First off, I picked up an OS 21VZ-B V-Spec, (Blue head, not the Speed) for a decent deal. The guy I got it from said he had never run it, but the previous owner had run about 1 Gallon on the engine. When I got the engine, I turned the engine over by hand, to check compression/pinch, which there is some decent compression, but just before TDC, the point JUST before the engine "flops" over, there seemed to be a little play, like something loose. I noticed the flywheel was a little loose, so I assumed this was the problem. I tightened the flywheel, and it still has a slight bit of play, just before it turns completely over. I've never seen this before, and am not sure what the cause may be. I have heard that sometimes the Con-Rod bushing stretches a little, causing some slop. I have ordered a new Con-Rod, but am curious if this sounds like the problem.

Also, I have never swapped a Con-Rod before. Any Tips/suggestions that may make the task go a little smoother?

Thanks

Nothing to worry about, it is normal for a engine to have a little slop/play at TDC like you describe. It should not be neccessary to change the conrod after only a gallon anyway. Just run it and enjoy

Agreed. It's totally normal for an engine to have a little loose spot at the top. If you rotate the crank back and forth about 30 degrees just right you can feel the loose spot in every engine.

Fly it and enjoy it. Send the con-rod back. You don't need it.[8D]

Cool. Thanks for the Replies guys... I thought maybe the original owner ran it more than he said. Being the 3rd person down to recieve it, you can never be too sure.

Just in case, I will keep the Con rod when it comes in, rather than re-order it down the line, when I do a piston/Sleeve swap.

Just wanted to give a shout back... I ran the engine today, and got it in tune. I was very happy with the power of the engine, and there didn't seem to be any problems... Through 3 tanks of fuel, back and forth between short bursts, and long WOT runs, it was very consistant, pulling hard on acceleration, and just topping out around the 80-100 ft mark. Steady smoke, great sound, and temps never climbed above 230*, and that was after 3 WOT passes back to back. On average, it stayed riight in the 210* area.

Thanks for the vote of confidence that the con-rod was fine. I think I was just looking for an invisible problem, due to getting screwed on trades before.

We are happy if you are happy. Sounds good

Where exactly is Dirtnap University? I went to Niagara University - and I hope to hell you know where THAT is.

Regards,
Bill

You will find it or it will find you when you least expect it some day.

It will most probably happen when the plane is flying so well you think it could almost fly itself

Then you will be able to say that you have attended dirt nap University right there in Burtchfield