Jesse Open

They hold up well. Put them on everything.
I like to hold the wheel in position by soldering a brass washer on both sides.


The washers really help.



Over 15 years of hard use from some very rough fields.

1200SportsterRider

I just assembled a Saito 50 from spare parts taken a n early 50 and some new parts I forgot that I have. I replaced the old bushed rod with a new non bushed rod. The big end of the bushed rod was very loose and the donor engine had a short crank. I have long crankshaft, I have new Boca Bearings a new piston and RMJ ring. Ihad to cut the threads all the way through the prop nut due to the long crankshaft. It has some serious compression. Whatever that is on the new ring wiped right off, I think it was Lubriplate grease.

Saito 50

It's obvious which piston is the new one, note different squish band.

Glowgeek

Raised the compression a few points as a bonus.

1200SportsterRider

It sure did, Thanks

the Wasp

My Feedback: (1)

Dave, did you measure both rods?

Jim

Jesse Open

Saito 50 piston pic from a test done back in the day...

1200SportsterRider

Thanks gent, Jim the rods are the same other than the bushings.

Gary, I was going to mention that very review, the writer had some interesting things to say about props for this engine. https://sceptreflight.com/Model%20En...O%20FA-50.html

FlyerInOKC

My Feedback: (6)

I got to say the The FA-50 came out great! I'll bet she would go great on a Goldberg Tiger 2!

Jesse Open

Yes, one of my favorite engine reviews. Made a big difference in my prop choices for that engine ( The early version) many years ago. Looks like the piston you have matches the piston from the early version that is the subject of the text. Note the author comments allude to a possible benefit from moving the power band. Could be that explains the change in pistons Saito made on the later versions of that engine (conjecture, not conclusion )

thefastfred

Like his servo mount. Wish he had a flush one for wings. and one for fuse and multiple servos.

1200SportsterRider

The Sky Ranger arrived yesterday but the package was so cold I didn't open it yet, I left it wrapped in it's shipping packaging to warm up slowly. Overly cautious maybe but I thought it a good idea.
Gary, I read that review a couple of times and will again.

Welcome Fred, I use these mounts, (upper right) they are so versatile and easy to set up. On one of their, OSMW's smaller planes I had to sand the rear mount post a little so it didn't extend above the rib. https://www.oldschoolmodels.com/accessories.htm

Glowgeek

I've read that sceptreflight review a few times. It's thorough, informative and got my attention WRT the small Saito's upper rpm limits. Having consistently heard that these small 4 strokes needed to be kept at 10K or less on the ground prompted my own research and testing. I could never match Saito's claims on horsepower, regardless of prop selection, until I pushed them above 10K. I'm referring here to the small/mid sized Saitos, specifically the 45S, 50, 56, 62, 72 & 82. I've not flown a 65 or 80.

The wide rpm range these little fellas can produce effective power at offers a wide selection of props that can be run on a given setup. My little 46 size P-51 does really well with a 62 propped for a little over 11K on the ground. On the other hand the 56 in my 88" powered glider is propped for a little under 10K ground rpm. Very versatile engines.

Jesse Open

Glowgeek

The 50 came out very nice, Dave. If it runs half as good as it looks it'll be a lot of fun. Great job......as always.

Jesse Open

Piston differences are interesting. Seems to follow a similar pattern where Saito backs away from an initial higher compression ratio. Lower CR tends not only to lower peak power it often allows for heavier loads at lower RPM.

Yes Lonnie, Mutual Admiration Society is once again in full agreement. Great job Dave.

1200SportsterRider

Thanks gents, I'll have to fire it up in a day or two.

Do you think the FA 40-a would fly it OK? Thanks again.

Jesse Open

Dave,
I believe the new Saito FA-40 would be a fine match. Worst scenario would be you are not pleased and have to put a bigger engine on the nose.
Good scenario, you wind up with a smooth combo that flys beautifully on the wing.

1200SportsterRider

Well, I mounted the FA 40-a on the firewall using the Saito metal mount, I committed based on what you said a few posts back.

1200SportsterRider

I love those OSMW servoo mounts, so easy to use.

1200SportsterRider

Gary, those steel bars sure come in handy for holding the cap strips, I broke a couple of them so now I wet the top of strip at the sharp curve. Windex does a better job than plain water, as the old saying it's wetter than plain water. I have one more strip to do on this right wing and then add the bottom sheeting and this right wing will be done except for sanding. The FA 40-a looks great on the firewall in it's factory mount.

Jesse Open

Looks great Dave. May be worth a trip to VA to see it maiden!


BTW, those steel bars are metric dimensioned
They make fine exhaust system parts as well as prop nuts and spinner adapters.

modeltronics

My Feedback: (27)

Hey Dave
Do me a favor, wish your wife a Happy Birthday from Texas tomorrow.

1200SportsterRider

Thanks Gary.

Will do, Thanks MT, she's 81 today and still has her original golden, blonde hair.

modeltronics

My Feedback: (27)

I picked up this engine at a swap meet. It now looks and feels better than when I first got it. It has been totally cleaned and has new bearings. This is the third dual plug 120 that I have owned. The first two were lost in the shop fire. This one is different. It has the carb with the adjustable mid range. I’ve never seen one like this before. I have had this carb on the Fat Head 120 but I always thought the dual plug had the “standard” two needle carb. Talking with Lonnie he thinks someone upgraded the engine.

It's been a while since I have used an engine with this carb. I know there is an order that the settings on it should be made and if you don’t do it in that order you end up chasing your tail in a circle. Anyone care to fill me in on the correct order to setting this carb.

Jesse Open

Notice carb to intake connection. Screws appear not into tapped holes but using machine nuts

My original DP FA-120 on right, Fathead at left.