Saito FG-14C Owner's Operating Instruction Manual - Conrods
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Be sure to have a helper hold the model securely.
• Turn on the transmitter first, then the receiver and
check the operation of the throttle servo and other
controls.
• Turn on the power to the ignition system.
• Using an electric starter, begin cranking the engine.
It should fire within seconds of applying the starter.
Allow the engine to idle for 30 to 45 seconds.
• If the engine does not start, even after using the
electric starter to crank the engine a second time,
open the throttle to maximum, turn off the ignition
and turn the engine over about 4 revolutions. Switch
the ignition on again and then restart the engine with
the throttle at a fast idle position.
• If the engine still will not start, unscrew the spark
plug and check its contacts. Clean any possible
excess fuel (an indication of engine flooding) and
screw it in again. Further starting should only be
done with the throttle at idle position. If the plug is
dry, probably not enough fuel has been drawn into
the carburetor. If that is the case, check the fuel feed
and then return to the instructions above.
We strongly urge the use of a tachometer to check rpm
readings when breaking in the engine.
After starting and warming the engine for 30 to 45
seconds, adjust as follows: for initial break-in, do not
exceed 4,000 rpm for the first 10 minutes of operation.
This allows all the parts to mate properly with good
lubrication.
WARNING:
Before adjusting the carburetor,
you MUST stop the engine. Failure to do so
will cause the propeller to continue to move if
the engine is not stopped, which could result
in serious injury.
Subsequent runs may be made while slightly leaning out
the mixture with each tank full of fuel. Forty minutes is
considered sufficient time for normal break-in prior to
the first flight.
Conrods
Saito has developed a specific aluminum alloy and manufacturing process that allows them to eliminate the need
for a separate bearing material in the lower end of their conrods. The benefit of this is you never have to worry about
the bearing material (usually bronze oilite) rotating in the conrod and blocking off the critical bearing lubrication
holes machined into the bottom of the conrod. This process also allows for smaller crankcases and smaller airplane
applications. It also creates the requirement for the 20:1 oil mixture in our gasoline powered engines.
Do not skip this step. You risk seizing the conrod to the crankshaft.
The most important component to break-in on all Saito 4-stroke engines, and especially the gasoline engines, is
the conrod to crankshaft interface. The break-in process required for all Saito engines is designed to break-in the
conrod to crankshaft interface more than to seat the ring. The ring will seat gradually over time and the engine will
develop more and more power. Ensure the conrod is treated correctly from the beginning.
Break-in
• Do not operate the engine with a “lean” mixture.
• Regularly check all screws and nuts on both the engine and muffler.
• After every 1 to 2 hours of operation, valve adjustment may be necessary. Adjust the valves as shown in the
Engine Maintenance and Valve/Tappet Adjustment Sections.
• Saito engines are equipped with a “breather” nipple. It is recommended that a length of PFM type tubing
(EVOA102) tubing be attached to this crankcase breather nipple and routed away from the engine compartment
so the excess oil can be expelled outside of the aircraft.
General Operating Procedures
(to ensure the long life of the engine)