RE: saito fg-14
Congratulations on getting the engine right.
Posted on: 9/16/2012 7:47 PM by Author "MercerAUST" in the forum "Gas Engines"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11230567

RE: Saito - Pro FG 14 Tips and tricks only!!!
Hi Captain 2. It might be worthwhile adjusting the Hall Sensor a couple of mm (in either direction) and testing at WOT. My ignition timing was a little out, resulting in an uneven and unreliable WOT. Since adjustment, it has been fine. Cleaning carbs and replacing spark plugs seemed to cure it for a little, but only temporarily.
Posted on: 9/16/2012 7:39 PM by Author "MercerAUST" in the forum "Gas Engines"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11230560

RE: Saito FG-20
Yeah, you blokes are so lucky having HH. Try getting the upgraded/replacement carby from the Australian distributor!
Posted on: 9/13/2012 7:42 PM by Author "MercerAUST" in the forum "Gas Engines"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11227879

RE: Saito - Pro FG 14 Tips and tricks only!!!
Yeah, I know I can't just replace the needle. Saito only sells a replacement kit for the entire carb unit. I don't want to go down this route so I'm hoping it will still work.
Posted on: 9/4/2012 7:49 PM by Author "MercerAUST" in the forum "Gas Engines"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11217769

RE: Saito - Pro FG 14 Tips and tricks only!!!
I finally put 'old reliable' into the ground. This is a Hangar 9 Pulse 60 with a Saito FG-14 (the original version). The engine and ignition was stock with over 100 hours on it. I'm not exactly sure why it went in, I was cruising at about three quarters throttle and practising precise manouveres, no excess speed or engine loads. After the crash, the tail and elevator were intact and working perfectly, the Rx was still connected with a steady light and no indication of a brown out, the aerolins worked and the plane seemed to check out fine. I'm pretty sure the crash was not caused by myself - it appears from the last few moments of flights that the flight surfaces locked. I think it was perhaps the transmitter. Luckily the engine seems OK except for the ignition system which is torn to bits. I'll replace it with a RCEXL ignition. The high speed needle assembly is bent, but I'll try it rather than paying Saito's exhorbitant prices. I understand that they use RCEXL ignitions now (rebranded for Saito), but charge about twice the standard RCEXL price for a replacement. I like the Pulse so much, I'll pick up another one from the LHS.
Posted on: 9/3/2012 1:46 AM by Author "MercerAUST" in the forum "Gas Engines"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11215244

RE: Good parkflyer
The T-28 is a decent park flyer and does need a bit of space (say at least 50m clear in all directions) for a competent flyer, and twice this if you are starting off. You also need enough space to be able to point it into the wind for take-off and landing. A school full size oval would probably be OK, but perhaps not a church parking lot (unless it is a huge congregation). A RTF mini ultra stik - or similar - might be good if you have space constraints.
Posted on: 8/27/2012 7:34 PM by Author "MercerAUST" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11208444

RE: Good 2nd Low Wing?
The Pulse 60 would be a fine choice as well. It's a medium paced flyer, very acrobatic and also great at slow manouveres. It's one of those planes that really makes you look good. It's at its best with an 80 sized 4-stroke where you can coast along on the torque wave during manouveres.
Posted on: 8/22/2012 7:54 PM by Author "MercerAUST" in the forum "ARF or RTF"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11202830

RE: Recommendations for gas engine, Hanger 9 60 size Twist
I think we were suggesting about 15cc as being ideal for the Twist and its style of flying (slow - medium speed, highly manouverable). In my opinion, this style of plane is better suited to a 4-stroke where you tend more on torque (larger prop at slower RPMs). However, it will fly fine on a DLE20, but may be starting to get marginally heavy in the nose.
Posted on: 8/16/2012 8:55 PM by Author "MercerAUST" in the forum "ARF or RTF"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11196435

RE: Perhaps the dumbest question of the month
It's a bit like understeer and oversteer on a car. Most cars and times you don't have to think about it. But for fast and accurate driving it's important to be know. Some planes just naturally keep leaning into the turn when you bank them (like the Piper Pawnee) and the rudder is used more to initiate a turn and to counter your bank angle. Most planes tend to 'understeer' and can use rudder to help them turn a bit tighter and to keep them tracking straight when there is some cross wind.
Posted on: 8/9/2012 8:16 PM by Author "MercerAUST" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11187725

