RE: u-can-do 60
 

Cumn thru! I just want you all to know I have been reading these threads for some hours now ( ha ha Not working) and am so glad to hear all the good info and info to help me prepare my UCD for flight! Joe I do have a question about the Saito engine going inverted as well as do I need a pump with this set up? Thanks again I have enjoyed it all the way! You guys kill me!

Chuck

RE: u-can-do 60
 

If you can lower the fuel tank level somehow to line up the tank center to the carb, then you won't have the idle load-up symptom that seems to happen to some of us with unpumped Saito 100. Mind you, the carb faces up when the engine is mounted inverted.

I have a Saito 100 currently in a H9 P40, and the tank center pretty much lines up with carb, and it runs fine inverted. It does still load up during idle a little bit, but nothing that causes hesitation or flame-out.

RE: u-can-do 60
 

Seanychen, Thanks for the advise! I have read so much on the UCD it is beginning to make my head hurt! I am about to get the set up process going on my current project and have been checking out all the info folks are saying to make it handle and fly better. So far I have come up with re-enforcing the landing gear (build up and to make sure I install the easy fueler up higher than the carb! I want to do all my modifications before I get it flying so I can just pack it up and go to the field and have fun! I had a tough decision to make as far as which engine to pic! Locals told me to go with OS or TT and some refered to Saito as the crown jewl so I researched and read so much on the site refering to the Saito FA100 it was a done deal. Again thank you all for keeping this thread going and I am going to get it started this week as the motor gets here. Good luck and fly low to avoid the radar!

Chuck

RE: u-can-do 60
 

Chuck, the S 100 is a good choice. I see you have done your homework regarding the position of the quick fuel valve. Many have found to simply raise it up from a too low position. Also, if need be, there is approxamatly 5/8 of an inch in there, if you would like to lower the tank right from the get go.

On the LG block you don't have to go overboard on it. You will find a full former at the front of the wing, where the wing dowels insert. Forward of that, there is a half former. Between the two formers you will find the LG block, sandwiched between the two. There is one piece of tri stock, from the factory, attached horizontally, joining the LG block to one of the formers, You can feel it with your finger. My recomendation is to add one more piece of tri stock, horizontally, to the other former. Test fit to see that you don't cover the tee nuts, for good reason, which I will explain in a minute. Now cut four more pieces of tri stock and fit them in the cavity, vertically, in each of the corners. Again, this is done by feel or trial and error to get the right length, as I do not remember the dimensions. Finally, you will see where there are two pins, or dowells going through the two formers and the LG block, front to back. Drill and insert one more dowell between the two existing ones. I found this to be very strong and light.

Back to the tee nuts, You don't want to cover them or glue them in, as I found that the simple tri stock mods were so strong that on ocassion I would snap the threaded tube of the tee nut from the retaining washer and would need replacement. Its a gentle balance, too strong and a mishap will do unescesary damage to the fuse. Too little and you will knock off the UC, but thats what it was designed to do to save the fuse. Good luck with the build and enjoy. Joe

RE: u-can-do 60
 

Joe,
Thanks a million and yes I will do as you said to stregthen the landing gear. Do I need to do any other work to the wing? Glass the middle top and bottom? So no pump needed on the saito 100 Great to hear! This im my first 4 stroke and I am still feeling my way around. Going with the CF push rods and the recomended servos but not on the Rudder. I am thinking I will need to increase my fuel tank from the size it came with as well. Any suggestions? Seems like I have tons to do BUT time well spent before might make it a very dependable plane. Joe if you ever get down south here to Hurricane alley look us up here in Ft Walton, we have a great field and good folks like you willing to get out and provide options to folks, makes the art of flying even better!

Any other advise would be greatly appreciated and as I progress I will attach photo's to show my status. Just wish I had not quit the hobbie back in 92! But hey back in the saddle and soloed on the 3rd flight! Getting back in the groove and havin a blast! Thanks again!

Chuck

RE: u-can-do 60
 

No need to work on the wing as it is very subtantial right out of the box. The supplied fuel tank is ample in size and the S100 is good on fuel consumption. A fuel pump has its advantages, so don't rule it out. I tried a cline regulator and was dissapointed. It worked well, but I like the pumps better. It gives you the option of placing the tank on the CG. The Cline Regulator is set for 'general atmospheric pressure' without the ability to adjust it. Long story short, if the outside pressure changes, your needle settings change.

I did use 'Dubro' nylon pinned hinges all around and am very happy with them. I still have the stock tail wheel on the tail and it is holding up remarkably.

Thanks for the invite, I'm still working on the last one from Ole' Stoney and he is now moving back up north. If I came by he would never forgive me. Joe

BTW, I think the most important aspect of my LG mod is the one piece of tri stock, installed horizontally and the one additional dowell. The four vertical pieces in the corners were for my own benefit.

