Author Topic: LA 40 Space Washer? (Read 4423 times)

Allen Eshleman · « **on:** August 25, 2016, 07:32:29 PM »

I have an LA 40 that was a great runner. However, I just ran it again after a long time and after a crash in grass. I cleaned it well, but it didn't turn freely. I was looking at it closely. I think that there was a space washer between that case and the drive nut. I seem to have lost it, if that was the case. Would another appropriate washer work? Thanks ahead of time.

Allen Eshleman · « **Reply #1 on:** August 25, 2016, 07:38:57 PM »

I see a thrust washer for FP 20-40 still available at Tower Hobby.

Allen Eshleman · « **Reply #2 on:** August 25, 2016, 08:28:19 PM »

I found a thrust washer and put it on. Still doesn't turn smoothly. Could crank shaft be bent?

Brett Buck · « **Reply #3 on:** August 25, 2016, 09:03:29 PM »

Quote from: Allen Eshleman on August 25, 2016, 08:28:19 PM

I found a thrust washer and put it on. Still doesn't turn smoothly. Could crank shaft be bent?

Possibly, but I would suggest pulling it apart and cleaning it out completely, then see. At least you will be able to see if the crankshaft is binding up by spinning the bare crankshaft in the case.

I would be very surprised it crashing on grass/dirt bent anything.

Brett

RandySmith · « **Reply #4 on:** August 26, 2016, 01:07:23 AM »

Quote from: Allen Eshleman on August 25, 2016, 08:28:19 PM

I found a thrust washer and put it on. Still doesn't turn smoothly. Could crank shaft be bent?

things that cause that
Bent crank
warped case..common on the LA FP that have been put in
bent rod
warped sleeve

Randy

Allen Eshleman · « **Reply #5 on:** August 26, 2016, 05:38:10 AM »

I am going to have my brother take it apart. We'll see what we have. Actually, it did start it and run a whole flight. Just didn't have much umph, so I thought. It ran very smooth and consistent. Just seemed to slow down at the end. Needle may have been a bit too lean. However, I thought it sounded like it was vibrating when I started it.

In the aforementioned crash, it was buried in the ground. I had to dig it out with a shovel.

frank mccune · « **Reply #6 on:** August 26, 2016, 06:33:37 AM »

Hello Allen:

I concur with what Randy has stated! I have been down this path before and it does not take many G Forces to do bad things to an engine in a crash. May I be as so bold as you REPLACE the engine with one that has not been crashed.

I recently was given three engines that only needed a CL nva. installed and I was in business with some almost free stunt engines. However, when I sent these engines to a friend for further inspection, all kind of damage was discovered just like Randy posted! Often the hole in the crankcase where the venturi is placed is often cracked , chipped or distorted. Often the damage is so slight that you may not notice it until the engine runs.

Do yourself a favour and replace the engine.

Remember that you have an open invitation to join us for flying. All we ask is that you are an AMA member.

Be well,

Frank McCune

Motorman · « **Reply #7 on:** August 29, 2016, 05:47:48 PM »

Send it to me, I'll fix it.

MM

Allen Eshleman · « **Reply #8 on:** September 29, 2016, 04:54:26 PM »

Thanks so much Motorman. I sent it to him. He cleaned it out on the inside. No more binding but great compression. I hope to run it this fall. However, the Fancherized Banshee it was on is waiting to have a new elevator put on. The original elevator was not even and I left it go. However, the plane wouldn't stay on the end of the lines above my head. Can't wait to try the LA 40 again. It was so easy starting and ran well.

Allen Eshleman · « **Reply #9 on:** November 14, 2016, 09:06:52 PM »

I finally ran the LA 40 and flew the Banshee. It started on the 2nd or 3rd flip. I ear tuned it to a slightly off two cycle (peak). 5% nitro 22% oil (half and half) 10.5 X 4.5 APC prop. It ran great. I gave it a bit more than 4 oz of fuel. It ran a long, long time. I didn't know mileage could be so good. That motor is humming as good as ever. I actually didn't know an LA 40 could be so good. I only did one flight due to lack of time even though the weather was gorgeous. 50 degrees or so.

With the repairs, the Banshee is pulling better.

Thanks again Motorman. You da man.

Allen Eshleman · « **Reply #10 on:** November 15, 2016, 04:35:00 PM »

From This

Allen Eshleman · « **Reply #11 on:** November 15, 2016, 04:39:07 PM »

To This again:

Allen Eshleman · « **Reply #12 on:** November 15, 2016, 07:36:44 PM »

From This (bigger size photos) .......

Allen Eshleman · « **Reply #13 on:** November 15, 2016, 07:47:04 PM »

To This Again... Sorry, redoing this to resize the photos.

Russell Shaffer · « **Reply #14 on:** November 15, 2016, 07:49:37 PM »

Isn't wet grass wonderful? Glad you are back in business.

Allen Eshleman · « **Reply #15 on:** November 15, 2016, 07:53:46 PM »

I'm glad it had just rained heavily and the ground that it dug into was soft.

Motorman · « **Reply #16 on:** November 15, 2016, 09:15:29 PM »

Pleasure doing business with you sir. That's a nice looking banshee. Glad everything worked out.

MM

Allen Eshleman · « **Reply #17 on:** November 19, 2016, 02:11:41 PM »

The same to you Motorman.

I just did three more flights with this engine. It runs great. It runs for about 9 minutes on less than 4 0z of fuel - 5% nitro, 11/11. Is this typical? That's amazing gas mileage. Attached is a picture of the motor and tank.

1. Is this gas mileage typical?
2. Is it better to have the tank with the smaller dimension vertical like I have it? I did have it pasted flat against the fuselage. I then put it like this. I have another tank or so something like this.

Allen Eshleman · « **Reply #18 on:** November 19, 2016, 02:13:09 PM »

And this!

Allen Eshleman · « **Reply #19 on:** November 19, 2016, 02:20:03 PM »

I should add that is a Smith needle valve.