Webra 160 XP

[Ed Alt]

Amram:
The Webra 1.60 seems to do a poor job of transferring heat to the fins and 
head.  I learned that the Webra 1.60 really needs attention to ducting 
plenty of air to keep the bottom of the engine cool.  I had problems with 
the main bearing loosening up and allowing the crankshaft to shift backwards 
enough to cause the prop thrust washer to dig into the crankcase.  This 
happened twice on two almost new engines.  I also had problems with the pump 
going flakey, also most likely attributable to excessive heat buildup.  The 
other thing is that it is somewhat touchy to adjust.  It runs wonderful when 
everything is just right.  However, you get it right for one temperature, 
humidity and field elevation and it completely changes on a different day or 
location.  Some change is expected, but you have to really learn what the 
engine wants if you plan to be able to fly it competetively.

Some guys have great luck with the engine.  Locally, one top flyer has been 
getting better results after switching to the VP30 pump with his Webra.  The 
best I can say for it as a competition motor is that it is delicate.  I just 
got tired of fussing with the engine all the time, figuring it would be 
better to be able to concentrate on flying instead of being a mechanic all 
the time.

Unless you are already at Webra guru status or have a local Webra guru to 
commiserate with, I would suggest looking into an OS 1.40 RX or OS 1.60 FX 
instead.  Since I could not locate a 1.40 at the time, I dropped the OS 1.60 
FX  with a VP30 pump in to replace my Webra in mid season and have had no 
problems whatsoever.  I quickly got over the fact that it's side exhaust and 
that it is a few ounces heavier.  The wrap around header is no big deal. 
You can get one custom made from Karl Mueller or else you can buy a Hatori 
header.  The Mueller headers are very nice.  You should plan on replacing 
the main bearing with a stainless steel version.  If you stick with the 
Webra, there are now SS bearings available for them too.

BTW, the Webra 1.45 that I owned and flew in the same airplane during the 
frequent 1.60 downtimes never had a problem with the main bearing shifting 
around.  I accumulated about twice as much flight time on the 1.45, but it 
had all the other issues that the 1.60 had, i.e., being touchy, having pump 
problems etc.  I hope this helps.

Ed



----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Amram Privat" <amram at leshed.com>
To: <discussion at nsrca.org>
Sent: Monday, October 11, 2004 3:40 AM
Subject: Webra 160 XP


> Hello
> I am about to order the Onyx140 (Protech) and my plan is to use Webra 160
> XP.
> Any tips ideas or recommendations as to the Webra 160 XP will be highly
> appreciated.
> Thanks
> Amram Leshed.
> http://www.f3a-israel.com
>
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