I'm sure by now you've noticed that I killed my bird today. I definitely don't want to kill my OS46AX, however.

My engine is covered in soft, wet dirt. There is a little dirt just inside my carb opening. Basically I was told today that I don't need to take the engine apart, and that dirt more than likely didn't get into the cylinder. I was told to clean it upside down, then remove the carb and blow air through it.

I don't really believe this, which is why I'm posting this here. I imagine you will tell me I should take the engine apart and clean it all out.

The only question I have about that is whatever the thing is that needs to be kept lined up - what is it, how do I recognize it, and what does it stay inline with?

Thanks for helping me in my saddened state.

Kat, sorry to hear about your plane. If it is any help, I'm five up on you now.

First, don't crank over the engine. The instructions to clean it upside down are good. Get a spray can of carb cleaner and blow the junk from around the carb, Don't blow into the carb though. Pull the back plate off and blow the carb cleaner through the crank flushing ot the carb from the back. Gently rock the crank back and forth while doing this and stop at the first sign of grit in the crank. Make sure you lube things up well before putting to cover back on. A good flush out with fresh fuel is a good way to finish up the clean out.

If you feel any grit when cranking it over after the clean out, or any at all moving the throttle, tear the carb down firat and then if you still have issues, tear down the enging. That is not likely necessary thought. As I said, I'm five up on you, including one into the pond. Only one needed cleaning in excess of what I described. Well a little more than cleaning. Photos below

Sorry again. Happens. The question is what did you learn from it. Every mishap has a lesson attached. What I learned a couple weeks back was 1. when setting up for landing in a strong down the runway wind, don't throttle back so much on the down wind leg. 2. when making the turn for final, don't go so far out.

3. when not following 1 & 2, don't turn down wind, you turn into a lawn dart at that point.

Don

Did dirt get into the engine thru the carb? If no dirt went thru the carb then your home free. You probably already know not to try to turn the crank if you did get dirt inside the engine. I normally hold my thumb over the carb opening and blow off the rest of the engine with the needle nozzle and air hose. If dirt did get inside then I disassemble the engine and soak/wash it in a coffee can and kerosene. If the engine is real gunky then I clean it in an old crock pot and anti-freeze.
The piston and liner have to be put back the same as they came out. I make a small scratch on the conrod but all you have to remember is on the front of the big end the hole is slightly beveled. DO NOT use anything to pry on the liner if it is stuck! Sometimes I insert an old copper glow plug gasket in the exhaust port and the turn the crank to raise the liner so that I may get a better grip on it with my fingers. I have not had my AX apart but if I remember right there is a small pin in the top of the case and a notch in the liner so that it will only go back one way on some OS engines. If I have told you wrong I'm sure I will be promptly corrected.
Hope I have helped a little bit.
Fred

Campgems,
Thanks. I imagine I can find a blown up image of the engine, and that paired with your advice should do me good.

Hmm, what did I learn...

I'm learning not to rush things. I need to ask people at the field about how to go about practicing landings when there are other pilots, and especially helicopters, flying at the same time. I wanted to bring it in, but hesitated because the heli flies right over the runway; I didn't want to screw him up. I learned that crashes happen; just after I started the maneuver, I imagined lady luck on my side, and thought I'd make it - I've made it every time before, even when the calls were close. I learned that I have a hard time predicting what the dihedral of a high wing trainer will do during all parts of a roll; it appears to be different when climbing, diving, stalling, etc.

I guess the big lesson is patience, and to breathe and relax when flying. And don't try to impress girls with my flying skills. (She was impressed, by the way) "Not bad for only a dozen or so days" she said.

Looks like it's gonna be ok. I took off the carb and it looks like nothing got in. Good blast through the rear with the carb cleaner should do justice.

Thanks so much guys. I just got my engine tuned up and leaned out last time out; had about 4 flights with it running really, really good. It sounded so good it made me laugh on take offs!