Webra thread....

[vicenterc at comcast.net]

Jim:
Now, I wonder if fuel could be an issue.  I don't have Webras but I have OS 140 RX and Mintor 140.  In both engines I replaced the bearings after no more than 30-50 flights.  I replace the bearings with SS and have more than 10 cases after replacing bearings.  My experience with those two engines is very similar.  I am using heli wild cat fuel 20% nitro.
Vicente Bortone

-------------- Original message -------------- 

Hi Bill, 

Experiences like yours are not fun to go through. In 2002 I replaced the rear bearing in a Webra 1.45R after 200 flights. That life span is good for me. I never ran the fuel out or used after run oil (living in high desert at the time). Matt K. is now running the original piston/ring/liner from my first 1.45R. I started using the Webra 160 with M/C carb 1 week before the 2004 Riverside, CA contest. This engine has run so well for me day-in-out that I do not feel it necessary to convert to electric (given the full spectrum of equipment & price considerations at this time). The engine has very little vibration and I've gotten quite used to not having to touch the engine when it is running to adjust it. The speed envelope of the plane can be customized to your flying style - once you learn the engine. I think there is two pieces of advice that make a lot of sense when it comes to engine setups: 1. Run what you can afford to replace, and 2. Run what you can get help with in the local area with other flyers. In Lancaster, I had Jerry & Tony to help with my first Webra 160 setup. Within 1/2 a tank from first flip I was flying the plane. I've found that you need to increase the pump pressure by 1-2 turns. 

Best of luck, 
Jim W.




"Bill Pritchett" 
Sent by: discussion-request at nsrca.org 
08/02/2004 10:58 AM 
Please respond to discussion 

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Subject: Webra thread....



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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