Author Topic: Brian Gardner LA .25 ABC Sets (Read 25345 times)

Al Ferraro · « **on:** April 13, 2016, 11:18:01 PM »

It's no secret that the LA .25 piston and liner is of poor quality. Every La .25 engine that has a few flights on it leaks compression when I check it by bringing it up to TDC. I use the La .25 for speed limit combat and it's a good engine but the piston seal keeps getting worst with more use. I contacted Brian about making up some high quality ABC sets for this engine like he did for the Fox .36x. I also heard that the LA.25 Piston and Liners will fit the FP .25 but we would need someone else to confirm this. I alone would order at least 6 sets.

Reply below if you're interested in ordering the ABC piston and liner sets and how many.
Al

Steve Lotz · « **Reply #1 on:** April 14, 2016, 09:09:09 AM »

I could use 3 sets.

Steve Lotz

Gerald Arana · « **Reply #2 on:** April 14, 2016, 09:41:13 AM »

I'll take two sets.

Gerald Arana

dave siegler · « **Reply #3 on:** April 14, 2016, 10:03:59 AM »

2 for me.

John Saunders · « **Reply #4 on:** April 14, 2016, 01:35:13 PM »

I'll take 3 sets . The sooner the better. Thanks AL

Brent Williams · « **Reply #5 on:** April 14, 2016, 06:08:09 PM »

Price?

Brian Gardner · « **Reply #6 on:** April 14, 2016, 07:26:34 PM »

The Fox 36X/ST46/OS35/ST60 sets are usually around $115 Australian dollars shipped. The ST51 sets are $130 because of the more detail in the port machining. But this usually includes rod and pin. I'm guessing that you guys wouldn't want the rods or pins? So it would be less $ naturally.

tom brightbill · « **Reply #7 on:** April 14, 2016, 08:30:40 PM »

What port timing would be done? Intended for racing, stunt, ?
Thanks

jfv · « **Reply #8 on:** April 14, 2016, 09:56:03 PM »

I'm good for 2 sets

Al Ferraro · « **Reply #9 on:** April 14, 2016, 10:02:21 PM »

(What port timing would be done? Intended for racing, stunt)
I would keep the port timing stock. This engine is a good multi purpose engine, a lot of my friends use it in stunt on a Ringmaster instead of a Fox .35. I use it in Speed Limit combat on a bladder with a 8x4 prop. This engine is easy to needle and it holds it's setting for the 5 minute match and has plenty of power. With Brian's ABC set the engine will use less fuel and give better performance because of the chrome and roundness of his liners. I was told his work is team race quality by someone who knows engines on that level. Because Brian is starting with a clean sheet of paper I would have him make the liner flange .010 thicker than stock to make it more rigid. The new stock engine I have came with a .015 head shim and if you take it out the piston will hit the head. In the past Brian always supplied head shims so if he sends along a .005 head shim to use it will be back to stock spec. clearance. He can also make some liner shims for the guys that want to jack up the timing. I didn't ask Brian yet but it would be nice to have a turbo head button that would sit deeper in the liner and a head clamp too.
Al

Tom Luciano · « **Reply #10 on:** April 15, 2016, 04:51:00 AM »

I'll take 3

Tom

Fredvon4 · « **Reply #11 on:** April 15, 2016, 07:54:34 AM »

I am in for 2 sets

and as suggested in one of the other threads on Brian's work, willing to send a deposit to help keep Brian from tying up his limited funds to start a project

Brian Gardner · « **Reply #12 on:** April 15, 2016, 07:30:52 PM »

Looks like we have numbers. Things are pretty busy at the moment, so production may take a while. Are you guys prepared to wait like usual?

Fredvon4 · « **Reply #13 on:** April 16, 2016, 07:00:24 AM »

Steve Lotz · « **Reply #14 on:** April 16, 2016, 07:10:53 AM »

Me too neither... to quote Stan Laurel.

BYU · « **Reply #15 on:** April 16, 2016, 07:50:32 AM »

How about sets for the LA 46 as well?

I would be up for 4

Brian Gardner · « **Reply #16 on:** April 16, 2016, 07:34:28 PM »

I have an old and well used FP25. Probably not good for getting the pin fit right though. If Al would like to send me an LA25 in good condition I can check for parts compatibility and get the ball rolling on this one.

