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[QUOTE=SrTelemaster150;12011131That engine was run with either excessive valve lash for a long time or it was over revved repeatedly. Either case would have the tappets slamming into the lobe ramps resulting in the abnormal wear patterns exhibited.[/QUOTE]
Sr...
You've piqued my interest on the valve lash issue. If I may, I'd like to dig a little deeper and see if you can offer further advice.
The 82 was my first Saito which I've been running since 2006. I learned early on (most likely in this forum) the necessity of closely monitoring the valve lash settings. As I recall, when the engine started very gradually to run rough awhile after it had been broken in, it was suggested that I check the valve specs. They were out of spec by a good margin, so that's what got me into the valve lash checking routine. Once I got it set properly (?) the engine has been running great. Of course that included regular checks of the valve lash. It was the need to replace the bearings that prompted this latest maintenance inspection that turned up the damage.
So my question has to do with what you meant by 'excessive valve lash'? I think I mentioned earlier in this discussion that I will try setting mine at .0015 as you suggested. Since I've been using .003 to .004 as a target in the past, do you suppose that over a long period of time (several years in this case) this could be the cause of the damage?
>> I've run Cool Power for years W/CDI in an FA-150. Much leaner needle settings than with GI
Sr...
You've piqued my interest on the valve lash issue. If I may, I'd like to dig a little deeper and see if you can offer further advice.
The 82 was my first Saito which I've been running since 2006. I learned early on (most likely in this forum) the necessity of closely monitoring the valve lash settings. As I recall, when the engine started very gradually to run rough awhile after it had been broken in, it was suggested that I check the valve specs. They were out of spec by a good margin, so that's what got me into the valve lash checking routine. Once I got it set properly (?) the engine has been running great. Of course that included regular checks of the valve lash. It was the need to replace the bearings that prompted this latest maintenance inspection that turned up the damage.
So my question has to do with what you meant by 'excessive valve lash'? I think I mentioned earlier in this discussion that I will try setting mine at .0015 as you suggested. Since I've been using .003 to .004 as a target in the past, do you suppose that over a long period of time (several years in this case) this could be the cause of the damage?
>> I've run Cool Power for years W/CDI in an FA-150. Much leaner needle settings than with GI

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The cam followers are a harder material than the cam, imo. It would be interesting to see pictures of those.
I agree with excessive lash and/or overspending the engine causing the repetitive damage to the cam.
If you are going to shoot armadillos, use a cartridge of decent power and hit the shell directly. A .22 will just bounce off. You can tell when the bullet hits the him and ricochets because the armadillo will hunker down and hit about 30 mph before you know it.
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[QUOTE=RH;12011495]Sr...
You've piqued my interest on the valve lash issue. If I may, I'd like to dig a little deeper and see if you can offer further advice.
The 82 was my first Saito which I've been running since 2006. I learned early on (most likely in this forum) the necessity of closely monitoring the valve lash settings. As I recall, when the engine started very gradually to run rough awhile after it had been broken in, it was suggested that I check the valve specs. They were out of spec by a good margin, so that's what got me into the valve lash checking routine. Once I got it set properly (?) the engine has been running great. Of course that included regular checks of the valve lash. It was the need to replace the bearings that prompted this latest maintenance inspection that turned up the damage.
So my question has to do with what you meant by 'excessive valve lash'? I think I mentioned earlier in this discussion that I will try setting mine at .0015 as you suggested. Since I've been using .003 to .004 as a target in the past, do you suppose that over a long period of time (several years in this case) this could be the cause of the damage?
>> I've run Cool Power for years W/CDI in an FA-150. Much leaner needle settings than with GI
You've piqued my interest on the valve lash issue. If I may, I'd like to dig a little deeper and see if you can offer further advice.
The 82 was my first Saito which I've been running since 2006. I learned early on (most likely in this forum) the necessity of closely monitoring the valve lash settings. As I recall, when the engine started very gradually to run rough awhile after it had been broken in, it was suggested that I check the valve specs. They were out of spec by a good margin, so that's what got me into the valve lash checking routine. Once I got it set properly (?) the engine has been running great. Of course that included regular checks of the valve lash. It was the need to replace the bearings that prompted this latest maintenance inspection that turned up the damage.
So my question has to do with what you meant by 'excessive valve lash'? I think I mentioned earlier in this discussion that I will try setting mine at .0015 as you suggested. Since I've been using .003 to .004 as a target in the past, do you suppose that over a long period of time (several years in this case) this could be the cause of the damage?
>> I've run Cool Power for years W/CDI in an FA-150. Much leaner needle settings than with GI
Last edited by SrTelemaster150; 03-27-2015 at 11:34 AM.

