I have just finished my second gallon of fuel in my new Saito 100. I am running this engine on an UCD 60, and all I can say it is a fantastic engine. Started by following the break-in prochedure to the"T", I have gotton my low end down to 1900 r.p.m and the high end at 9600 r.p.m on a 16X4W APC prop (Peak at 9800 r.p.m). But I have two questions.

I adjusted the valves yesterday, and with this engine being inverted the valve covers were full of oil. But this was not clear oil but some rather nasty looking stuff. Is there any long term problem with this?

This Saito, when primed properly, will start on the first flip every time, but 6 times out of 10 it runs backwards. I am back flipping it, but it dosen't seem to make any difference. Your help would be appreciated.

Hooter, I also recently started getting that oil you describe, but only in the exhaust valve, after a crash. The engine seems to still be running fine though.

Also, the engine is mounted sideways on an Ultrastick with about 3 1/2 gallons through it with a 15x6 prop.

Hoot:

Sounds like your engine is doing fine.

Most Saitos don't oil the rocker gear at all well until they get really high time on them, the tappet fit in their guides is too tight for much oil to get by, and only a small amount passes through the valve guides

If you've not taken the covers off from new, and did the run-in on the plane, then while it was inverted running rich a great amount of oil could well have gone past the valve guides. With normal fuel mixtures a mich lesser amount will pass the guides.

Another case where there was a great accumulation of oil in the rocker boxes was cured by tightening the valve lash. If you set yours at 0.004" it will probably continue, setting the valves at 0.002" will decrease it, and give you better power also.

Back to the basic question. Don't worry about the appearance of the oil so long as you are using good fuel, and the oil getting into the rocker boxes wont hurt a thing. Not to worry about.

Bill.

Any ideals on the engine starting backwards? I am back flipping it, but most times it starts backwards. I can usually use the throttle cut and if I catch it just right it will kick back and run the right direction. I have read on some other threads that it can damage the engine.

Hoot:

As you get more familiar with the engine, and it gets more time on it, the backwards starting will go away - you'll get the knack of setting it just right, and off you'll go.

Damage from running backwards? Only if you let it keep running. You can cook the o-ring seals on the intake. Takes a while, though.

Bill.

Thanks, to everybody for all the information.

Mr. Robison,

Just an update, you are right technique is everything!! I only had two backward starts on Saturday and none on Sunday. The Saito 100 is a rock solid engine!!!

Thanks again for your help.