Al Ferraro · « **Reply #17 on:** April 16, 2016, 09:16:06 PM »

That's good news Brian, Ill mail out the LA.25 to you on Monday.
Al

Al Ferraro · « **Reply #18 on:** April 17, 2016, 05:00:21 PM »

(If he were to make the bore size slightly smaller we could fit our old pistons when the new piston wears out)
The problem with that is the head will not fit the new piston and liner that Brian will make. Most guys want to upgrade the engine without any machine work. In my engine it was the liner that wore out not the piston. I found this out when I compared it to a new set that I bought from Tower Hobby. I will send a brand new, never run, engine to Brian to check out and to compare it to his FP. So far the only thing that I think should be changed is the flange to be .010 thicker.
Keep the suggestions coming though, it's not too late to make changes as long as it works in all applications.
Al

john ohnimus · « **Reply #19 on:** April 18, 2016, 11:00:57 AM »

Sign me up for 1

Chad Hill · « **Reply #20 on:** April 18, 2016, 02:14:59 PM »

Quote from: Al Ferraro on April 13, 2016, 11:18:01 PM

It's no secret that the LA .25 piston and liner is of poor quality. Every La .25 engine that has a few flights on it leaks compression when I check it by bringing it up to TDC. I use the La .25 for speed limit combat and it's a good engine but the piston seal keeps getting worst with more use.

I bought six new LA 25s when I returned to combat in 2006 and have flown them hundreds of times on F2D planes. In ten years I've only had to replace one P&L because of compression issues, and that one still had some life in it. One other LA 25 suddenly developed a bad case of castor gumming during a match a couple years ago (against phil c, I believe) but a dip in the crock pot fixed that one.

These are the only problems I've had with the LA 25, knock on wood. For what it's worth, I've always used Sig Champion 10% nitro with extra oil to bring the total oil to 23%. The extra oil has included 1 ounce per gallon of Randy Smith's Aero-1, with the balance half Klotz and half Sig castor. I religiously clean each motor after use and liberally squirt in plenty of after run oil that is half ATF and half air tool oil. As I recall, set on bladder pressure these LA 25s tach about 15-16k using Schimitar 8-5s or Master Airscrew S-2 8-5s.

Just my $.02 and no criticism implied. Maybe the OS quality has fallen on these P&Ls since 2006.

Brett Buck · « **Reply #21 on:** April 18, 2016, 06:07:21 PM »

Quote from: Chad Hill on April 18, 2016, 02:14:59 PM

Just my $.02 and no criticism implied. Maybe the OS quality has fallen on these P&Ls since 2006.

All of mine (20FP and 25LA) have been completely bulletproof, no issues. Same with 40/46VFs or any other OS ABN engine I have used or seen. I am running them in stunt, but the 20's in particular are running pretty close to as much power as they will develop. They break in rapidly and then just go and go.

That's not to say you shouldn't have an aftermarket ABC liner if you want one, Brian's work is impeccable. But it absolutely is not necessary for stunt and certainly not for durability - assuming the rest of the engine is *left alone*.

And for goodness sake, I would certainly recommend replicating the last version liner *exactly as it comes from OS in all respects*. That's because it's a *stellar* stunt engine stock, and will provide runs better than most people will ever have for the rest of their careers, based on what I have seen over the last 40 years or so. It certainly cannot be significantly improved upon in terms of run quality for stunt by random tinkering or the ministrations of the "head gasket patrol".

Brett

Al Ferraro · « **Reply #22 on:** April 18, 2016, 07:03:24 PM »

I was wondering when the rocks would start flying?
About two years ago I bought six LA25s (made in China) so far I'm using four of them in speed limit combat. To start with they were the worst engine I ever ran to break in. They wouldn't hold a needle setting using a bladder for a fuel tank. I only used Power Master 10% Nitro, 22% oil GMA fuel. All the piston and liners felt like they had a tight fit but not really pinching at the top. It wasn't until they really loosened up that they would run steady and needle good on the bladder, but at the same time they wouldn't hold compression at TDC. I've been around engines and have used the LA15 in clown racing which is a great little motor. I also have a 40VF that holds compression too. I started to check every LA that I came across on my friends sport and stunt planes and have yet to find one to hold compression at TDC. Anyway, I just mailed out a new engine today to Brian to measure and compare to see if the LA liners will fit the FP too. From my experience with Brian's ABC piston & liners in the past, I know when we get his ABC set and put them in the LA it's going to be one amazing motor!

Randy Cuberly · « **Reply #23 on:** April 19, 2016, 11:25:49 AM »

I'll take two for a twin!

