Bought a Wildhare extra 260 with a DA50 that the previous owner stated had about 3 gallons through it.After running it for about an hour on a stand,I thought I was ready to put it in the air.Mid range to high throttle ran perfect,but at low throttle,it wanted to die and later after I landed,it was put back on the stand and without moving the high speed needle,I began to lean the low end and it was getting better.When it finally was running the best at mid-range and below,I had leaned the low-end needle over 1 full turn from the factory suggested setting.Should I be concerned about this or is it normal to have to lean the low-end this much.It's running much smoother and has a much better idle now.BTW,the engine has a TBM wrap-around pitts muffler with a 22x8 carbon fiber prop.Thanks

The low needle is typically at a lower setting than the high. Whether it's correct or not depends a lot on how much each is open. The low needle can impact fuel delivery all the way up to 4,000 rpm or so in some cases, while the high needle position can influence the low side performance if it's open too much. Factory suggested settings are those recommended to simply get the engine started. They are not flight tune numbers. All engines use a factory setting as a needle location that will let the owner start the engine in preparation for further tuning. Typically that setting ranges from 1-1/4 to 2 turns open for both needles, with 1-1/2 turns open on both needles as a very successful starting point for most carbs.

Last time I knew the DA factory needle numbers they were around 1 5/8 low? Maybe 2 high? I left my high alone and tuned the low to around 1 1/4. No way could I go 1 turn leaner than factory low needle. It wouldn't even start. 1 1/4 low was perfect. At 1 5/8 it would barely transition, then it would gobble 20 ounces of fuel in less than 8 minutes. If it runs good just leave it. The factory low setting was always way too fat for me....on my one DA-50.

flyerdave

I have a WildHare Extra 300, DA50, Slimline wraparound muffler turning a AirWild NX 23x8 prop.
Factory needle settings are, low- 1 5/8, high - 1 7/8.
Mine runs great at low - 1 1/4 and high - 2.0.

waht kind of oil are you guys running and what ratio

what is your idle speed

go to this website and adjust your needles as directed... you will have the best running engine at your field. Original setttings are just to get the engine to start and run''
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http://indianatinygas engines.com/page3.aspx</strike>

Cheers

len

sorry here is correct address I inadvertantly put a space in the previous one

http://indianatinygasengines.com/page3.aspx

len

I've seen that before. Run the engine wide open on the ground for one minute? No thanks. If it leans out during that one minute time, richen the low needle? Ok. Hmmm.

Nothing personal against you but that tuning doesn't make total sense. I read it years ago and it keeps getting published all over the place.

" If it runs good just leave it. The factory low setting was always way too fat for me....on my one DA-50. "

There will always be subtle variations engine to engine. My factory settings were at 1 3/4 Lo, and 2 for Hi. At these settings it turns a 22 x 8 Zoar at 72,000, and will idle all day at 1,500. Transition is smooth without hesitation, and I've never flown long enough to run out a 24 oz tank.

Joeairport gives sound advice .......... " If it runs good just leave it. "

Ed

Do yourself a favor and call DA get the part number for the carb, then go to the local mower shop and get a carb kit and change the diaphram gasket only. it`s easy four scews and five minute, regardless of how many gallons are through it . if it has been sitting for a little wile that gasket is shot! if the engine wont hold a tune i bet thats what it is the carb kit cost about 10 buck`s!

While you're at it replace the pump membrane that's on the other side of the carb...it's only one screw.