My lash on my Saito 80 is too loose. I need to tighten it to .0015. Where do I find the tool that measure lash? What is it called? Will a car auto parts store have something that will suffice, or do i have to go to a hobby shop? Thanks for your help.

Matt

FEELER GAGES?

Here's the set from Saito for your 80:

http://www.horizonhobby.com/Products...rodID=SAI6596A

Here's the set for a OS 91. It will work on your Saito also:

http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXCN31&P=Z

I know a NAPA auto parts store would have them.

I have seen them at the so called discount places liKe Auto Zone and Advance Auto parts. I have seen them at places like K Mart and Walmart in times past but I don't believe these two have them anymore.

They do not cost enough to amortize the shipping and handling to order them without ordering orther items to go along with them.

But you should be able to purchase them locally now that you know what they look like.

You can get them at SEARS

http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/produ...echanics+Tools

Look at this link:
http://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalo...feelergage.php

Enjoy,

Jim

Doggie:

A feeler gauge works fine, but if you want to get fancy...

Bill.

The valve lash is not that critical. All you have to do is make sure the rocker is not being pushed by the cam and then set the valve lash. As long as there is a slight discernable gap between the valve stem and rocker you are fine. There is really no way to get the lash exactl .015 using a feeler gauge. The best you can get is close. as long as they don't touch you are good.

I bought the OS Four Stroke Valve Adjustment kit from Tower.
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXCN31&P=0

The thin gauge is .0015" and the thick one is .0040"

What I've heard recommended is a "Go" / "No Go" approach when doing the adjustment.
If the thin gauge will go betwen the valve and rocker arm, and the thick one will not, your adjustment is good.

Dog:

Loughbd's "...not that critical." statement and Carrell's "Go /No Go" will work, but for maximum power from the engine and longest life of the cam and valve gear stay with the minimum clearance.

The reasons have been discussed too many times to repeat here.

Bill.

Hey Bill, I've been doing it that way ever since I bought my first 4 cycle in 1977. The old Open Rocker OSFS60. The very first one with the machined head and rockers. I am flying a Pilot Sky Loop 404 with a Saito FA45 with the bolt on head. It was purchased in 1979. It has been in almost continuous use since it was new. Couldn't tell you how many gallons of HShack's White Lightning fuel have been through it. The only thing ever replaced on it were the bearings and that was last year. That is 26 years. The valve train is in fine condition. How long should they last? I would say that 26 years speaks for itself. They way I do it does have the minimum clearance.

AMA13797