I have several LA25' (about 7 at last count) and have found them to be a bit inconsistent. Some are very good and some Not So Much.

All work reasonably well but some are definitely stronger and better running than others.

All of mine were purchased in the early 2000's. Nothing after about 2003. All were converted R/C engines!

Randy Cuberly

Brett Buck · « **Reply #24 on:** April 19, 2016, 11:29:37 AM »

Quote from: Al Ferraro on April 18, 2016, 07:03:24 PM

I was wondering when the rocks would start flying?
About two years ago I bought six LA25s (made in China) so far I'm using four of them in speed limit combat. To start with they were the worst engine I ever ran to break in. They wouldn't hold a needle setting using a bladder for a fuel tank. I only used Power Master 10% Nitro, 22% oil GMA fuel. All the piston and liners felt like they had a tight fit but not really pinching at the top. It wasn't until they really loosened up that they would run steady and needle good on the bladder, but at the same time they wouldn't hold compression at TDC.

I am not throwing rocks, but I do see the same thing time after time, where a perfectly good engine suddenly needs all sorts of modifications, while everyone else goes on with it working fine.

Mine took about 15 flights to break in and run correctly, which is pretty much dead consistent with other people's experience. I would suggest, in the future, that you run it on the ground with *all the stock parts* and *the stock venturi* and a *conventional tank* before attempting to convert it to a bladder and whatever you use for a venturi/spraybar. Do a few 5-minute runs with cooling, then hook it up to a 16 ounce clunk tank, set it running, and more-or less walk away from it aside from running the needle in as it loosens up. It is broken in when the front end runs cool - it will be boiling hot on the first 5 runs or so. At least then, you will be separating the problems associated with your conversion and operating conditions from fundamental issues with the engine.

Quote

From my experience with Brian's ABC piston & liners in the past, I know when we get his ABC set and put them in the LA it's going to be one amazing motor!

Agreed, no one is debating the quality of Brian's work and it will be great. And it sounds like there is a market for it, to by all means, go ahead. I just hope it is the *stock* version *exactly as it came from the factory*, because that's the one that is known to work well for stunt.

Brett

Brian Gardner · « **Reply #25 on:** April 20, 2016, 12:31:28 AM »

yes I intend to give an approximation.

Quote from: Motorman on April 19, 2016, 11:47:42 AM

I expect someone will get back to us with a firm price before production starts?

MM

Al Ferraro · « **Reply #26 on:** April 20, 2016, 10:06:03 PM »

(I just hope it is the *stock* version *exactly as it came from the factory*)
Like I said before, this is a good multi purpose engine and I want Brian to keep the ports in a stock configuration. The upper liner flange is kind of wimpy at .050. I would like Brian to make the liner flange .060. My new LA .25 came with a .015 head shim. I would want Brian to supply a .005 head shim to use with his liner so the sport and stunt guys will still have the same stock head clearance.

(It is broken in when the front end runs cool - it will be boiling hot on the first 5 runs or so)
This was not my experience because my combat friends had previously schooled me on this. Before my engine was ever run I had a light hone put on the case and the crank polished, all my break in problems were piston and liner related.
It will be nice to have the LA 25 so that when the Circle Marshal says go, I can bounce the prop backwards on compression to get a one flip start.

Al

Scott Richlen · « **Reply #27 on:** April 21, 2016, 05:26:17 AM »

Sign me up for 1.

Thanks

Steve Scott · « **Reply #28 on:** April 21, 2016, 04:46:12 PM »

Well sure...

phil c · « **Reply #29 on:** April 23, 2016, 09:22:45 AM »

I'll take 2 sets(or three. Prepaying would be no problem.

Quote from: Chad Hill on April 18, 2016, 02:14:59 PM

....................
Just my $.02 and no criticism implied. Maybe the OS quality has fallen on these P&Ls since 2006......................

From what I've heard, at least the last LA 46's were made in China. I got a couple LA 25/S engines, the last few Tower Hobbies had on sale. They were made in China. Haven't had any need to run them though. The others are still runniing OK.

A really good new liner and piston/pin would be great!!

Brian Gardner · « **Reply #30 on:** April 24, 2016, 03:37:02 PM »

I'm anticipating the shipped price being around $105-$110 Australian. Postage rates have increased $5 but that will include tracking to most countries.

Scott Richlen · « **Reply #31 on:** April 24, 2016, 06:23:07 PM »

That's $81 to 85 dollars U.S.

