Just a note about the service provided by DA. I sent in two DA50's I bought almost 2 years ago (#410 and 411) that I intend to use in a twin.

I sent them in just after Toledo (about the 5th of April) and got both back yesterday. They both wreaked of gasoline so I know they must have test run by them after the mod's....

I also received an invoice itemizing everything they did (cranks, bearings, and carb mod) and the cost to do the mod's. My cost however was a whopping 0$.

Just can't beat that!

I'm glad that they provided the invoice so that if I ever need to sell the engines I can prove that they've been upgraded.

DA's got my vote for #1 in customer service!

Gental Men: I've been following this thred for day's. I just joined RCU becouse I have a story you won't beleave. I have # 375 DA-50R wich I've been flying the ---- out of for almost 2 years now. When a good friend put me wise to this web, My DA has been dieing on touch down for about a year now and I though it was throttle linkage or something. I'm suprised at how many DA-50R's there are. So to my story, One week ago I had just compleated a HIGH SPEED pass in my Laser 2000, to here the prop tipes go super sonic and all of the sudden I hered a Thwack at the end of the runway at about 75 ft. I knew I was dead stick and turned to make a landing aproch. I landed safely, and when I got to my Laser I noticed that the Prop-spinner and ignition hub where missing. My buddy's went looking for my prop assy[&o].What happened is the piston rod let go at 7000+ rpm so the crank jamed when the rod let go and sheired the key at the ignition hub and end of the crank shaft. So in essents what I'm trying to tell you is the 50R has some ishuese. I sent my engine to DA yeasterday so we'll see what happens [&:] I here there's a 6 week back log at DA thought I'd shear my story.

I'm not sure about the 6 week back-log as I got both of mine back in two weeks just recently.

Boy I sounded like I was bashing DA last night. Not so I love my 50 so much so I bought a 100 for my 33% Aeroworks Edge 540.I agree on Desert Aircraft's customer service as simply the best. I hope it's only a two week turn around. Got to get ready for work now, see ya

I began feeling a play in my rod, told them what to do, they told me to send the engine for inspection ( for famous problem ). Despite what they told me, I continued to run the engine next day..... and broke the rod. Than I told them what I did, and send the engine...

What did they do ???

They repaired the engine UNDER WARRANTY, ADDITIONALLY changed the front and rear bearings, converted it to new style pressure setup, and send me back at no cost.

I think I will not buy any engine other than DA, no matter what I read anywhere.

I saw a copper clad rod on #207 of this thread, I wonder if it is indeed an up grade and if it will prove to be the answer to our problems with the DA-50. I hope so or I'm going to have to change my ways in the air[&:]

Yes it is.

I'm posting to say if anyone is still having a problem with their DA_50, get the carb modification.

If you have followed this forum, you will know that I had the quitting problem all along ... real bad.
The engine ran better after 5 to 6 gallons, but started giving me problems when I took it out this year.

Talked with DA, they sent me the mod.. The idle adjustment is as it should be , even idles good with a rich mixture.
No tail up problems ... engine runs G-R-E-A-T-T-T-T , not just good!

I'm new on this thread. My DA-50 runs great and it does not have any of the symptoms nor modifications mentioned. But it makes a louder "clanking" noise mainly at idle. I already sent the engine to DA and they replace the bearings and the rod, but the noise came back at the second tank run.
Is anyone else having the same clanking noise on your DA50's??

not sure when they did it but I was told they made more than one change to the crank I would call them and ask them if there is a update available to you

I'm trying to go to Gas now, and DA has fixed all the bugs with this engine right? I mean if I buy a brand new one, i should not expect any trouble with it?

That is correct.

No probblems here!

My Da is starting to make the "clanging noise" it has about 4 gallons through it. My buddies DA came apart a couplel weeks ago, Da fixed it and it sounds solid again.

Who knows if this is the end or not

John, not so! We have 3 DA 50's in our club, two self destructed and one is on it's way. I think most people are afraid to talk about their problems as they probably feel Da reads this thread (I"m sure they do) and they are afraid of offending the DA people right when they need waranty work.

From what I see, DA has excellent service, nobody has said otherwise. The engine itself is another story. Having great service when you have an engine with trouble is like a football team with a bad offense having a great punter. It keeps you in the game

I've got 2 of the DA50's, both have been back several times. Every time I call, they are very professional and courteous. I don't think they get offended by what's on RCU, as long as the poster is respectful and to the point, not slamming DA. It's obvious DA is concerned about their products and customer service by the way they have handled the DA50 problems. You just can't ask for any company to stand behind it's products better than DA has.........

Got 2pcs DA50 in my Ziroli P38
13 flights until now gives about 2-3 gallons per engine and they are just running perfect. Am I to expect any problems?

Heres a picture attached me holding the TX and the builder behind plane.

I wouldnt expect any problems..I have 10 gallons thru mine and not a hiccup..

Beautiful P-38!!! [sm=thumbup.gif]

Best of luck with it.

Bruce

Just listen for odd ticking noises at idle. If you have a bad rod it will give you warnings.

the engines say Click when i turn them but i havent noticed anything special when started.

My DA50 Experience.

I am an avid builder but sometimes I get a little slow on the building. I have an Aero-Works 29% Edge in the final stages of building. I have followed this engine thread for some time. However, I have not read every post. I have mounted the engine to the plane but did not make any linkage connections. After hearing of all the updates I decided to send my motor in for the modifications. I did this for two reasons. One, I don't want to have future problems and second, I want to aviod re-linking the servos to the motor.

I sent the engine in on 08-08-2005. Due to my close proximity to Desert Aircraft they had the motor on 08-09-2005. Today, 08-16-2005 I have my DA50 back in my hands. The engine has all the mods including a new crankshaft, a new connecting rod, a new front bearing, a new middle bearing, and the carb block mod. The invoice listed a cost of $199.00. What did I pay? $0.00. Keep in mind, I had a new motor and the people at DA could have just said run it until you have a problem but they didn't do that. They simply updated my motor with no questions asked. I can't think of a company providing as good of service as DA. The entire process was simple and pain free. Some day I will get into a larger model and it will definately be powered by DA.

Just my experience,

Phil

Did DA improve the crankshaft, conrod, and bearings on the DA50 ? What did they modify here ?

They did the rod first, then the rod bearing and crank/crank pin change, and pulse line. The last one's were done in March I believe. I've got 17 gallons though mine since these upgrades and still going strong.

Is that possible that the new version of the DA50 has less power but is more reliable than the old version?

A friend of mine has both engines and the first he got (older version) is much more powerful than the second (new version with "improved" carb block).