Saito 120 and 180 Throttle Arms
 

The plastic throttle arm on these engines will twist if a ball link is used instead of a quick link type clevis.
Does anyone know if a metal throttle arm is available or if anyone knows how to fix this problem?

RE: Saito 120 and 180 Throttle Arms
 

There normally should not be enough force required on the 120-180 throttle to make the plastic arm twist.

Something about your cable alignment is incorrect or else there is a bind inside the carb.

The old ones had metal arms but that was discontinued 6 or 7 years ago.

RE: Saito 120 and 180 Throttle Arms
 

Hi Jim.....

I have a friend that uses these engines with those stupid ball links that stand off that wimpy plastic arm.
When the linkage moves it twists the arm causing backlash in the throttle linkage so that the idle cannot be accurately set and will return to the same place.

There is no binding anywhere. The same problem exists on servos that are used on flight control surfaces and the metal servo arm fixes it.

RE: Saito 120 and 180 Throttle Arms
 

I wish that I could tell you where to get them but they have been discontinued

I've been using both Z-bend and clevis type connections and havn't had any problem

RE: Saito 120 and 180 Throttle Arms
 

Pictured engine has flown this way since it went in service, never a problem.

Bill.

RE: Saito 120 and 180 Throttle Arms
 

If the geometry is not correct, it will flex.... set it up correctly and you will have no problems.

RE: Saito 120 and 180 Throttle Arms
 

Car....that's correct but that is also why my friend needs a metal arm.
A regular clevis should be used to get a straight shot at the arm but due to construction of the model he cant do it.
If it were mine I would chop it outta there in a New York second and be done with it.....and use the plastic arm.
Ball links don't belong on airplanes anyway....just on helicopters.
Yes, I know a lot of guys use them but if one of them comes off the throttle just once........and they do.....someone is going to get hurt.