Brian Gardner · « **Reply #32 on:** April 28, 2016, 08:23:59 PM »

Guys, I have the sample engine and am doing a comparison between the LA and FP 25. So progress is happpening.

Can everyone who expressed interest above confirm their request before I finalise quantities. I anticipate the price being around $105 to $110 Australian shipped. It will include piston & liner & head shims.

Brian

jfv · « **Reply #33 on:** April 28, 2016, 08:29:31 PM »

I'm still in for 2 sets.

proparc · « **Reply #34 on:** April 28, 2016, 08:49:09 PM »

I don't have any LA 25's but, based on the results of the ST 51 set, that is going to be a killer LA 25!!

It is an absolute shame they can't retrofit the LA 46's.

Tom Luciano · « **Reply #35 on:** April 29, 2016, 04:26:56 AM »

confirming 3

Steve Lotz · « **Reply #36 on:** April 29, 2016, 04:34:54 AM »

Confirming 3 sets. No rods this time?

dave siegler · « **Reply #37 on:** April 29, 2016, 04:53:39 AM »

confirming still in for 2

Fredvon4 · « **Reply #38 on:** April 29, 2016, 06:16:47 AM »

confirming 2 sets

Al Ferraro · « **Reply #39 on:** April 29, 2016, 06:38:03 AM »

I'm in for 8

John Saunders · « **Reply #40 on:** April 29, 2016, 07:29:34 AM »

confirming 3 sets

Scott Richlen · « **Reply #41 on:** April 29, 2016, 07:30:34 AM »

confirming 1 set

bob whitney · « **Reply #42 on:** April 29, 2016, 08:06:30 AM »

i will take 2 sets

john ohnimus · « **Reply #43 on:** April 29, 2016, 04:23:30 PM »

I'll take 1 set

Dave Edwards · « **Reply #44 on:** April 29, 2016, 05:11:46 PM »

Two sets for me

Brian Gardner · « **Reply #45 on:** April 29, 2016, 05:25:46 PM »

Thanks for the confirmations. Keep them coming to the guys that have not confirmed based on price.

OK guys, I've been doing some measuring.

The liners are the same between the LA and FP with some porting exceptions:

1. Exh timing is the same
2. The FP has a boost port whereas the LA does not.
3. The transfer timing on the LA is a bit higher than the FP.
4. The FP transfers are angled up whereas the LA transfers are straight.

I used to fill the boost port in the FP which gave a good stunt run. The absence of the boost port and slightly higher timed transfers in the LA explains why it works well as a sport stunt config. The LA piston & liner will retrofit into the FP.

The pistons are the same with the exception the FP piston is cast whereas the LA is fully machined.
The pins are the same
The rods are the same. (I don't see the point of making rods as the motors these would be going in shouldn't need rods yet)

So if you guys are happy to have the LA piston & liner replicated with the suggestion of the slightly thicker flange at the top I'm happy to do so.

david beazley · « **Reply #46 on:** April 30, 2016, 03:36:30 AM »

I'm good for 2

Al Ferraro · « **Reply #47 on:** April 30, 2016, 12:24:42 PM »

(So if you guys are happy to have the LA piston & liner replicated with the suggestion of the slightly thicker flange at the top I'm happy to do so)
Thanks Brian, I know this is going to be a great upgrade for the LA25 and it's good news that it will fit the FP25 also. Looking forward to getting them and please let me know if you need a deposit.
Al

Brian Gardner · « **Reply #48 on:** April 30, 2016, 03:52:03 PM »

One problem I see with this is that my liners may have different thermal expansion rates. So you guys would be guessing on the fit that you would lap the old piston to.

Quote from: Motorman on April 30, 2016, 01:51:21 PM

I think that should be investigated because the heads are made for interchangeable manufacture (loose) and the size difference could be less than .001" smaller.

MM

RandySmith · « **Reply #49 on:** April 30, 2016, 05:53:27 PM »

Quote from: Brian Gardner on April 30, 2016, 03:52:03 PM

One problem I see with this is that my liners may have different thermal expansion rates. So you guys would be guessing on the fit that you would lap the old piston to.

No worries Brian, they will work just fine, the OS ones are brass , and if some one had a steel one they would still work, make them the exact same size, not smaller

Randy

Brian Gardner · « **Reply #50 on:** June 25, 2016, 05:16:12 PM »

Production has to fit in around other work with the machinist. I can never be sure on delivery times. Often it is 6 months especially for large quantity runs like this one.

