Kit just built and first time ran: questions before first flight
03-19-2005 | 01:51 PM
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From: Pleasanton,
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Kit just built and first time ran: questions before first flight
Hi all.
Well I got my 40 sized Fantasy out today for the first time and threw it on the break in stand for a run between the raindrops. The good news is the Saito 91 fired right up and ran like a champ. However there were a couple of things that happened I'd like your advice on.
1) Idle: At idle, engine seemed to run just fine. I tweaked it as low as I could before it started to spudder. At that speed, the plane was still being pulled forward with significant force. The only thing I can think is the 14x8 prop is just too much. If you think this might be the case too, recommend a prop size that might help the plane idle well, and yet still not taxi on its own.
2) Max RPM: the highest reading I got with my tack was 8200. I did have it set really really rich (2 1/2 turns out as per the manual) and I imagine this will improve when I tune it more and perhaps switch props. What RPM should I expect at the top end?
3) Locktite: What, if anything, should I Locktite down? The manual does not specify anything, but I've heard I should apply some to the exhaust system, since they like to blow off mid flight. Any thoughts?
4) Engine oil: since I've got the settings pretty rich for burn in after a single tank of running the fuse side and underside of the wing was literally dripping with Castor. My white plane was pink! There is no angle I can set the exhaust at to remove this as an issue. What worked on my 40LA trainer was a deflector tube. Can I use something like this on the 91 without a drop in performance?
5) Wing bolts: after a full tank of running and inspection I noticed one of the wing bolts was nearly 1/3 unscrewed. What can I do to ensure the vibrations don't knock those bolt loose during flight?
6) Velco: I've used velco to secure the Rx and battery to the inside of the fuse. This seems to work well, but I would like someone elses opinion. Will this survive and provide protection from the vibrations produced by the 91?
Thanks guys and gals. I really have and continue to appreciate all your help!
-JW
Well I got my 40 sized Fantasy out today for the first time and threw it on the break in stand for a run between the raindrops. The good news is the Saito 91 fired right up and ran like a champ. However there were a couple of things that happened I'd like your advice on.
1) Idle: At idle, engine seemed to run just fine. I tweaked it as low as I could before it started to spudder. At that speed, the plane was still being pulled forward with significant force. The only thing I can think is the 14x8 prop is just too much. If you think this might be the case too, recommend a prop size that might help the plane idle well, and yet still not taxi on its own.
2) Max RPM: the highest reading I got with my tack was 8200. I did have it set really really rich (2 1/2 turns out as per the manual) and I imagine this will improve when I tune it more and perhaps switch props. What RPM should I expect at the top end?
3) Locktite: What, if anything, should I Locktite down? The manual does not specify anything, but I've heard I should apply some to the exhaust system, since they like to blow off mid flight. Any thoughts?
4) Engine oil: since I've got the settings pretty rich for burn in after a single tank of running the fuse side and underside of the wing was literally dripping with Castor. My white plane was pink! There is no angle I can set the exhaust at to remove this as an issue. What worked on my 40LA trainer was a deflector tube. Can I use something like this on the 91 without a drop in performance?
5) Wing bolts: after a full tank of running and inspection I noticed one of the wing bolts was nearly 1/3 unscrewed. What can I do to ensure the vibrations don't knock those bolt loose during flight?
6) Velco: I've used velco to secure the Rx and battery to the inside of the fuse. This seems to work well, but I would like someone elses opinion. Will this survive and provide protection from the vibrations produced by the 91?
Thanks guys and gals. I really have and continue to appreciate all your help!
-JW
03-19-2005 | 02:11 PM
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From: Madison, AL
RE: Kit just built and first time ran: questions before first flight
I don't know any of the answers, But did youi 40 LA have idleing problems? Mine does and I can't fix them
03-19-2005 | 03:38 PM
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RE: Kit just built and first time ran: questions before first flight
Sounds like you are exspecting the new Saito to run good right out of the box. Its going to take you better than a gallon of fuel on the ground to get that engine to run descent enough to fly it, and it will continue to break in and run better the more you fly it. Saitos are great engines, but they take a little time and effort on the breakin process. Make sure you follow your manuals breakin procedure if the engine is new. You should start to see your idle and high RPM get a little better with each tank. Even a good running Saito can shake things loose. I usually drop a little drop of thin CA on bolts threads to keep nuts from vibrating loose. You can still get the nuts to break loose when needed using the CA. It just makes them less likely to vibrate loose.
