In all the years that I have been flying, I have never owned a 4 Stroke engine. When you fire one up before you fly, is it the same as a 2 Stroke? Do you tweak out the high speed needle valve and "Let-ER-EAT* or is there a little more to it. You always seem to get a few wrenches with a 4 Stroke, is there any PM to do on them? I never even thought to ask the guys at the field who fly them. I always chat with the 2 Stroke boys.

Zippi ... try this link as a guide, it is easy to run 4C, I just started and its about the same as 2C engines but need to adjust valve once in a while. Go to --> http://www.saito-engines.info/

Well, you can run a prop with a higher pitch or larger diameter than the comparably sized 2-stroke. The engine will run slower than that twostroke.

Yes, you have to adjust the valves about once a year. Maybe two years.

The real difference is the mixture. Don't lean a fourstroke out to get peak RPM. Find peak RPM, and open the needle until the engine loses RPM. Then just lean it enough to get your RPM back.

Make sure the jam nuts on your exhaust are tight. Check them every few flight, they work loose. Better yet, use some siicon sealer to keep them tight.


Good luck,
Dave Olson

Thanks guys. Might have to check into a 4 Stroke this summer.

As far as adjusting the valves goes, Only do it if the engine is acting funny. I have many 4-strokes, and have had them for many years, and I only ever had to adjust valves once.