I'm in need of a little insight, from those of you with experience as I have very little exposure to gas engines in our hobby beyond a converted G26.

I have a new 3W80xi, upon unpacking and inspecting it I noticed in the casting of the head, near the base of two cooling fins there are a couple of casting imperfections which have left small holes, a few millimeters wide, in two different spots.

In the fin itself I would think nothing of it, but since this is at the base of the fin, along the outer cylinder wall, I just thought I would ask all of you with experience if I have anything to worry about.

Photos please---

The location and size of casting holes can be important - or of no consequence - If possible a clear high resolution photo can be very helpful (example)

I knew that was coming, thanks for responding and please check back on here Monday, I will have replied with a couple good pictures for you.

We've had a rash of casting problems with 3W-106s around here (3 of 5 at our field this year). After the engine is fired up, you can see the case oozing goo from the imperfection. One guy fixed his by applying JB weld (runs fine). The next send his back and had the case replaced, then sold it and bought a DA. The third engine has been parked with a disgusted owner.

Another member of our club had the case fail in flight, as in it broke apart, on a 3W-150.

Mine is one of the non-leaking 106s and runs fine, I feel lucky!

Ernie,
Germany used to produce quality products. Since they went socialist, they have had a skilled labor problem. They still do make a lot of good stuff through. I bet I'll get hammered over these coments.

Dave

Ja doch

This is one the reasons why i sold my 3W80XI and switch to ZDZ. More power, better casting for the super ZDZ RVJ.

For the kind of money a 3w engine costs it should be perfect. There is no excuse for casting flaws getting past quality assurance, skilled labor shortage or not. The casings should never "hit the street' if there are imperfections. A sudden decrease in sales will solve the problem. My 2 cents worth.

Regards,
doubledee

I have one 3w150ts and one da100 and another da100 arriving this wednesday.

A milled block of metal beats a casting any day.
Just my opinion and 2 cents.


edit
I have called both on questions and they both have been very helpfull.

AMEN to that

All bar stock engines, are few and far between---
Even the drag race Chev performance blocks are cast in China ----as are the cranks
Bar stock is nice -just not as handy for some things -----
A Tee Dee was my first one

Hey Dick, my aluminum "Chevy" block is not made in China, but in Arkansas. Maybe it would be cheaper if it was made there!!! Back to the original question, they have had issues with casting imperfections, all corrected, at least my 157 is smooth as glass. My 150 with crappy looking casting is fine. I wouldn't worry about ones on the cylinder that you describe, should be fine. My 80 is the same way and it's good to go

In recent years, 3W has had some problems with porous castings. Also, they have designed a minimum amount of metal in the case to keep 'em light. The combination of porous castings and thin metal some times leads to leaky cases. The latest 3W engines have better looking castings, so I think they got the message.

A buddy just showed me his barstock milled engine, a 3M Mintor-110. They even machined the exhaust headers and tuned cans. Very pretty engine, but it hasn't been fired up yet. They also say it has a "lifetime warranty".

Hey Guys, I posted the original comments for help. Thanks for the replies thus far. I did the best I could with a few digital pictures. Please see attached and let me know what you think!

That one-- I would expect you never have a moments trouble from it
whre the problem really exists - on engines -- is when the porosity and some folded casting flow linesor voids show up around the base of the jug - the mounting points can fail .

If it is a gas inclusion bubble with smooth walls, nothing to worry. If the bubble walls are grainy, it may be different, but it is not a strength issue. I would advise to notify the importer, check the jug inner liner and just run it if the importer agrees with that. If the metal turns out to be porous at that spot, it will show up soon enough, and the importer will be the man to contact first. He will be in touch with the factory about the items he sells, and may set you up with a replacement.
A forum is a place to help each other. It does'nt do any good to vent engine flaws in public. A top brand will get hammered without having a chance to set things right first. Nobody will gain from that. Nobody.

I'm in no way hammering them. I just don't know due to my own lack of experience with these larger gas engines, if I am noticing an imperfection that can cause a problem, or something that makes no difference at all, that is why I posted on here. I have been in contact with both Bobby and Gerhard, they have been sent the same digital pics. Whatever needs to get handled....will. I just thought I would tap the experience of those on RCU that might ease my curiousity in the meantime. Thanks all who replied!

Just an FYI for anyone that has followed this little thread, once Bobby got a digital picture of the casting imperfection, he's replacing the Cylinder, no further questions asked.

great service! To me it looked like a smooth , small gas bubble - I would have run it first -

well, I know they run em before leaving the factory...and I have no issue with visual imperfections. I just wanted to make sure things were cool before assuming I know what I am doing... So, I am leaving this in the hands of those that know better, cuz I am brand new to this one. You can imagine in my shoes, a quick response saying to return that cylinder, and a new one is on the way...almost supports my suspicious fears...lol

I just wanted to make sure no-one misunderstood my comments and related them to service in any way, and that positive customer service is being reported as deserved.

arobatx---You did "Just Fine", & I'm happy that they are taking care of you!---Have fun!!---

That is good news.