I've heard so much about the DA 50, it let me down!!!

[pipercub123]

	Quote: Originally Posted by SENEKAfive
	i have a dl-50 and it has been pretty good its only $390 so think about next time your in the market for a 50cc

I know right, $595 plus a muffler or $390 or so with a muffler. I'd much rather had spent $390, but when I bought mine last fall not too many people had much experience with the DL and I didn't want to risk it. My DA must of had a little gunk in the carb. It runs like a top now. I bought my DA for the name and I'm hoping that it will last a long time too and perhaps longer than the DL. The DL line is great for someone who wants to spend less money, but sometimes the savings is at a cost because it might not last long. I'm considering the DL 100, but fearing poor longevity I might as well add another DA to my collection and go for the DA100. Back in my younger days, I had a Magnum 91 four stroke that didn't last too long. I did get plenty of time on it (just over two seasons of heavy flying) and it was a great engine, but I bet if I would have spent a bit more an OS or Saito would've lasted longer.

[pipercub123]

Well, it did it again!!!!!! I have been flying it and it's been running fine. I've probably put about 5 gallons through it since my last problems. This Sun. it quit on the fourth flight after 3 great flights. I was in the center of the field about 30' high at half throttle when it quit. I had just taken off with a cooled down engine and a full tank of gas. I was on my loop back around after take off when it flamed out. It was moving to fast to set down into the tall grass and I ended up flopping it in the rough short grass. She stalled about 7' and dropped making the familiar snap sound of wood.

Landing gear is sheared off with wood attached, muffler pipe snapped off (I've never seen aluminum snap off so cleanly without bending), wing tube saddle is broken on both sides, both front fuse bulkheads cracked, bottom motor box ply cracked, and firewall is loose enough that the engine flops when lifting the fuse. Yup, a total rebuild is in order.

I'm ordering new ply instead of trying to salvage the old ply.

So, I'm wondering again how great these DA's are. It wasn't running overly rich and seemed to run great on vertical lines and inverted. Nice steady idle, good transition, and was a decent temp after landing, about 170. I took a look at the plug after the crash and it looked decent. It started fine the first start of the day and than the other flights on the first flip or so.

What gives???? I checked the battery voltage after crash and it was fine. I checked the switch and wires, everything was getting power. Spark plug boot was secure, nothing loose on the engine. The fuel filters seemed fine. Hmm, I have had more problems with this DA engine than I have ever had with any of my engines. Most people say their DAs are great. I don't know about mine.


I'm posting crash pics in the crash forum, but here's a good pic of my muffler for all to cry over.

[dbcaster]

Compression, spark, and fuel are all it takes to keep a two stroke running. I really doubt you are losing compression. That gives you spark and fuel, both of which are outside vendors of DA. With that you have a carb problem or ignition problem. There are thousands of DA-50's out there that run without flaming out. It is a bit harsh to say that DA's are not as great as everyone say's because you can't keep yours running. I have setup a few 50's a couple 85's, a 150, and a 100. All have performed flawlessly. I just bought a 100 and I will say it is the best gasser I have ever flown with. If you can't keep it running I would suggest having someone else look over your setup. Sometimes another set of eyes is helpful for everyone.

[dbcaster]

Did you by chance check the screen in the carb to see if it was plugged?

[STLAV8R]

Did you check the Anderson power pole connection on the ignition?

[pipercub123]

Screen hasn't been checked, I'll let DA do that. All other filters on plane and filling tank checked. Yes, connectors were checked.

I agree, that DA is great when it runs.

[pipercub123]

Guys, here's an update:

The plane isn't in the air yet, slow shipping has put it on the back burner as I wait for supplies to come in. I contacted DA by phone and talked to someone who seemed not too care or even understand. It was as if I were talking to someone who had no interest in the hobby. I was told that it's only a model airplane and that these things happen. I was also told that the problem I was having didn't seem to be a problem nor was it something that could be fixed under warranty. So, I have an engine that quits in mid air and I'm forced to put it down past the runway into a rutted field. I speak about my damaged muffler and I'm told that it's crash damage. True, but I feel that if a problematic engine causes damage there should be some sympathy. It wasn't dumb thumbs that caused the crash. I expected atleast a courteous explanation that this wasn't a warranty issue and perhaps somewhat of an attempt to show that they care. I understand that they hear similar situations from customers and may get tired of it just like a cashier who's forced to crack a smile to every customer coming throught their line. I purchased this engine expecting good quality and due to the great customer service I've heard about. I'm very disappointed in mostly the service and the engine a bit only because this is just the second problem I've had with my DA 50 and it has been a great engine. The service rep had no suggestions only the same explanations of it being just an rc plane and it happens. He acted as though a dead stick is a common occurence.

I've sent several emails and can't get a response so I guess I'll just have to call back. I have never ever received customer service this poor from any company in our rc industry. Must be I haven't tried the best of em? I do plan on trying more DAs but this hasn't been a good experience. I'm also going to be sure I get the rep's name next time. DA needs to know about reps that provide poor service because from what I've read on this site their service should be top notch.

[Al Lewis]

Well that certainly doesn't sound like the great DA service we always hear about. Maybe he was having a bad day but even that's no excuse to just discount your problem.

[Fontanooch]

The 50DA clearly has problems that Da will not address.