DA-50R Breakin

[TManiaci]

Hey gang, a little consult here. Just mounted up the new DA-50R on my 85" QQ Yak. Running the recommended 32:1 Lawnboy Ashless. Put on the NX 22x10 as suggested.

It started right up on the third flip, sweet. But, with the factory needle settings this thing is running fat rich, and only turning 6200 rpm WOT static. It was 100º at 3500 ft ASL. One of the guys I fly with says his turns that same prop at 7400 rpm on Amsoil 100:1 after break-in.

Should I be concerned?

We flew it three times, gurgling and burbbling verywhere but at idle. Funny thing is, when it's up in the air it is MUCH richer sounding than when it's static on the ground. Can you explain that?

I took out the 3W50i, sold it to 3DDD here on the Giants. Dropped 1-1/2 lbs, boy can I tell the difference. She floats MUCH better than before. Had to move all the hardware way up front to balance without extra weight. Looks fine with the cowl on, but what a silly looking mess without the shell on it.

[analog_boy]

i dont know about the DAs but with my zdz 60 on the same plane she was just lame for the first 3 or 4 flights. I am now on flight #9 and its starting to break in so just be patient and give er time. Mine has really come around and now its hauling ass. Happy flying

[GremlinX]

Do this... I have been here 2 times with both of my DA 50's. Leave the top end where it is. Lean the bottom end(needle closest to motor) until it wont take any gas. It just bogs, but when pulled back to idle, runs ok. Richen it up until it will transition. Then, richen the top end so it 4 cycles, then lean it until it goes away. You can check the bottom end needle again if you wish, but so far, when I tune the bottom, then top, the bottom has not needed any further adjustment.

[TManiaci]

So, it's fair to say that a new DA is fairly weak on first runs, and the power builds as you seat the ring and wear in the bearings?

Gremlin, can you be a bit more specific about what speeds you do this tuning, I lost you in your methods.

[GremlinX]

Ooops... Sorry. When I called DA and asked them about the needles, and said I had leaned the bottom a 1/4 turn and it is still not right, he did not seem concerned. He said not run it lean, but dont run it rich like a glow motor for break in.
On the ground:
Keep turning the low end(closest to motor) clockwise until it wont transition. Dont try it with it running !
When it will bog, but idle, back it up until it will crisply transition.
In the air: Fly it until the top and mid range burble go away by leaning the top end. just DO not run it lean. Make it 4 cycle in the air on top end, or it will miss either one, and just keep leaning the top end(needle away from the motor) until it is crisp.
You probably wont have to re adjust the low end once you adjust the top. Actually, one motor did need low end leaned, but the top was fine on mine... so... it may just be in your low end settings. I think they come from DA a little rich. Plus its a huge difference in altitude for me.

[YaKs are BeSt]

just lean the high end, isnt that easy enough.

I was breaking my engine in with a 23X8.

It was getting about 6400 so I just leaned both high and low a tad untill I got 6600.

BTW- I love your engine box setup

[MalaysianFlyer]

TManiaci,

Mine sounds the same, seems very rich in the air, but fine on the ground. I am running a menz 22x8, get 7250 on the first run itself. maybe that prop might work better for you?

[TManiaci]

	Quote: Originally Posted by YaKs are BeSt
	just lean the high end, isnt that easy enough. I was breaking my engine in with a 23X8. It was getting about 6400 so I just leaned both high and low a tad untill I got 6600. BTW- I love your engine box setup

Yes, I did lean out the top end a bit, nearly a full 1/4 turn. Didn't seem to make a difference in the air, but it sounded better static. My son forgot to fuel it for the third flight and he deadsticked after 2-3 minutes. Just before it died, it leaned out and started screaming. So, it must be really super rich. I'm sure we can find the sweet spot, I just worry about getting it too lean.

This is my first new gasser engine. I had fits getting the 3W50 that was on the plane when I bought it running. I finally got it to run really clean and start easy, but it would not make good power at all. So, I'm a little impatient I guess. I love that WOT ripping that I had with the 23x8. Want it back when the motor is ready.

Thanks on the motor box. I was hell bent on not adding dead weight. It's built real light, and pretty damn strong. But, I need to put some diagonal bracing in it. The one side that is cantaliever with the 4S LiIon goes into resonance at certain rpm's and shakes pretty violently. I think I'll use some 1/4 diameter CF tubes to gusset, that should make it really rigid.

Thanks for the help guys. Any comments are welcomed!

[brianhole]

Don't be afraid to lean it out on the ground when tuning it, if it shows signs of being to lean, shut it down and fatten it up. I just test ran my new DA 50 last night to get the needles close then finished it up at the field this morning. Both needles needed screwed in at least a half a turn and it is still a little rich on the high side.
P.S. I installed my DA on the bird in my avatar <------, can you say Foamie Power.

[TManiaci]

Thanks. I guess my apprehension is determining when you are too lean on the high-end. I know you can tell by the transition if you are lean on the low screw, but what symptoms do you see when you are too lean on the top end?

[JoeAirPort]

I doubt that the NX 22x10 will ever pull 7400 RPM with a pitts muffler. He must have meant the NX 22x8 which WILL pull 7400 RPM. My friend has the NX 22x8 and we have verified that it turns low 7000's when new. That number you're getting with the NX 22x10 is correct for a new engine set way too rich from DA. My friend's DA 50 was turning a BME 22x10 at 6400 and it would always drops RPM's a full throttle. it was clearly too much prop.

[TManiaci]

Yea... what's the story on the Slimline Pitts? I have now heard 2-3 people say that it never will run quite right on this muff. Did I buy the wrong one here?

I see over on the performance thread guys saying they get over 7000 rpm on the DA50 with an NX 23x8. That's what I'm talk'in about... I have one in the toolbox, maybe I'll try it next time out. Hate to buy a 22x8, and then after 3-4 gallons running, it's not needed anymore.

Can you tell how excited I am about this gasser thing? This is SO cool, stepping up from Nitro and E-power.