I just wanted to put this post up to let people know a little something about Hobbico's Hobby Service division. I bought an OS 55ax about 2-3 weeks ago and right from the get-go noticed that it had very little "pinch" when turning it over. I know that OS engines are not as tight as some other ringless designs so I went ahead and broke it in anyway to see how it would do. To make a long story short not very well. When it was hot it just lost compression, and with the glow plug out I could flip the prop hard and it would turn over for two or three revolutions, and the compression with a glowplug in was very weak as well. The engine was deadsticking nearly every flight once it got warm and this was with in a non cowled application for break-in.

I sent the engine in to Hobbico's Hobby Service to let them have a look after about 1/2-2/3 gallon through it with no improvement in running. They looked at the engine and determined that it had a bad piston/liner fit, but they did not have the parts to fix it so instead of waiting to get the parts they sent me back a BRAND NEW ENGINE.

A lot of people on this forum will kind of rag on OS from time to time saying that they are too expensive. While they may be a bit more expensive then some other brands, in 22 years of flying I have found them to be one of the most reliable brands out there and this kind of customer service is what keeps me coming back to them for my needs. I would not tell anyone to buy or not buy another brand as everyone has their own needs and price point that they want to meet, but I will tell people about how OS/Hobbico treats a customer. While here I would like to say thank you to Hobbico, and good job in keeping a long time customer happy. While not everyone will have the same experience as I have, this experience has reinforced my decision both now and in the future to keep supporting this particular brand. Just wanted to let everyone read about a positive experience as you normally do not read anything on here unless it is from someone complaining about a brand. Thanks. [8D]

Thanks for sharing your experience with Hobbico Service, Joey. It is always nice to hear of happy endings.

I had a similar good experience with Saito and Horizon Service, and couldn't wait to post it on this web site. Partly as a result of that good service, I own more Saitos than anything else. My OS engines are second (in number) only to my Saitos, and while I have never had to have one of the OS engines serviced, it is good to know that I can expect good treatment from Hobbico as well.

I've also had good service from both horizon & hobbico.
It seems we hear more about problems than good service.
Just wanted to go on record about good service and companies that try to do the right thing. That's good business--it keeps us coming back.

same here............while i haven't had but one issue with an engine which was taken care of by Barb at Hobbico, the other issues i've had were with my GP kits, and all those issues were put to rest instantly by Barb as well.
Hobbico has the best customer service i've seen in years................wish other companies were so competent.

Slimline on the other hand makes a good product, but don't expect any help from them if you have problems............i and several friends have their fuel pumps which work great, but some come with the wrong fittings..........Slimlines answer, "i've never had such a problem", and that's it.......no further replies, no help whatsoever.