I've never heard of anyone having problems with the OS 1.60. they are usually fuel flip and fly...what brand fuel were you running? Usually 15% Nitro and an OS Type F plug and they will run forever. Probably the most user friendly 2 stroke I've ever seen. There are a lot of guys running them in competitive setups. I think you will run into vibration problems with the gasser. This plane is a typical ARF and if you get the weight up, and have vibration, it wont last long...it'll shake itself apart...

Arch