RE: u-can-do 60
 

Joe,
I was reading another thread and well I have a question about the Saito engine I just ordered.... Is there a problem with the bearings I need to be aware of? I hope I didnt just blow my money! I am not too sure if it was an old thread (back when the 100's were new to the market) Hope that they are all that cause that is more than I wanted to spend on an engine! Thanks again for the help! Oh yea I run Cool Power 15%, I was told that would be plenty and would lube everything just fine by other members flying the Saito's in my club. Please let me know if I need to sale this engine before I start it up!

Chuck

RE: u-can-do 60
 

Chuck,
I had my Saito 1.00 bearings on a UCD 60 fail after less than 6 gallons.
It was the retainer in the rear bearing that let go.
Horizon warrantied it and it feels smother and quieter than when new.
Makes me wonder if I didn't have a defect to begin with.
I run 25%nitro Sig 20% oil 50/50 synthetic/castor.
If I ever suspect the bearings are going again I will replace them with ceramic from this source.
http://rc-bearings.com/
Paul is a great guy and I have ordered 4 sets of bearings from him for various old O.S. and Enya engines.
Good luck with yours.
I'm sure it will run fine.
Just pay attention to it.
JLK

RE: u-can-do 60
 

Err, uhm, ahhh.....................yeah, lost my bearings on the third gallon. Bearings, cam lobe, tappets. Ran 30% on the reps advice as the oil content is higher. No warrenty for not useing after run oil, or should I say for admitting I didn't use it. Regardless of what the problem is, if they find rust in the case your on your own. That was two years ago and hopefully is not an issue now. Quite a few @ the field and a bud has one that he has been flying for two years now without a hiccup. Bought mine when he did so they were awfully close in production runs. Joe

RE: u-can-do 60
 

Joe & Jlkonn,
Thanks for the info and the web site, good info! I will try and learn to tune my ears as time goes by to the set ups of my motors! Again thanks and I will press on with it! The reason I went with the Saito is because 1) it has more power 2) I read it could pull the UCD better verticle 3) because I heard Saito was a very good 4 Stroke brand. SO there you have it !
Later guys and thanks again!

Chuck

RE: u-can-do 60
 

I don't know about ears. Early on I used to tune by ear, lean is mean. Thats why mine went. Get a tach, don't try to squeeze every last ounce out of the motor and a good smoke trail means its happy. Good luck, Joe

RE: u-can-do 60
 

No warranty for not running after-run oil? That's a whole bunch of nonsense. It certainly didn't come across to me when I bought it or when I read through the manual. I think it's just a way Saito cheaply opts out of warranty replacement for a defective batch. In some cowled application, it's a pain to even get to the glow plug, so using after-run oil is a difficult practice for some. I do run my engine dry at the end of each flying day, so to prevent rusting. For one thing, YS does not require or recommend using after run oil (unless it's the kind that does not ruin the seals). So I don't see how Saito should admit their bearings are inferior to those of YS's, although they probably are.

I've never had Saito bearing failed. But it's probably because I have not had a Saito for more than 5 gallons. That's the downside of having too many engines. They do start to sound noisy when dry; the noise goes away when engine is lubricted with fuel. I notice the same sympton with my OS engines. I'd say it's the cost reduced bearing showing its true color.

RE: u-can-do 60
 

Call me a fool, but I ordered a Super Tigre 2300 (23cc or 1.4 ci) to power my UCD 60. I've watched a friend fly his with a Saito 1.0 and was disappointed by the power. I currently have a Twist with an O.S. .61FX and the power is FANTASTIC! I'm not planning on flying this thing all out, but I do want the power to do the things the Twist can do. Has anyone out there heard of this combo w/18x6 MAS? I'm also using home-brewed skis with dual batteries. Comments and/or jeers? And to think I once lambasted a guy for even suggesting a .61 on a Twist and here I'm putting a 1.4ci on a UCD60! Live and learn. Peace

RE: u-can-do 60
 

Joe,
Update on my UCD! Been busy with some projects BUT thought I would share this with you all! Inspected the landing ger set up on the UCD and there is allready 2 ea pieces of tri stock glued in there as you described, Also there are 2 ea wooden dowels very small like a 1/16th drillied and glued in there as well! Much to my suprise it looks like it has been done for me! I guess theye are seeing its problems too! Maybe they are reading the threads as well? One never knows! Mybe you work for them! Maybe I do! Ok getting too weird I know! But all looks well and I am going to mount the new Saito 100 to a test stand and break it in possibly tonight! Bought some Omega 15% (20% lube Castor/Syn) and yea I even got some Marvel Air tool oil for after run Etc. Again thanks all and I am getting excited about this project! I have a Bipe on the way so I need to get this up and going soon! Cheers guys and thanks so much for the great info! If there are any other tips please let me know!

Chuck

RE: u-can-do 60
 

Chuck, just put one more dowel in between the two exsisting ones and your good to go.