RE: Saito FG-20
Unfortunately, the Australian distributer is not responsive, unlike Horizon Hobbies in the USA.
Posted on: 8/5/2012 7:45 PM by Author "MercerAUST" in the forum "Gas Engines"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11182343

RE: saito fg-17 gas mount
The manual recommends a metal mount to help disperse the heat better. I'm not sure how much of a difference it makes. If you have plenty of sirflow, it should be OK. In marginal applications (as far as cooling goes), the metal mount might make the difference.
Posted on: 7/22/2012 7:43 PM by Author "MercerAUST" in the forum "Gas Engines"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11165192

RE: saito fg-14
Good luck (and for the Argentinian Rugby team)!
Posted on: 7/19/2012 8:28 PM by Author "MercerAUST" in the forum "Gas Engines"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11161974

RE: saito fg-14
Any spark plug that is the same size (eg you can screw into the cyclinder head hole should be fine. I think I am using that NGK (the stock Saito plug is expensive). Having said that, a cause of poor top end performance is sometimes that the spark plug cap is not fully on - it requires quite a lot of pressure. Unfortunately, the spark plug cap *(outside metal cap) can spilt when you push it to fully engage the NGK plug. I don't think it is a big deal (I just bound mine up tightly once it was seated) and I've had no problems. You'll probably only get 4 hours or so out of the first plug before it starts to die becasue you'll be mucking around so much with the needles etc. It is certainly worth trying to replace the plug if the engine starts to get troublesome. Once run in, and properly tuned, you do not have to touch the needles again and the plug should last 20+ hours. These engines are also sensitive to overpropping - stick to the recommended prop for run in. In my view, you need to concentrate on getting the engine running reliably - not necessarily perfect - at idle and close to the top end. Only run a few tanks through to get it in reasonable shape. Install it in the aircraft and complete the run in in the air (tuning to avoid dead sticks as far as possible). Don't worry about the odd gurgle or if WOT is a little ragged. After about 4 hours run in, it is much easier to consistently tune and to keep in tune. You can then concentrate on getting it perfect. Some people have claimed that the ignition module can be faulty and you cannot get the top end. I haven't had any problems with the stock ignition on several Saitos and I'm not sure if it is poor tuning technique. I would only tend to blame the ignition if, after all reasonable efforts, the motor will just not run above half-throttle.
Posted on: 7/18/2012 8:06 PM by Author "MercerAUST" in the forum "Gas Engines"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11160622

RE: Why don't we have more 4 stroke gassers?
It will still take another year or two before the Chinese can commercially produce cheap and reliable small capacity gas 4-strokes (say <15cc for <$200) suitable for planes. The tooling and machining costs, and quailty assurance requirements, are an advance on 2-stroke manufacture and it has taken a few years for the Chinese to get these simpler engines reliable and at a cheap price. However, it is only a matterof time. In the meantime, Saito is converting all their 4-strokers to gas to try and build on their capitalisation and to build market share. It is inevitable that they will have to edue their costs as the Chinese come into the market to stay competitive.
Posted on: 7/17/2012 8:29 PM by Author "MercerAUST" in the forum "Gas Engines"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11159435

RE: saito fg-14
These engines are finicky to tune and even a click or two can make a big difference. Make sue you are using the 'American' version of the manual which you can download from the Horizon Hobby website (not the Jap/English version that comes with the engine). This has the correct needle start positions, particularly for the low end needleif you have fiddled with this. Your engine sounds like it is too rich on the high needle - try leaning it only a few clicks at a time. Normally the engine is petty easy to tune on the high end - Start about two full turns from fully closed and lean until you get the full rev range. Leave the engine a few clicks on the rich side to ensure reliable running.
Posted on: 7/17/2012 8:21 PM by Author "MercerAUST" in the forum "Gas Engines"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11159425

