summer) I actually cut a hole in the side of the cowl where my carb was, and that helped, but didn't act the same way as when the cowl was off completely. I cupped my hand as to scoop air into the opening I had cut for the carb, and presto- it worked..... ...for me- this is quite odd, as I have never heard any other mention of this happening with this airplane.

The answer to question 2 is NO, it is too tight. the general rule is you want three times the exit area as the the intake area. ie; if you have a 1" square opening in the front, you want no less than a 1.5" square opening for the air to exit- 1" sq. = 1sq. inch- 1.5" sq. = 3 sq inch. etc etc.

For #3, I have a similar installation for the throttle servo, and have had no issue in 60 or 70 flights with that servo/linkage.

I would leave some slack in everything- You have to take in to account the G-forces that this plane can see- I would imagine it could be upwards of 10 or 15 G's
Just think, your 6oz battery could possibly weigh 3 to 4 pounds in a wall or snap roll. you know things will flex and move around a bit.

once again, I have 60 or 70 flights on this bird, and well, WHAT SCREWS? lol- They are not needed- at least I have not needed them, and even after a terrible crash, they are still quite solid!


hope this helps!