ORIGINAL: teufelhund
Hi guys, I hope someone can help me out here. I have a US 41cc gasoline engine mounted to the new GP Aeromaster bipe. The engine has a spring starter and is brand new(old stock). I purchased it from a member here on RCU a couple years ago. My question is why is there so much runout on the crankshaft and if this is common on these engines. I can hold the prop in the 12-6 o'clock postion and move the top of the prop at least 1/64''-1/32'' back while pressing on the top blade with my hand. I do know that it starts very easily and runs great with no adjustments to the carb whatsoever. I have also noticed that it seems to run very smooth until 3/4 throttle, then the plane shook so badly it loosened the 4-40 socket head cap screws holding the N struts in place to the point that I lost 4 of them along with the lock washers and flat washers for the N struts. By the way this engine is hard mounted to the firewall. I appreciate any help someone can give me. Thanks, Ben
I had a 41 on my TFGS P-51.. Not a powerhouse, but did fly the plane acceptably....until.....flying straight and level when the crankshaft broke completely off the motor just behind the flywheel......absent the 5" spinner, 18/10 prop, and the flywheel, the plane shot straight up, and only blind luck and an excellent pilot saved it with a wheels up landing....I had purchased the 41 new from Bennett, who refused to have anything to do with repair or replacement.......My advice, get a Zenoah G-45 and enjoy years of dependable flying....