Can someone please help me. I have a Saito Golden Knight FA-100. Every time I try to start it with a chicken stickor a electric starter the dog gone thing wants to start backwards. I've tried starting it rich, lean, and one guy even told me to start it backwards, which I did and it did start backwards. It's awfull violent when this happens. Spinner and locking nut go flying off along with the prop. Ready to smash with a hammer! HELP!!

I thought I would ask if the engine was used when you purchased it?
Do you know if it was disassembled and reassembled before too?
someone might have put in a reverse rotation camshaft previously.

But I would start with checking the valve gaps first in case they gaps are way off.
If that didn't seem to be the problem...
Then you want to check the camshaft timing to ensure it isn't off a tooth or more.

What fuel are you using? How much nitromethane are you using. Some guys can have problems running 20% or more fuel in the engines. 5% to 15% nitro glow fuel is more than adequate for most needs.

Before trying to start it the next time set the LS needle 1/16th" below the flat surface of the throttle arm and the HS needle at 3 turns out fom gently closed. Do not prime firsr and then use the starter leting the engine pull the fuel up to the carb. Don't use the hammer on it, it is innocent.[8D]

You are likely getting fuel in the muffler either while filling your tank or it is siphoning in through the tank vent, this will cause a 4 cycle engine to want to start running in reverse.

Thank you for help. I'll try it.

The engine was used when I purchased it. I run 15% fuel. Will look into your suggestions and make the adjustments. Thanks

Now that you brought it up I do remember when I filled the tank the last time, fuel did come out the muffler. I will check my vent tube and make sure it is bent to the top of the tank. Thanks

It runs backwards even when starting it with an electric starter?

Yes, Even when starting with electric starter.

If you bring the engine down to Shelby just North of Mansfield, we can see what is wrong with it? My house should be easy to find if I send you my address?I have a big test stand and big starters, fuel etc.We can check the timing, look at the cam, whatever it takes.

Hoo Boy, that's hard to believe. Are you sure? I have an early vintage HC Saito .80 that ran backwards for a few second when I flipped it backwards too hard. But they'll usually loosen the prop nut if they kick back hard on the electric starter.

CR

Yeah, that is what the OP said in his opening post: "It's awfull violent when this happens. Spinner and locking nut go flying off along with the prop."

[quote]ORIGINAL: BigManue

Ready to smash with a hammer! HELP!!






I'd be glad to takethat pesky Saitooff your hands before you hammer it into submission.

If you don't beleave me come to my house and I will show you the gouge in my drywall in the garage.

Oh I very much dobelieve you.

I first got into 4 strokes back in the mid 90's with an OS .70. I had the settings so messed up and that poor motor would knock and throw the prop and make the most terrible racket. I can't believe it survived my stupidity. But do you know that that motor still runs well today.

I learned my lesson when buying a used engine. Always check out valve gaps, timing, etc,etc.

I picked up a used Saito 220. Figured I would give it a go without checking the settings. Well, after chasing after the spinner and prop a couple of times I pulled it apart and found the valves so far off it wasn't funny. Also found that during the violent backfires 4 teeth on the cam gear were stripped off.

After replacing the gear and adjusting the valves it runs like a top. But, the point is I now always check these things before firing it up.

Could it be as simple as too much throttle opening when you are trying to start it? My experience with Saitos is they want a low idle setting to start well. More throttle opening results in the experience you describe.

John C

Sounds like the exhaust is loaded with fuel to me. My 56 on my Clipped Wing Cub didn't want to run the right direction one day. I spent nearly an hour trying to get it to run and it usually fires up with a backwards snap against compression. Turns out I over primed it as fuel was running out of the muffler. After it dried out it fired up and ran great and did so the last time I had it out. Just a thought.