For those that don't like the FG series, don't waste your time reading/posting.


I'm considering changing out my Saito .65 I've had on a GP 76" cub on floats for an FG-14. I fly around Denver @5400' MSL and While the .65 has gotten me off the water, I like the idea of going gas and having the extra power to not worry about breaking free on calm days. I love the concept of the Saito FG series, I've been pleased with the limited experience I have with my FG-20 I found a good price on an FG14 today at a LHS and it was really tempting, only here's the kicker. I've gotten carried away (agian!) and just picked up a used FG36 and ANOTHER used FG20 because I couldn't pass on the prices. After a whole week of careful thought (tongue in cheek) I think I want to do a winter build of a 84" Tempest and shoot for 17-20lbs with the FG 36. I've been thinking a month or two on a ~120" Caribou for two of the FG20s (pretty sure it will be the C7 over a P61) for a 'future' build. That leaves an FG20 for something, maybe a heli conversion. Regardless, my question is this; Is the FG14 'worth it' to replace my .65 for flying my cub? I don't seem to take it out very often, but I've had it for ~20+ years and it's currently my oldest plane.

Sounds like you are a real "FG" man. You had better go for the FG-14

Unless I am reading your post wrong, you will have an FG20 "for a heli or something" left over. Why not put that FG20 in your GP 76" cub on floats, instead of either the .65 or the FG14? Then, when you want to, you can use that FG20 for something else.

Unless, you just want an FG14, then youi do not need to justify buying it, just do it!..

Sincerely,

Richard

Woah, way too much motor in that cub!

Thanks W8ye and Richard for the feedback!

I ran up the two used FG-20's I bought today for the first time to check them out. I sure love starting these things! I couldn't stop thinking about these two pulling that big DHC-4 I'm longing to build. I think part of my problem is I've been flying mostly electric for the last couple of years due to the proximity of the electric only field and I have really been missing running an engine.

As for the 36, the LHS didn't have a mount and trying to make one didn't work out this weekend so I'll have to order an actual Saito mount - Unfortunately because my original FG-20 was a first release and the others have been used, I didn't get a mount with any them. I'll have to order a mount in the next couple of days as well as a few spare plugs (broke one today). I may be satisfied once I get the 36 running, but that 14 is just such a great price @ $60 off for NIB.....

I have an FG14 in a H9 Pulse 60 and it is super reliable and with unbelievable fuel economy. I can't tune out a persistent miss at anything above idle, everyone keeps saying it sounds rich, but it doesn't seem to affect the reliability or power too much. If I lean it a few more clicks, it still misses but risks quiting. I'll keep flying as it seems to get better as I fly more. I suspect I'll need at least 4  hours on the engine before I can expect perfect tuning.

Try this, detach fuel nipple on carburetor. Apply some liquid gasket on the thread and reinstall it.

If it leaks, it will be very difficult to observe.