Quote from: Motorman on June 24, 2016, 09:52:11 AM

Any word on production, will we see them in time to fly this season?

Thanks,
MM

Randy Cuberly · « **Reply #51 on:** June 25, 2016, 06:02:18 PM »

Confirming for two sets. Do you want a deposit, Brian?

Randy Cuberly

Brian Gardner · « **Reply #52 on:** June 25, 2016, 08:54:37 PM »

You're on the list for 2 sets Randy.

I'd rather not take money yet due to the time delays we always have on my sets. I keep records of it all but I don't expect people to be out of pocket for 6 months etc.

Quote from: Randy Cuberly on June 25, 2016, 06:02:18 PM

Confirming for two sets. Do you want a deposit, Brian?

Randy Cuberly

Sean McEntee · « **Reply #53 on:** June 26, 2016, 07:55:52 AM »

Random question: can this guy make LA25 crankshafts...more specifically, reverse-turning ones?

Fredvon4 · « **Reply #54 on:** June 26, 2016, 11:47:56 AM »

Not being a smart guy brother Sean.. hit the e-mail link for Brian in Australia and ask him

I have many e-mails back and forth ref the Fox MK IV VI sets, and he is real good at communicating by e-mail

In my research on Brian here, I did not see any mention of doing crank shafts.... but sounds like (to me) he has the resources to do it

PS you still owe me a APO address...grin

Brian Gardner · « **Reply #55 on:** June 26, 2016, 06:15:45 PM »

Hey Sean. Can do cranks - if you want 15 of them.

Quote from: Sean McEntee on June 26, 2016, 07:55:52 AM

Random question: can this guy make LA25 crankshafts...more specifically, reverse-turning ones?

Sean McEntee · « **Reply #56 on:** June 27, 2016, 02:17:36 PM »

Interesting. In several conversations with dad, we talked about doing twins--one that comes to mind being Jack Sheeks's Mosquito--and power them with 2xOS25s, but with counter-rotating props. The big challenge is finding a left-handed crank.

How much for 15 of them, out of curiosity?

Brian Gardner · « **Reply #57 on:** June 27, 2016, 05:29:51 PM »

PM sent

Quote from: Sean McEntee on June 27, 2016, 02:17:36 PM

Interesting. In several conversations with dad, we talked about doing twins--one that comes to mind being Jack Sheeks's Mosquito--and power them with 2xOS25s, but with counter-rotating props. The big challenge is finding a left-handed crank.

How much for 15 of them, out of curiosity?

Brian Gardner · « **Reply #58 on:** July 19, 2016, 02:06:50 AM »

These should be ready in the next month. I'll be contacting everyone on the list for payment after you guys are finished with the nats.

Brian Gardner · « **Reply #59 on:** August 04, 2016, 10:44:41 PM »

OK fellas. These will be ready in a couple of weeks so I need to start chasing payment. I'll be sending PM's to everybody on the list in coming days.

Brian

Al Ferraro · « **Reply #60 on:** August 05, 2016, 07:10:17 AM »

Thanks Brian, Payment sent.
Al

Brian Gardner · « **Reply #61 on:** August 12, 2016, 07:44:02 AM »

I'd like to put out a heartfelt thankyou to all that have paid for their LA25 ABC sets a few weeks in advance.

As some of you know I live on a disability pension these days and do this to keep me occupied and feeling useful. Each production run I do does create a financial strain until paid for.

So thankyou fellas for your support and cooperation.

dave siegler · « **Reply #62 on:** August 12, 2016, 09:48:30 AM »

Brian,

Didn't see your instant message right away, just sent payment.

Fredvon4 · « **Reply #63 on:** August 26, 2016, 10:53:00 AM »

Brian shipped my 36x ABC set to me on 21 July and it took 25 days to get to me 15 Aug...so I think about 3 to 4 weeks may be typical

What I did notice was their international shipping /customs form is a bit more of a PITA to fill out by hand and the cost to Texas was $23 AUD...about 1/4 of the price Brian charged me for the set

I can't imagine Brian is hardly breaking even on these sets, and I am super impressed with the quality

I stuffed my 36x set into a NIB needle bearing version and used the never run factory version in a well worn one I got off e-bay

On the bench I have two nice running old Fox engines

All my current LA 25s are low run time so be a while before I ever use the BG LA 25 ABC set ---but looking forward to adding it to my engine specific repair parts stash

Brian Gardner · « **Reply #64 on:** September 01, 2016, 07:13:08 AM »

My humble apologies guys, these are ready to ship out but my dystonia has been totally screwing my productivity these last 2 weeks. I don't work on this stuff when I'm not lucid to prevent mistakes. Please be assured I will be shipping them all out asap.