RE: Saito FG-30 gas troubles
I've been running the FG-20 (original version) for about 40 hours now and it idles reliably, transitions well and is smooth on WOT. I originally had irregular running due to several problems. I had initial fueling problems (my vent line was too long/restrictive and the weak carby pump could not adequately transfer the fuel). I fixed this up, but then had problems with overheating. Going back to the recommended prop fixed this. After all this mucking around, the engine still wasn't quite right, but replacing the spark plug fixed this. It's been good for the last 20 hours. I haven't had any problems with the original ignition model to date (or with a FG-14 with nearly 80 hours).
Posted on: 7/15/2012 7:57 PM by Author "MercerAUST" in the forum "Gas Engines"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11156720

RE: Recommendations for gas engine, Hanger 9 60 size Twist
Saito FG14 would be fine, if you can afford it. I have one in a H9 Pulse 60 and it is a match made in heaven.
Posted on: 7/11/2012 7:32 PM by Author "MercerAUST" in the forum "ARF or RTF"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11152030

RE: Am I overheating or what?
As you say, it is most unusual for the crank/prop to be hotter than the cyclinder. It suggests that, somehow, the hot exhaust air is being drawn back into the cowl or the cowl aerodynamics are somehow creating an air dead spot around the engine. If you have an air gap between the cowl/air dam and the fuselage it should be getting enough air. The only thing I can suggest is to try a side mounted exhaust (if possible) to leave more space between the cyclinder and firewall. However, this might give you a look similar to no cowl (at least on one side) which isn't much of a gain.
Posted on: 7/9/2012 8:08 PM by Author "MercerAUST" in the forum "Gas Engines"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11149462

RE: Starter for gas engine
I use a 4-stroke gas engines and, while docile most of the time, they can bite back. I've never given a thought to the speed of the starter and whether it might harm the engine. I was quite happy in my ignorance. I'll continue to use the starter except for those few occasions I stall when taxiing or after landing and don't want to carry the plane back
Posted on: 6/28/2012 7:48 PM by Author "MercerAUST" in the forum "Gas Engines"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11135882

RE: Hangar 9 40 Size Piper Pawnee!!!
Comgratulations! I hope you get many eyars out of the plane. It's strange when you sell a plane - you start to miss it, but I know you'll get much more use that I ever would. How much flap do you use ('true flap') just out of interest?
Posted on: 6/24/2012 7:34 PM by Author "MercerAUST" in the forum "ARF or RTF"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11130425

RE: 15cc Gas RCGF engine information thread
I've had similar problems. In the end I went for a combined approach. I first cut the cowl where it fits onto the fuselage to shorten it. I saved 5mm by pushing in the cowl/minor cutting. The next part was to add 5mm thick hardwood blocks to the firewall for each side of the beam mount (about 20cm X 80cm for each side). You might find that the mounting bolts with the engine are now not long enough and you will need to get longer ones (available from any hardware shop). Make sure you test mount first to figue out your fitting/drill requirements for the throttle cable and fuel lines. You want to minimise the additional weight of effectively pushing [an aleady heavy] motor forward as much as you reasonably can.
Posted on: 6/21/2012 7:56 PM by Author "MercerAUST" in the forum "Gas Engines"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11127251

RE: RCG 20CC from HobbyKing
Yes, I've been lucky with all my stuff from HobbyKing too. Two RCGF 26cc engines amongst the lot and both have been good to date with no problems (about 40 hours operation on both). Having said this, I'm not sure what I would do if I ordered something expensive (>$300) and it was no good. I would probably only order if it was available from the Australian warehouse in the hopes of getting some sort of recompense. My LHS has started stocking cheaper gas engines and the price difference (figuring in postage) for a 20cc gas engine is now less than $75. I will buy from my LHS when I next need an engine just for the convenience and also becasue I'm certain about a eplacement/refund if something gioes wrong.
Posted on: 6/20/2012 8:06 PM by Author "MercerAUST" in the forum "Gas Engines"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11126030

RE: How often should we run our engines.
Earwb. you'e right about the smell of modern gas. I used to enjoy the smell of petrol (in a good way), but the modern stuff stinks and gives me a headache. Oh well, it least it means I have had to clean up my fueling procedures to prevent any spills etc...
Posted on: 6/20/2012 7:55 PM by Author "MercerAUST" in the forum "Gas Engines"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11126017

