I'm ready to purchase an engine for my Aeroworks 29% Katana.I've been a 3W guy forever and have had no problems with them at all.BUT...I'm tired of the green M&M 's and now I want a red one (LOL) .I really want a DA but I remember a while back people having problems with the cranks breaking.Is this still an issue?Any other probs I should know about? Any advice will be greatly appreciated.Thanks in advance!
JC

I have two da-50's one is a year old in my 27% aeroworks ultimate 20-30 flights and is just awesome. The other is new with only a tank or two on a test stand for the initial break in / engine tuning and have had no problems. I would not worry about these engines the number on my second engine is something like 2450. Thants alot of engines with relativly few problems. DA will always take care of you if anything goes wrong. Break it in properly and give it ample cooling and it will run forever

Almost a gallon though this one and it is going strong.

I believe the problems have been corrected on the current engines.

My first DA-50 developed problems at about 20 flights. The folks at DA replaced the crank, rod and piston in the engine. They also did a reed cage mod. The current engines have the reed mod and the new crank and rod. The engine has run great since.

On my second DA-50 the ignition went out during the third flight. We have several DA-50s in my club and I was able to trace the problem down to the pick-up by swapping parts. I will call DA tomorrow and try to get a replacement under warranty. This engine was running very well for the 3 flights I had on it. This engine is on a pipe and the throttle response is excellent and power is great.

I too have always been a 3W owner, mostly 150s, until buying the DA-50s. I have had problems with 3W engines, although not as frequent, and would say that the products of both are very similar in quality, performance and service. There is no magical engine, they can both run excellent, give great service and they can both break as well. I would have no problem buying another DA or 3W, they are both great and I like having options.

Long story short, buy the DA-50, you will like it.

There were no more problems with the DA as there are on any other engine, and in fact, the so-called 'problems" were far more isolated than a lot of people would have you believe here on RCU. I would put money on it that a few people saw actual crank failures with their own eyes and the rest "heard" of them. I also would debate that prop balance and strikes had a lot more do with the failures than did the original crank design, but nevertheless DA stepped up and of course, no one has prop strikes and everyone meticulously balances their props.

I fly 3Ws as well - but also have DA50s for my 2 small planes - its the strongest and lightest 50cc out there bar none. I have an older one with 250 flights on it - original rod, original crankshaft. I also have a brand new one as well that has 30 flights on it.

I would not worry about any perceived "problems" .. if you want a DA50, just go buy one and fly it, chances are you will never have a single problem with it.. new crank or old and if you do ever have a problem DA will stand behind it better than anyone out there.

All engines are going have issues eventually, they are high maintenance items. If you look at the history of our model engines in general you will probably find 3W, DA, and Brison have the best records overall and that within the last 2-3 years there are probably LESS problems overal with the DA.

DP

Ive got almost 4 gallons thru mine and it hasnt missed a beat..Id buy another in a minute..

My DA 50 runs great. When I first received the engine it had the problem with being rich at idle so that if you lifted the tail it would die. Being an old ducted fan jet guy I set out to tune out the problem that so many here on RCU said couldn't be done. When adjusting the idle on ducted fan engines it may take an hour to get it perfect---I said perfect, not acceptable. I accepted no less performance from the DA 50. After making VERY fine adjustments and just investing a little time adjusting the idle needle, my DA 50 purrs like a kitten at idle and will NOT die unless I kill it with the throttle or kill the ignition. If I can adjust this engine---Anyone can!!! No engine I have ever purchased ran right out of the box without adjusting. It is as simple as adjusting the needles on you weedeater....

I would recommend this engine to everyone looking for a 50cc powerhouse.

Kevin

P.S.--I switched from a Mejlik 22/10 prop to one of Chip Hyde's 22/8 wood props and the performance difference is AMAZING!!! Chip's high performance wood props are made from a Brazilian wood that resists flexing. in my opinion, this is THE prop for the DA 50 if you are flying a 3D/aerobatic plane.

Guys,
Thanks alot for the input.I have too believe that some of the "problems" could have been self induced also. (break in,balance,etc.) .I'm gonna round me up a DA50 now that my mind is at ease.And again,Thanks for the input!!!!!!!!!!!!! Happy flying.
JC