Saito .56 setup

I've read that a Saito .56 needs about a 4 oz tank or better to do the pattern. Mine runs over 10 minutes on this amount of fuel.
I found that with 2.5 oz of fuel the model still does over 30 laps after the end of the pattern.
I've screwed out the needle over 5 turns and it still does not seem to run rich. Can anyone tell me how I should set up the carb? Could this needle be blocked with dirt and be running dead lean no matter how far I turn it out? Ive never run one before or taken apart a Saito carb so I don't know what to look for, but it seems to me that the engine is using far less fuel than Z man suggested.
Help!!

I am using one and it uses 2 1/2 ounces for a pattern. I have switched from the RC carb to a venturi and it works much better that way. It is currently at 0.280 dia with a ST 60 spraybar through it.

Paul, what is your impression of the .56 4-stroke? What prop are you using? Fuel? Impression of the run? Obviously the pipe systems run differently from the non-pipes systems although there are different ways to set them up, and the 4-strokes will also run differently and there are different ways to set them up. You, also, normally like smaller props and yet the 4-stroke will allow you to run a bigger prop. Maybe you could even start a new thread to give us your impressions.

Leonard Neumann

What altitude, nitro content and prop are you running? All make a ton of difference, altitude most of all. Steve

I am no expert on this subject yet. I have run numerous experiments with it so far, some have worked, some (more) didn't. Most of what I have learned about making stunt planes work, doesn't seem to apply here. If I have a problem, I think about what I would do if it was a piped plane, and then do just about the opposite. This of course doesn't apply to "basic" trim items like wing level and tip weight.

Prop diameter: Yes, I normally use an 11.3" dia prop on all the Impacts, including the one it is in now. But with the 4-cycle, I flew in a contest the weekend prior to the Team Trials with a 12.5" dia 3 blade prop, and it worked great! I have asked Randy to send me the largest diameter 3 blade he has to try on this.

I wish to hold back from a complete endorcement of this engine, as the real test will come at the Nats next year. The only true way to find out just how good it will work is to put it to the test, and that is what I intend to do. There is some light at the end of the tunnel.

I know they run different, and they sure sound different, but now you have me curious. What do you mean by the opposite of a pipe ship? I know there were a couple at the nats this year. One in particular still had the throttle which he would close in order to start it (because it would draw better). How do you start it with the venturi? Any problems? What is the power like overhead? Do you have it set so it picks up steam as it goes up, or is it pretty linear in rpm?

Matt had a 13 1/2 inch three blade Bolly on his pipe ship which is probably the prop you will want to try. After that they get pretty hefty in pitch. Ironically, he didn't seem to notice any "funnies" in the use of that prop, nor did it seem to hurt the corner any. with the 4-cycle going slower there shouldn't be any problems at all.

And if anyone else has any information to share with us about the 4-cycles, start a new thread and enlighten us.

Leonard Neumann

Let's see, I wonder if someone makes a 15 size 4-cycle? If so, one could make a B-36 and put those little babies on it, and....

Len,

I know my experience is that you need to develp very different reflexes with a 4-Stroke. The power doesn't come on and off like a two stroke powered plane. The power you have is the power you have. If it's enough for the whole pattern, then fine. If's it's a bit short, well, it gets interesting.

They sure have gobs of torque, but I suggest you build light.