Webra thread....

[Bill Pritchett]

All:
I have been "lurking" on this thread, and feel compelled to contribute - our list is a tremendous source of information, and in this case, "trends"..

-    when I returned to flying after a six year layoff, the two stroke motor was very attractive to me.  I really like "plug and play"..... the simplicity was simply overwhelming in my choice, even though the YS motors I used to run were, in looking back, "plug and play"...
-    I purchased the Focus ARF to quickly get in the air, and of course was exposed to the Webra option through the Piedmont setup by Lee Davis
-following nothing but problems with the Webra motors (two of them) I have come to the following conclusions:

1.    The Webra motor, when it is setup and working, is fine.  Problem is, for me it won't be for very long.  That's a real bother for those  that burn much fuel.  A pattern motor should get hundreds, not dozens, of successful flights before needing major work.....you know, having a prop spinning through completion of landing.  I use PowerMaster 15/16, OS F plugs, APC 17x12...typical setup!
2.    Webra needs to deal with the pump and rear bearings... the rear bearings seem to be the source of most all of my problems... when they start to go, particles of metal start ruining plugs and scratching the cylinder wall.  I have replaced one pump, and two bearings so far in two motors.  They are running fine for now, but again, I know that the bearings will soon be going south.
3.    Horizon is wonderful in support of the motor, but until Webra or an aftermarket company comes up with a sealed/stainless rear bearing, Horizon is swinging a "leaded bat".  The rear bearings and their very limited life span make it difficult in a typical pattern application....i.e. burning lots of fuel.  
4.   The pump seems to work fine as long as the rear bearings are good.... at least for me, the rear bearings have caused my problems..... the pump I replaced was done by Horizon because in frustration,  I totally took the pump apart, looking for anything.  Didn't find anything, but managed to destroy the pump.  I know why we aren't supposed to completely disassemble the pump - Horizon wants to send them back to Webra for evaluation, and when they are  not just taken off the back of the motor, that's not possible.  If you suspect the pump,  send it to Horizon.  My experience with the pump is pretty simple..... if you can make the motor rich, the pump is working just fine.  When it's working, all the mixture stuff is very easy to set....... and, I don't run the mixture control carb on either motor...
5.    I run the motor dry after use, and have used, and have not used after run oil.  If you fly a few times each week, I think our motors should do fine by just being run dry.....sure, oil 'em up for storage, but not to fly tomorrow!  
6.    I agree with those that suggest we shouldn't bang on a company.........some guys claim to have had no problems!  Trouble is, lots of people have..... As the owner of two motors, headers, and pipes for these, I'm in no hurry to trash them!  Quite the contrary, I am anxious for there to be a solution!  
Did I mention the rear bearings??  Seriously, that's the biggy for me.  As soon as I get the header I ordered from Karl Mueller, I will be flying with a new OS 1.40, EFI bearing set already installed.  The Webras will go in a drawer, pending bearing updates.  Based upon my experience and what I've seen as I've lurked on this thread, I'm going to call this whole thing with the Webras a trend.

Regards,
Bill





Bill Pritchett
765-744-9322
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