My idle wouldn't come down.
I did the reed block/cage modifications and it solved MY issue.

What have you tried if anything?

Take care
Bob

On my 55, which is 6 years old and ALOT of use, I have low compression. Any ideas on what all I can do and where I can get all the parts?

Was thinking of going a DLE 61 but no one offers a header.

Do a search for Frank Bowman for a ring.
If it's an RA, Tower has parts.
If it's a 55, search for Phils Hobby.

I'm on my phone so I don't have the links.
I just did the reeds and block and a Bowman on my old 55 and it's perfect !

Thanx let ya know how it works out

Here's Phil's --> https://www.philshobbyshop.com/catal...53+mfrid%3A270

Here's Franks email --> ringmaster46@msn.com

Have a good New Year!

Thanks Bob,

You beat me to it. +1, change the ring. Frank Bowmans are the way to go, but a new ring from DLE (or phills hobby shop) will be okay too. Someone may know but are the new rings from tower the newer material?

Tower stopped stocking the dle-55 and only want to push their RA exhaust motors

Originally Posted by oldgoat 1825

On my 55, which is 6 years old and ALOT of use, I have low compression. Any ideas on what all I can do and where I can get all the parts?

Check Valley View RC, they may be a good source for parts.

Depending what things look like when you have your engine apart, with 6 years and a lot of use, you may want to replace the jug, piston, pin and needle bearing when you install the new Bowman ring.

Check the reed valves too, especially if it's a little hard to start. You could be passing air back through the carb that is supposed to be compressing. If it is, it's a cheap and quick fix.

I have a 55RA that I received only a few weeks ago. Since it is a recent engine will it benefit from the reed block mod or are they producing flatter parts now?

Also, I have about 30-40 minute run time on the test stand. Should I put the Bowman ring in now?

I am new to gas and have not run IC glow engines for years. Is there a good video tutorial on the tear down and installation of the Bowman ring?

Thanks,

Dave

You could pull the reed block and check how the reeds are sealing, If they are flat I would leave them alone. Most people put the bowman ring in it before the first start but I suppose you could still put it in.

I was at a hobby shop over this past weekend and they have two or three NIB DLE 55's if anyone is looking.

My buddy scooped one up while he was there.

If anyone is looking let me know.

Take care
Bob

Originally Posted by jaync

You could pull the reed block and check how the reeds are sealing, If they are flat I would leave them alone. Most people put the bowman ring in it before the first start but I suppose you could still put it in.

I spoke to Frank and he said it was ok to add the ring now. Also, he is working with a guy that will do the ring install, reed block mod and a timing calibration all for about $57 (includes the cost of the ring) which includes return shipping. Seems like a good deal but I hate to ship my engine off somewhere and I would enjoy doing the work myself. He seems to think even the newer DLE engines would benefit from the reed block mod.

Dave

It seems like all DLE engines coyld use some modification out of the box.

I have a DLE 85 that I've been having issues with and just decided to pull the reed cage out. Found a bump right where the reeds are supposed to seat and two of the reeds are chipped on the corners. I ordered new reeds and a reed cage just in case. I will report back after I put everything back together. I guess I will put my bowman ring in while I'm at it and hopefully it will be a great engine after all of this.