I have an OS .46 LA myself and have taken it apart several times. Meanly everytim I had a crash when hitting dirt (from the fields around us) and the carb was full of mud/sand/dust, I would just take the whole thing apart to inspect and the clean out any dirt inside.

The LA series are very easy to take apart & put back together, so don't worry there.

There everything apart, clean everything very thoroughly (I use water & soap to remove the oil etc.) Then useing some paper towels, I make sure all parts are dry.

Then, inspect every part carefully (you now have the change sice they are all clean), especially check the crankshaft for bends (roll it left/right across the edge of a table and see if it "wobbles")

Also check the housing for any cracks.

There shouldn't be any excesive forward-afterward movements on the cranckshaft especially not with a prop mounted. When the prop is removed, there can be some movement, about 0,07 inch I guess, but surtenly not more.

Also, inspect the piston for scratches, especially if there was dirt inside. Your crash may have caused dirt to go inside the carb, and while running the first time after the crash it may have damaged the piston, making it run bad afterwards. Compression would suffer, and friction would go up because of these scratches.

If any part has visual damage, replace it with a new before reassembling the engine.

You're right about the LA's don't having any Ball Bearings.


P.S Took my OS.46LA apart 4 or 5 times using the method described above, and after 3 seasons it is still working good & reliable.

P.S. Don't forget to pour some oil inside the engine after reassembly, or beter, start it u and have it run for a few minutes. This way, any moisture left on the part will evaporate, and all internal part will become protected with some grease/oil, so thing don't start to rust