In one word . . . they are CRAP!

Come on Peter,
Don't hold back....Tell us what you think!
I feel the same way. They can build a piece of crap and put OS name on it and we buy them.
In defence...I suppose it served its purpose for RTF mfg's to put together a RTF for a beginner...This way they can buy one and realize what it is and go buy again...LHS's should warn all newbies, but some of them just want the money and do not care.
DOC

I train alot of newbies, and alot of new trainers (40 size) are equipped with the 40LA. You can tell what the engine is, by the sound-- All the LA's rattle at idle no matter how you break them in, or how much oil you use in the fuel. They are very underpowered in comparison to the previous series. I wouldn't own one. I've got some OLD OLD fox 40's that have twice the power. Of course you get what you pay for normally. If you spend the bucks on a bb engine, you'll get better performance and more longevity. I agree with Peter -OZ

sorry guys but it is just the way Aussies are, we speak our mind

Why use a paragraph when one word will suffice?

OS are generally top shelf, I have several, FT-160, FS-91,
FS-120III, FS-70, SF46, plus 2 old .15s.

I have seen new flyers come to our field with a trainer and LA 40 and become very frustrated and dissapointed.

I wonder how many have quit as a result?

cheers
Peter

You got it right DOC!!!

Of course they rattle at idle, they're a bushed engine so there's nothing wrong with that.
But being a bushed engine they need more oil than is normally used for RC flying..at least 20% and castor doesn't hurt either. And don't go spinning them over for too long with the starter in the hopes they'll fire up..the steel thrust shim up front will go dry and you'll see lots of black oil as it chews into the crankcase. This goes for any bushed engine, no reflection on the LA's.
All the latest LA's have the boost port blocked off as well but they're gaining a very good reputation in C/L stunt applications.

lesson here is you get what you pay for

I've seen a couple of these engines and I wasn't impressed either. Years ago, I chose a magnum over the entry OS line and I'm glad I did. Just didn't have the RPMs the magnum did.

I guess maybe an LA would be best suited for this market segment (C/L stunt) as they do not have to haul around a receiver or servos, and are connected to the flier by means of cables.

I agree with the statement, you get what you pay for BUT, I have 2 40LA's and 1 46LA. Have had them a couple of years. They seem to be very dependable and I enjoy them. I think they are a great engine to learn on and even when your getting into the hobbie. Lets give OS some credit, yes they do not perform as others in the same class and size of engines. But all in all, it is OS quality and a decent price.

I own two LA's. First one bought used in Superstar 40 trainer. Great deal. After beating the crap out of it for a year finally nosed it to splinters. I put same engine in Kyosho PT 19 and it runs fine. Purchased a 46 LA and put it in a GP AT-6. It hauls. Yea I've had the screws back out of plastic backplate, just bought some socket headed screws added some locktite and okay.
Think those that have seen these engines and made comments should hold back their opinions unles they've owned one. Also alot of newbee's get these engines so sure they will have bad experiences but not due to the engine but more likely to inexperience.
Also if you drop it and it breaks. Duh!
As for power the 46 does have alot more power than the 40 for a couple bucks.
These engines have allowed me to get into the Hobby and stay.

Duke

Doesn't matter where your from. If your going to say a product is Crap back it up!!!
Duke

Cyclic,
Great analogy. Yea, I live at sea level and my LA's do great. Would I buy another one for a valuable plane? No. But would I recommend one for a guy that's new to hobby and has a 40 trainer, absolutely.
Duke

Cyclic,
Don't think it is over, the night shift hasn't arrived yet
I think we have beat this topic to death.......I am starting to see LA's in my sleep
Good post......
Doc

sure have