ORIGINAL: larry@coyotenet
I am interested in your comment about the tapping of the screw holes. I too have noticed that Chinese mfg components that have tapped screw holes seem to be 1/2 size too big. I have gotten into the habit of retapping the screw holes to the next size std thread and using replacement screws and setscrews. Just looking at the pictures of the Chinese engine and the G-62 it is obvious the metallurgy in the clone is inferior. Having the opportunity to examine a couple of the cheap engines in our club which have failed after just a few flights I am amazed that they ever ran! One characteristic of these engines (various 28 and 50 cc clones) that I have noticed is they all slow down in the air and are running at quite a bit less rpm by the end of the flight. I attribute this to bad tolerance control that tightens up after heating up but maybe its also inferior metallurgy and machine work. Makes me wonder why people put up with such shoddy workmanship, but I guess that cheap overcomes good all the time. i don't understand the logic of modelers who think buying three crappy engines instead of one good one is economical!!!
Larry
You have a good point, this was my first impression on the motor with screws. I only purchased this engine to try something new and see if I am missing something. I can easily find a used Zenoah for around 200-250 this one I got for 200 includes the muffler and mount... (though its been molested by the previous owner it still runs great, just needs my attention on the carburator). I know the Zenoah can take a beating... and its a risk I took buying it used. If the RCGF goes bad I have spare waiting to be mounted.
So far however 40 minutes of run time, not single problem on the RCGF 62. I had more to learn when I ran my first big Moki long time ago and most of it was user error. Maybe experience helps with some of these shoddy work but for someone new... I can only wish them luck or find someone like Henry that can help. Only advices is to make sure you have US warranty, Ebay or buying used is a big risk.