Hobbsy

My Feedback: (102)

Now Pete, this is a much better looking prop than an APC.

Graupner Super Nylon 12 x 8

Glowgeek

Having been a Saito freak for years I just broke in a NIB OS FS48 (old version with airbleed carb).9500 rpm richened 200 with an APC 12x6. That's only a couple hundred R's shy of my rebuilt Saito FA56a numbers. Runs terribly rich at idle though, even with the airbleed screw turned all the way out. I'll try a new f plug first, if that doesn't fix it I'll have to drill out the airbleed hole one drill size at a time until it's tuneable. I do despise airbleed carbs.

Flight Risk

My Feedback: (1)

Hmm. I've never heard of drilling out an airbleed.

Jesse Open

JettPilot

My Feedback: (6)

Wow, there is so much to learn, this is a much harder subject than I imagined !!! Thanks to everyone for so much good information on these engines. Since my first post, I am still trying to figure out weather I should get the OS or the Saito ???

Flight Risk

My Feedback: (1)

I bet your weather in Tuscan is a bit warmer than here NW of Denver. We are low 90's, overcast, with a slight chance of sprinkles.
This seems to be the thread that never ends (started in 2006). You want a smooth running engine that can be used as a camera plane? Maybe try electric like 95% of my club.... Sad...
I still prefer playing with glow fuel and 4-strokes.
Let us know when you make a decision.

1200SportsterRider

Don't sweat it, you'll love either one, I am all Saito save one. My lone two stroke is in the left LT 25. It's a real jewel, contrary to popular talk.

Note nose gear on the left one..

JettPilot

My Feedback: (6)

Hi Flight Risk,

I do fly a lot of electric, it is very smooth and reliable, it solves so many problems. BUT, I still have to be careful to always run low power levels to get a reasonable flight time from electric, there is just not enough energy in batteries yet. Sometimes it is fun to fly Glow engines for the ability to run high power levels and not worry about running batteries dead so quickly. Glow is also just fun sometimes for historical reasons

Glowgeek

Like Dave, all of my smaller fuel planes (8) are powered by Saitos, save one, an OS 55AX.

The choice for me, between OS and Saito 4 strokes was an easy one.....I simply like the looks of the Saitos better.

There are exceptions but overall Saitos have a measurable edge over OS in the power/weight ratio category. This can often give the option to up the displacement when using Saitos without adding much/any tail weight.

Longevity goes to OS imo due to their seemingly indestructible cam and tappets. Still, Saitos will last a very, very long time, albeit requiring a slightly more diligent maintenance routine.

Lonnie

Jesse Open

Power/Weight and longevity as measured in horsepower/hours, all probably goes to YS They are simply remarkable. "Looks" are a bit subjective as I think YS look great from both design and high standards of parts manufacture.
With the right oil combo, Saito cam/lifter durability is competitive with O.S. for all practical purposes. Unlike Saito, O.S. four strokes add a bit of slack and corrosion effects with their utilization of ball type camshaft bearings. The helical gearing places cyclical thrust loads on those ball bearings.