New DL-55 and DL-111

[borealnw]

Hey Pat thanks so much for coming over this weekend to help with my engine. I have been thinking of this all day at work and I have to say something and (no one is going to like it) but feel it needs to be said for those seeking to save money by purchasing a DLE engine. Consider it a review of my experiences with the engine and service. Not a slam on you this thread or how awesome your DLE runs. I do not intend on pissing anyone off or show that I am a hot head or promoting another product. It is simply my experience with the product and what I have found along the way.

When I first thought about Competing in IMAC and moving to giant scale year ago I could hardley wait to get the parts for my first 30% and get started. So like most of you I went to flying giants and read as many forum threads I could on the airframe, servo's batteries and lastley engines.

I found this thread and an ad on both FG and in the AMA montly about a DLUSA dealer in Texas who boasted that he personally inspects every engine before it is shipped. He offered a warranty being a DLE dealer so I thought ok with everyone boasting on how awesome it was to own a DLE over another high end brand was worth the savings in money. DLUSA also offered advise on how the engine was to be run in that I followed to a T. Five gallons 32:1 Ashless and then switch to 80:1 Saber.

So click click I pulled the triger and purchased a DLE-55 Since then it has been a not so pleasing experience. Like others the plug failed after first start. Had to get a CM-6. After the break in I ran the 80:1 two gallons and the bearings failed taking the entire engine. I am fortunate I was able to save the plane. I made attempts to get service done from DLUSA and low and behold out of business. So I met Jody over the phone and Valley View and we came to an agreement that was good for both him and I on how to proceed with the engine. In that conversation I also asked to look at the carb in that I was not able to ever tune the carb for fair performance. Jody told me that the tuning was spot on so I took it at that since I have to go through breakin all over it will burble and miss until break in occurs.

Anyway to make a long sotry short the engine has been rebuilt twice. 1. Failed bearings 2. Broken crank. I've made several attempts on this forum asking what I can do to eliminate the constant burble and missing on this thread. So many have been helpful and I hope that I have the problem fixed.

Pat came over yesturday and we ran some tests on both the new carb and reed cage assembly along with the old. I found some information that will be helpful to those seeking to buy this engine. 1. If you purchase find someone in your club or search the web for a pop off meter. The pop off setting should be at a range of 15-18 PSI. Mine was at 8 PSI. on the old carb and 19 PSI on the new carb 2. Change the plug as soon as you get the engine out of the box to a CM-6. 3. Never run Lawnboy Ashless or Amsoil Saber 100:1 in this engine. The reed cage on carb assembly will leak and so bad that at 8 pounds of air test you had better stand back because fuel will splatter in your face. For those wondering how the test should have gone the air test should have netted a sealed or slight air leaks on the reeds and reed cage.

I can say that the service from valley Veiw has been awesome I've gotten to know Jody and think the world of him. He has dropped everything including meeting me half way to deliver an engine. With a three day turn around from the time it hits his door.

I can not say the same for the product though. Lets do the math.

Engine $410.00
Engine rebuild the first time $145.00 Shipping $45.00
Engine rebuild the second time $0 Shipping $45.00
New carb and reed cage $75.00

Total cost so far with only 15 gallons through the engine and it still does not run like other engines out of the box from other companies. $720.00

So I now have a $720.00 engine that will never be the same quality and will never last as long as other brands on the market. On the front end one does save money and will take chances purchasing a DLE. Keep in mind that the quality is not even on par with other brand name engines so expect to pay more along the way.

If you purchase this engine expect to do your homework on engine assembly and carb maint, just to get this engine up to snuff. I am fortunate that Pat and Jody have been helpful along the way and took the time to help me and give me tips on how to make it run better. Expect to tune the carb every time you fly and to know that a good running DLE in the air will start hard on the ground. Or you will have a great starting DLE that will bourble all day long.

On a positive note I've made great friends along the way. I've gained a knowledge on how to properly tune and maintian my carb and engine. I am able to help my fellow flyers out at the field if they are having problems with their engines.

I can tell you that I will continue to work out the problems on this engine and will run it until it finally quits from being to old. I can also tell you that I am doing this for two reasons 1. I am determined 2. I am so far behind $$$$$ that I can not justify dumping it on someone else. My reputation is far more important and I can not honestly say it runs great and had no problems with it if I sold it.

I can tell you that this will be my last purchase from DLE ever in my career. You get what you pay for and in my case I've paid way to much for an engine that has never ran right from the start. My engine has seen more hours and miles in the back of a UPS truck then it has on my airframe.

[JoeAirPort]

Wow apparently I've been very lucky with my DL-50 and 55. I did the same thing as you with DA after my DA-50 dead sticked the 6th time and they claimed nothing was wrong with it. Goes to show you that just one bad negative experience shuts the door on something pretty much forever. I'd never get another DA-50.