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[QUOTE=SrTelemaster150;12011528Setting the lash @ .003" or .004" in itself isn't detrimental as far as significantly accelerated wear. I just see little advantage in setting the lash on the verge of being excessive. On a medium size Saito single, the lash will increase by about .002" as the engine warms to operating temperature, so in theory, one could set lash @ .000" (cold).[/QUOTE]
What you've described here makes a lot of sense. It was a good while ago, but I do recall seeing a valve lash of about .008 to .010 +/- on an engine (both valves) when I first started to check it. It had to be this one. It had gotten to the point that it was running really rough and just resetting the lash cleared it up immediately. It was a good lesson learned. I'll bet you're right in that the damage probably occurred during that period. The up side is that it has been running great ever since even with the damage.
Right from the start I've been very particular about running the prescribed break in scenario, plus some, on a test stand for all of my engines. I haven't seen any where near that difference from the spec on the other Saitos I've broken in. Can I assume that to have an 82 as far out of spec as I experience on this one is unusual?
Good tips. I think I'll play around with checking the difference between the cold and hot settings too.
Regarding the glow ignition, do you have a preference on the different brands and models?
Rick...
What you've described here makes a lot of sense. It was a good while ago, but I do recall seeing a valve lash of about .008 to .010 +/- on an engine (both valves) when I first started to check it. It had to be this one. It had gotten to the point that it was running really rough and just resetting the lash cleared it up immediately. It was a good lesson learned. I'll bet you're right in that the damage probably occurred during that period. The up side is that it has been running great ever since even with the damage.
Right from the start I've been very particular about running the prescribed break in scenario, plus some, on a test stand for all of my engines. I haven't seen any where near that difference from the spec on the other Saitos I've broken in. Can I assume that to have an 82 as far out of spec as I experience on this one is unusual?
Good tips. I think I'll play around with checking the difference between the cold and hot settings too.
Regarding the glow ignition, do you have a preference on the different brands and models?
Rick...

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I just bought a saito 50 four stroke , I am pretty sure it has a 7mmx1 shaft I cant find a part number to order a prop nut, for electric starter, I don't need the heavy hub, that's what my search kept coming to, any one know of part number and where I can get it, horizon or tower....thanks
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MY preference for Glow Ignition us to replace it with CDI.
That being said, an FA-82 is getting a bit small to benefit from CDI as most airframes for that size engines won't have the space available for the ignition module & battery pack.
A 1/5 scale J-3 Cub would have plenty of room, but most 40 size aircraft are just too small.
If if you want to compare "hot" lash to cold, leave the rocker covers off after setting the lash cold. Fire the engine up & run it WOT for about 5 minutes. Shut it down immediately from WOT & check the lash. My FA-20Ti grew from .0015" to .0035" lash.
Never attempt to set the lash "hot" as there is too much room for significant temperature variation. Always set the lash at room temperature.

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Dan, I think .010" would almost let the pushrod fall out of the rocker.
http://www.horizonhobby.com/propelle...-short-dav8710 I don't know if this is aluminum or brass.
Sullivan Products has taken over Harry Higley, I have the LLK007 set it works pretty slick.
http://harryhigley.com/EngineAccessories1.htm
http://www.horizonhobby.com/propelle...-short-dav8710 I don't know if this is aluminum or brass.
Sullivan Products has taken over Harry Higley, I have the LLK007 set it works pretty slick.
http://harryhigley.com/EngineAccessories1.htm
Last edited by Hobbsy; 03-28-2015 at 01:38 AM.
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I just bought a saito 50 four stroke , I am pretty sure it has a 7mmx1 shaft I cant find a part number to order a prop nut, for electric starter, I don't need the heavy hub, that's what my search kept coming to, any one know of part number and where I can get it, horizon or tower....thanks
Adaptor nuts can be problematic when a starter is used on them as they tend to want to spin off.
Senior Member

Right from the start I've been very particular about running the prescribed break in scenario, plus some, on a test stand for all of my engines. I haven't seen any where near that difference from the spec on the other Saitos I've broken in. Can I assume that to have an 82 as far out of spec as I experience on this one is unusual?
Rick...
After your break in routine set the lash as it will increase the most during the initial run in. Check it again after a gallon of fuel has been run through & if it hasn't increased significantly, you should be good to go for many hours of run time.




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Next time maybe a 22 Hornet for a head shot. It's already a great day for mischief. A new, and big cat heard the bottle rocket streaking to his left due to sloppy aiming on my part, but he bolted left.

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I use Dubro prop spinners they come in 2 weights and pretty colours and best of all they have an engine guide on the back to tell you what size spinner you should use. And te cone on my Aign starter (a walk a bout one) fits nicely thank you

Hah! That's the rifle I used. I've had it 40+ years. I paid $40 for it new in a J.C. Penney's clothing store.
Next time maybe a 22 Hornet for a head shot. It's already a great day for mischief. A new, and big cat heard the bottle rocket streaking to his left due to sloppy aiming on my part, but he bolted left.
It went off a few feet over his head as he was galloping for cover. I could see smoke and bits of paper falling right over him.
Next time maybe a 22 Hornet for a head shot. It's already a great day for mischief. A new, and big cat heard the bottle rocket streaking to his left due to sloppy aiming on my part, but he bolted left.

Dave did you say you were going to test a 182 twin soon.Asking because i want to go back to factory needle settings on mine as i've been running mine in a h9 taylorcraft for about three years but have had a tuning problem lately,you know,you are in the shed after a days flying and well contented when you have a tuning brainstorm and change a setting because you know this will increase performance and therefore your enjoyment level..one to many beers for the hamster i'm afraid..

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I just traded an MDS 36 heli engine for a beat up 100. Could provide spares for my other 2 but had a boo and not as bad as I thought. The biggest problem was the rear bearing was toast and that's one I don't have in my spares. Nuts.
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I recently set up a brand new FA-100 W/CDI & it has an aluminum collet that keeps shifting throwing the timing WAY off.