Downtrodden, let us know how it all works out. I have a YS 110 in mine and its 'all that'. Joe

RE: u-can-do 60
 

Joe,
Gotcha! Will add one more in the middle and call it good! Ran the Saito last night for 12 Minutes then it got too dark out side to efficiently use my Tach. Ran it slow and easy and very rich. I thought (there I go) that the high speed needle would be already set at 5 turns out....Well after a few minutes of no fire and fingers getting tired I looked to see if I was moving fuel at all! Opened it up and she fired right up! Quiet and tough sounding!

I have another guy here locally that said I should put a intake extension on it as well as a Bru-line filter to aid in fuel consumption and to keep trash out. Any input on this? Are practical engine RPM'S 2-11K? I might have gone a little above 4K but tried to keep it low and wet for the first run. Going to fool with it more tonight! Also the intake seemed like it was condensating on me last night! Don't know if it is the humid weather down here or just the way it operates? Again thanks for your help and advise!!

Chuck

RE: u-can-do 60
 

Merci! It all came in today and an 18x6 prop has to weigh half a pound itself!!! The ST 2300 will fit nicely under the cowl and I believe I have enough clearance as well. BUT THE SIZE OF THE PROP!!!! The thing is huge! No, I'm not having second thoughts about the whole deal, but did I mention that the prop is monstrous? The G2300 will have max revs of around 11,200 rpms so the thrust ought to be there. Definately have to use two-4/5C 2000 mAh batteries behind the cockpit to balance out 38 ozs of engine though. I've never been so excited about witnessing flutter (due to over-powering) in my life! I doubt that my starter will even turn this thing over. If this thing don't tear itself apart, its going to be a BLAST! Peace.

RE: u-can-do 60
 

Acro Joe,
Havent heard from you man! Hope all is well there stranger in a strange place! Downtrodden! Merci the power! Flames will be flying on your rig like Acro Joes Mono coat job on his UCD! Be careful but have fun!

Cheers guys!

Chuck

RE: u-can-do 60
 

Chuck, you need to go to the glow engines section and join club saito, there is a great amount of info on the engine you just purchased, and one of the best saito guys around also is from Mary Esther Fl, his name is William Robison.

hey Guys, just waiting on my 125 for my do and it shall rise again:)

RE: u-can-do 60
 

gjeffers,
Gotcha brother! I called William Robinson a few weeks ago and we talked, he is awsome and very nice to talk with. Outstanding knowledge on these engines and very helpful too! Its always nice to know ther are folks out there that want and can help though! Even you all the way out there in Cali! I grew up in S. Cal (Downey) but in time moved on! Uncle Sam keeps me moving all over the place (sometimes not so nice places) but it pays the bills and I can't complain! Thanks again Brother and yes I am in Club Saito # 158 I believe!

Chuck

RE: u-can-do 60
 

The Resurection is complete, will break in tomorrow and fly this weekend, this plane has hung on the wallfor over 9 months, it deserves to come to life:D

RE: u-can-do 60
 

Gjeffers,
Looks good! Is that an Saito 125! So I take it you fly the .46 and have flown the .60 before? I am waiting another week till I start my .60 (family will be out of town) so I can put it all together! Then maybe get in the air and test it out, kinda would prefer to let some one who is better to take it up and trim her out before I do it! All is good! Well yours looks great and let us know how she flies! Hopefully I will be out this afternoon flying a different plane (been a little windy here) So Good Luck!

Chuck

RE: u-can-do 60
 

I've been here from the start and lately havn't been getting post notification. Subscribed and all that.

Com'on Gary, get some fuel through that 125 already!!:D Joe

RE: u-can-do 60
 

:)Chuck381...
Bring your UCD60 out to Idaho...I'll do the maiden for you. I'm experienced. I've crashed 5 UCDs collectively.
They are great fun.
Thanks
Barry

RE: u-can-do 60
 

Chuck,

I'm bringing my family to Ft Walton June 3rd thru 9th and would like to see the field/have a place to slip off to when I've had enough beach. Give me some more info & I'll give a visit.

Hey guys,

Thanks for all the great advice here.

I crashed my 1st U Can Do 3D - 60 near X-Mas in a lake at my field - Deadstick out of fuel. The plane was my favorite everyday flier with a couple of hundred flights on it. See the crash story in the crash section - long story.

My wife is hiding (don't ask) my replacement one in the closet to give me for my birthday tomorrow. I will power it with the same MDS 68 (good power - not overpowered).

The reinforcements on the LG is definately going to happen (again) as well as using a sullivan tailwheel bracket.

I epoxied CF tubes over the stock rods to stiffen them and it was a great/cheap improvement.

All else has been acceptably strong. I did tear up the wheel pants thru abuse, but overall they held up better than most would expect.

Cheers
Eric