RE: Why the near obsession with over powering airplanes?
I don't care what engine people use in what plane, but for me, I tend to want to use WOT most of the time (except when deliberately poking around). It seems a bit pointless to me having an engine that you never need to exceed half throttle on take-off or any manouvere. I assume that most people with big engines want to go fast and extreme a lot of the time, and that is the way they like it. Having said this, I get impatient when driving stuck behind a slow driver with a V8 who will only ever use a fraction of the power. I say use it or loose it.
Posted on: 6/20/2012 7:48 PM by Author "MercerAUST" in the forum "ARF or RTF"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11126007

RE: Saito - Pro FG 14 Tips and tricks only!!!
I second using a felt clunk. I use the smallest Walbro size (from any small engine shop) with the black viton tubing (you can normally buy packaged short lengths at RC hobby shops). As Pete says, the clunk is pretty heavy and will fit into even a small tank. As long as any part of the felt is touching the fuel, it will suck it down to the last drop (eg the clunk doesn't need to be fully immersed and should be OK even if it is not bottomed asthe fuel sloshes around).
Posted on: 6/11/2012 8:19 PM by Author "MercerAUST" in the forum "Gas Engines"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11115135

RE: Saito - Pro FG 14 Tips and tricks only!!!
I think Saito is quickly moving to offer a gas 4-stroke for all their nitro 4-strokes to try and build their market share before the Chinese inevitably move into gas 4-strokes. They only have another few years before the Chinese have the metallurgy and tooling to start churning out cheap and reliable small 4-stroke gas engines. I imagine Saito will have to reduce their prices by one third or more to even be in the ballpark. However, if they can build market share, and capitalise on their tooling, they may be able to stay competitive.
Posted on: 5/31/2012 8:40 PM by Author "MercerAUST" in the forum "Gas Engines"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11101970

RE: Saito FG-17 tuning question
You should run the engine in by setting the high speed needle (probably half to one turn out from optimal so it starts to stumble at mid-revs) so the engine cannot exceed about 4,000/5,000 rpm for about the first 30 minutes (5-10 minutes on, then off for 5-10 minutes and so on). Try to vary the throttle settings a little. After this initial run in, you can start to lean it to optimal. The engine takes about 4 hours to run in before you can optimal tuning (eg don't worry about getting it perfect until you have run time). Just tune it on the plane so it is realiable and not likely to dead stick. In my view, you don't to run the engine in on the ground for hours. After the 30 minute initial ground tune you can start flying the engine, but keep off the full throttle (except for take-off and emergency). After a further hour run time, running continously at WOT should be OK. As w8ye says, the engine should be propped to run in the recommend range. Make sure you use the recommended Saito fuel/oil mix (20:1 with good synthetic oil) for at least the first 10 hours.
Posted on: 5/29/2012 8:23 PM by Author "MercerAUST" in the forum "Gas Engines"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11099365

RE: Saito - Pro FG 14 Tips and tricks only!!!
It is an economical engine isn't it. The actual fuel consumption is probably half that of the FA82 (which in turn is maybe two thirds that of an equivalent nitro 2-stroke). Plus gas is about 10% the cost of typical nitro fuel. If you work out the fuel costs versus the higher capital cost of a 4-stroke gas engine and equivalent 2-stroke nitro, you will be ahead on the fuel costs after about 40 hours operation.
Posted on: 5/29/2012 8:12 PM by Author "MercerAUST" in the forum "Gas Engines"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11099350

RE: Hanger 9 Piper Pawnee 40 Recommend Reliable Gas CC Engine Size for this Airplane
I think the Pawneeis a much better plane flown on the wing rather than overpowered. The new Saito FG-14B and FG 17 have new carbys and ignitions and should ne fine straight out of the box.
Posted on: 5/2/2012 9:02 PM by Author "MercerAUST" in the forum "Gas Engines"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11066318

RE: Gee Bee R-1
It seems to land similar to the Mew Gull andother Golden Era racers. You need a good runway - the longer the better - and a good appoach is critical. You must keep the throttle on and carefully watch the undercarraige (not the fuselage) to finese the landing. This will typically take you to about the mid runway point directly opposite from where you are flying. Settle it down and be prepared for up-elevator, when it is firmly planted, to slow it down as much as possible before you get to the end of the strip. It is always better to bring it in too fast, and risk running offthe end of the strip, then too slow and plopping down.
Posted on: 5/2/2012 8:43 PM by Author "MercerAUST" in the forum "ARF or RTF"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11066298