Hello-

I have the same head. I ran into the same problem. The mixing lever's on the washout had to be drilled to execpt the pin's too. This is the third or forth head I've assembled, so I just used my best judgement. I noticed the binding too. I used thread lock on every part I could. I tightened everything to the limit. After a slow run up, I spooled it up to maybe a 1/4 throtle and moved the swash plate around it limit's. Then it seemed to loosen up alot. I've put maybe ten flight's on it and it's right were I want it, as far as binding and free movement. Just assemble it well and break it in well. It will be fine. This is my first metal head, so don't take my advice to the bank. This is my experience so far. I'm looking for the metal flybar control rods. Does anyone know were I can find a set? The package said " complete metal parts from the swash plate up." Well, I think the control rods classify as such, don't they?