RCU Forums - saito fa-120s operating problems

I am facing problems in operating my Saito fa-120 s and taking the best from her.

I bought the engine last year brand new. After broken-in (half gallon through her on the bench) I put her on an F4U Corsair 60 size (seagull).

Till now (flying the plane) I have passed another 3 gallons through her but still I am not satisfied with the performance and operation of the engine compared to OS FS-120III.

In detail I proped my Saito with MA 16x6. Top RPM achieved on the ground was 8500 (OS FS-120 9000)idling at about 2000. On the air the engine was running very unsteadily. Engine seamed to seriously labor. Consumption was very high as well 15oz in less than 9 minutes at high throttle running.

Changed to MA 15x8. Top rpm on the ground 9100 but still on the air running unsteadily (rpms fluctuate considerably depending on airplanes attitude). Consumption high as before.

I tried Perry pump VP-30 and VP-20 aiming to stabilize operation during flight Things became worse on the air although on the ground top and low end operation was more or less OK.

OS fs 120 Surpass III with pump is stronger, eats 40% less fuel and its operation is extremely steady at any rpm, altitude or plane attitude.

I am really tired and disappointed with Saito 120. Does anyone of you have achieved better results with this engine?

Please help. Thanks.

stelios

P.S. I have checked valve clearances and found them OK. I am operating all my engines at 10% nitro, 14% oil.