I have a freind that has a DA50 with 2 gallons of gas thru it. We cannot get the carb setup so the engine is reliable. If you have a DA50 and have it running good please tell me what your needles are set at.

Thanks,
Joe

Come on Man. All you DA50 guys out there and no one has one thats running reliably?

Joe

Joe,
I have just leaned my low end some from the factory setting. I've not spun them in and counted turns out. What is your friends engine doing? The only trouble I have is getting a really low idle but I've been told that it comes in later around the 4th gallon as the engine loosens up. Other than that it is runnng awesome. Call DA tomorrow and talk to someone if it really is messed up.

Joe

I have 4 DA50's and they all came from the factory set as follows: low end 1.25 turns out, high end 1.75 turns out. Those settings worked just fine but I did richen the high end by 1/8 turn on our first hot day because it was leaning out some on vertical climbs. The manual states you can start the low end at 1.5 turns out but I found that too rich for reliable starting and idle. With the high end set to 1.875 turns out I get some very minor hessitation during pre-flight throttle up but goes away during flight. After breakin I will lean the high end some. The plug after 20 flights was dark tan. The low end at 1.25 turns gives excellent transition.

On the first engne I had the low end needle back out after about 15 flights, don't know how and it has not happened since. Anyway with the low end backed out to about 1.75 turns, the engine would not start. After I set it back to 1.25 turns it started right away.

Follow the manual and start with both needles 1.5 turns out and go from there. This is the base #. I had to reset my needles after some problems and she's purring like a kitten now. I just started my 3rd gallon.

deputydog,
no doubt, that is good advise. I just finished my 3rd and things are really smoothing out. I finally have an idle that my plane does not walk away with. THis is one freakin strong 50. !~)

Joe

Mine is pulling the 18# Christen like a bat out of he--. I cant wait for the 24x8 prop to go on it!!!!

Mine too ! The MSC 22x8 prop has been working great. Will try a Meijzlik 22x10 next (still breaking the engine in).
I think the needle setting depends a lot on where you fly (altitude and and weather conditions). I am in humid and sea level Houston Texas, and I had to set both needles a tad richer from the original factory setting. Setting the needles shouldn't be any different from what you are used to with glow engines. I would also make sure to be able to access the needles through the cowling. Makes life a lot easier. I use a a 1/8" brass tubing that I flatened on one end to act like a screw driver. This way I can cut it to the length needed, and I only need a 1/8" hole in the cowl . Works like a charm.

I took a fuel dot and installed it in my cowl directly across from the carb needles. Pull the dot, VoilĂ*! access to both needles, dot back in easy as pie, no unsightly hole....
And FWIW, here in Washington, I had to richen my low speed needle a wee bit...1/4 turn fat from stock. Now after a gallon I'm getting terrific throttle response. (Not as quick as my Brison 3.2, yet[])
And to agree with the above this DA~ 50 rodds!!
4 or 5 snaps on the vert up line on my Wild Hare Edge, still pulls it outtasight.
Blasts outta hover..authority my arse, jumps out is more like it.

I had a Meijlik 22x10. nipped the tips, so I put a NK 22x10 from Wild Hare. Yep, its a stump puller. We just came back from a desert trip(dry lake bed). Flying 5:30 am till 6:30 pm. What a day!

I like that Mike. Good idea.