How do you tell if you have a current version model Saito engine or one that has been in the LHS cabinet for some time? Thanks for advance!

I don't know how you could, but from experience a relative of mine purchased a Saito .65 19 years ago and just last week put it on his sig astrohog. It started right up and runs great. One characteristic of that model though is the throttle was moved from one side to the other in that amount of time. I believe the muffler is different now too.

The carb/throttle setup is reversible, at least on my 180. The "current version" of the saito engines are now in a white box instead of the black and gold one of a few years ago. If it is a black and gold box version, I think there were two versions, one (I think...but not sure) had a shorter shaft than the other.

Thanks for the information. I just did not want to purchase one that had been on the shelf for a few years.

If it is in a Black and Gold box check the mounting lug for a "C". The First ones that Came out had an "A" stamped on them and had some Con-rod Problems.