[Tired Old Man]

Jeff,

You've had your share of problems for sure, but I wouldn't give up just yet. All the major makers have had their share of issues in their beginnings. Just as DL/DLE has had their share. At least to me they are improving all the time. Each new size and design seems to bring some teething pains that the consumers seem to get to pay for, but they will work out I think.

The 19 lb pop off, being 1 pound over, isn't anything to be concerned about. We're looking for an "in the ballpark" value and 19 certainly is in that vicinity. Electric Dave and I are going to breakfast next Sunday morning. Care to join us?

[f5air]

About the oil brands and spark plug its an info that is repeated million on times on this thread. I will not tell that you are wrong or unlucky, but believe me i have seen a lot of DLE engines out there and no problems at all. And yes you get what you pay for.....in this cause bad luck for you that you didnt buy the engine from VVRC, or other authorized dealers cause the pirce of the engine at this time could be the same $410 bucks.

At least you have spent $720 bucks, a firend of mine have lost like $4000 usd due 4 dead sticks with his DA, all the time repaired and tuned by DA, and the same problem showed up in every crash. 4 AW yaks with top electronic on the trash can on the field in less than 5 months.

Hope this time you enjoy your engine...and the best of all, right now as you said you know much more things about engines and how to tune it than before...thats priceless.!!!!

[billgw]

Wow, I realize everyone has their "own" experiences with whatever product they purchase. There are people that will never buy: Toyota, Honda, Chevy... you name it and they would never go back. This is not a new deal singular to our Hobby. I have heard " You should try this doctor."/"Don't go to that quack!" talking about the same doctor.

We have hundreds of flylers using this product Dl50/DLE55 ( and the other engines in their line ) that are truly pleased. I have two 55's. Both have performed flawlessly. People at my field have purchased other DLE product as a result of watching the operation of my stuff. I should be getting a commission!

We all have problems. Mine just show up ( in this Hobby ) in other areas. Ya pays ya money and takes ya chances.....

[Oilsands]

Does anyone know where you can get a gasket kit or rebuild kit for the EMAS carbs on the DL100/111's?

[Tired Old Man]

Call VVRC.

[Oilsands]

That is what I was thinking, but hoping he may reply first. If I can't get any, I will end up purchasing a Walbro WJ-71 since I can get those kits.

[Super08]

Anthony, that is my plan. As soon as I have any greef (if I do) with any of the carbs on my DLE's I am going to replace them with WJ-71's Then all my large engines will be running the same carb.

[Jedijody]

	Quote: Originally Posted by Oilsands
	That is what I was thinking, but hoping he may reply first. If I can't get any, I will end up purchasing a Walbro WJ-71 since I can get those kits.

Okay, I'll tell ya. Use a Tillotson kit, RK-36-HS, any place that sells or services Husky chainsaws should have them or be able to get them. Personally, I've never needed one yet.

[Oilsands]

Thanks Jody. I don't need them right now either, but would like to have a couple on had in case I do. Looking at taking them apart and cleaning them this spring before flying starts.

[Jedijody]

Good plan Anthony, I should have some in stock by then as well.

[bmclaughlin]

Orderred a Walbro WJ-71 yesterday.

Being a glutten for punishment, I put my old, worn out, loose throttle bladded, original 2 yr old, DL 100 EMAS carb on my new DLE 111. I got best RPM at about 3 1/2 turns out (6700+) on the high needle and a slobbering rich mid range. Low needle at 3/4 out. That is 3 different EMAS carbs on this DLE 111. I guess I just got the "Super ported" edition that has a volumetric efficiency way beyond the "stock" versions............ I'll make sure I order the stock one next time.

Hope the WJ-71 fixes this. Maybe It will turn a 30X10 prop with the new carb???????

Bill

[Tired Old Man]

For someone with the desire, I have one new WJ-71 I could part with.

[Bad Dog!]

	Quote: Originally Posted by rcign
	The high speed needle goes into a hole above the high speed fuel nozzle...If the hole is too small the carb can't pass enough fuel...Early DA 50s using the 201 carb did the same thing... WT76 carb flows more fuel...A WT76 works well on a DA50. The 201 could be modified by CAREFULLY drilling the hole where the high speed needle seats..A LITTLE at a time..You need a set of gage pins and some #61 to #80 to driil bits to do this... Best done with a hand operated pin vise, you can go too deep and destroy the carb... Apparently the DLE 111 uses more fuel under load than the chainsaw the carb was made for....

My stock DLE111 would not run rich on the high end, no matter how far out the high speed needle was. I purchased a replacement EMAS and it behaved exactly the same. Both ran fine but would sag occasionally on long up lines. I drilled out the above mentioned hole on the replacement carb and the problem is solved. the hole was a press fit for a .039 drill bit and we enlarged it to .042 using a pin vise. We had to tap out and replace the check valve to make way for the drill. It was a easy and effective fix.