I have a brand new ASP FS61AR (ringed) 4-stroke and would like to know the best way to break it in.

What little the "owners manual" says is that it basically only needs a brief bench run and that the low speed needle valve is factory set but may need minor adjustments.

I have closed the main NV and opened it 1-1/2 turns (as per instructions) and have run about 3/4 of a tank (10oz) thru it varying the throttle to simulate flying (if that makes sense).

I am turning and APC 11x7 and just want to make sure that I am doing this right. If any of you engine experts have some words of wisdon to share, I would really apprecaite it.

Thanks,

That will open up a can of worms. I just break it in on the plane. Fly it on the rich side and go. Bench running is fine but to me is a waste of time.

Get it fitted in your plane and run it in there.
As son as you get decent idle and reliable transition, fly on it and keep it rich for 10 or so flights.
Ringed engines often need more run in than others

Thanks gents for the input. I ran a little over a tank thru it and its going in the plane. I am suprised to hear that it should be run rich. Being as a 4S supposedly doesn't need as much lube as a 2S, I would think that running it rich would not allow the ring to seat properly with all the extra lube. But, since I am still learning, I will tune it for max rpm then richen it 3-4 clicks. That should be sufficient?

Thanks,

A two/four stroke engine with a ringed piston needs a slow, very rich break-in period to properly seat the ring. Typically I will run through a gallon of fuel on the bench with this type of engine. Some will say this is a waste of time/fuel...so be it. I'd bet you have 'dead-sticks' with a new engine you just 'put on the plane and run it', too. I NEVER have dead-sticks...period! A good bench break-in allows you to get the engine properly adjusted and tuned in order to run flawlessly once in the air.

Different strokes for different folks though.

It sounds like your doing a good job. If it's running OK....

....let her rip.....

Hello!
Just run it a little rich ...in the airplane.
A 11x7 is a little to small prop for this engine, you better use a 12x7 or a 13x5-13x6 APC.

Regards!
Jan K
Sweden