Al Ferraro · « **Reply #65 on:** September 14, 2016, 11:27:01 AM »

I just received my order from Brain and these babies are nice. I cant wait to set up the engine, hoping to have it running by this weekend.
Thanks Brian, hope you are feeling better soon.
Al

Gerald Arana · « **Reply #66 on:** September 14, 2016, 02:34:22 PM »

Hi Brian,

My two sets came yesterday. Just opened them today, beautiful.

Now I just have to decide whether to put them in "new" engines or used ones!
Also got to get my plane done...............

Cheers, Jerry

Brian Gardner · « **Reply #67 on:** September 14, 2016, 06:33:10 PM »

Good to hear guys. Unfortunately I only got half of them posted before I ended up in hospital again. I'm home and my wife will take me to the post office today to get the rest sent.

Edit, All remaining sets that are paid for were posted by my wife today. I will send out tracking numbers shortly.

Al Ferraro · « **Reply #68 on:** October 02, 2016, 07:33:28 PM »

Today we put two Gardner ABC LA .25 into Battle and they ran Great! The engines had very little break-in, started right up and ran hard for over five minutes with no problems. The compression is excellent even after the combat match was over. The only problem I ran into was when I went to install the new piston and liner. I could not get the rod on the crank pin so I filed a small 45 degree angle on the bottom end of the crank pin when it was at TDC so I could slip the rod on the crank pin when the piston is at TDC.
Thanks Brian for taking on this project, the quality and fit of these parts are amazing!
Al

Brian Gardner · « **Reply #69 on:** October 02, 2016, 07:57:19 PM »

That's great Al. I'm really pleased they are going well for you.

Quote from: Al Ferraro on October 02, 2016, 07:33:28 PM

Today we put two Gardner ABC LA .25 into Battle and they ran Great! The engines had very little break-in, started right up and ran hard for over five minutes with no problems. The compression is excellent even after the combat match was over. The only problem I ran into was when I went to install the new piston and liner. I could not get the rod on the crank pin so I filed a small 45 degree angle on the bottom end of the crank pin when it was at TDC so I could slip the rod on the crank pin when the piston is at TDC.
Thanks Brian for taking on this project, the quality and fit of these parts are amazing!
Al

dave siegler · « **Reply #70 on:** October 02, 2016, 08:46:06 PM »

Mine have been stuck in custom for about 3 weeks now. How long did it take for all of you to get yours?

Brian Gardner · « **Reply #71 on:** October 03, 2016, 04:08:59 AM »

I just checked the tracking number Dave and it would appear to be in customs still. Wierd.

Quote from: dave siegler on October 02, 2016, 08:46:06 PM

Mine have been stuck in custom for about 3 weeks now. How long did it take for all of you to get yours?

Scott Richlen · « **Reply #72 on:** October 03, 2016, 06:30:30 AM »

I was watching the tracking number on mine and it got to New York and then just sat there for a while. But it arrived at my house last week. So, I guess you have to have patience. I suppose they are trying to figure out what it is and whether its worth stealing.

Fredvon4 · « **Reply #73 on:** October 03, 2016, 08:17:03 AM »

Mine to central Texas arrive just at 2 weeks after Brian gave me tracking number
Other sets I got took 3 weeks

BTW very nice parts
I got a spare rod and wrist pin from Omni on e-bay and put it all away for the day when one of my LS 25s needs a refresh of I acquire a worn out used engine

Gerald Arana · « **Reply #74 on:** October 03, 2016, 09:55:50 AM »

Quote from: dave siegler on October 02, 2016, 08:46:06 PM

Mine have been stuck in custom for about 3 weeks now. How long did it take for all of you to get yours?

Mine came a lot faster than I expected! And it runs great!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Jerry

Fredvon4 · « **Reply #75 on:** October 03, 2016, 12:56:48 PM »

MM, YOU sir are NOT right!

Of course the .25 LA liner can be a fair guitar slide, but it will sound MUCH better with 10% nitro and a APC 9x4 prop sticking on the front of a BLUE case in front of a 25 OZ Pat Johnston Ring master

Jest sayin

Thanks Brain...great but of kit!

Al Ferraro · « **Reply #76 on:** August 13, 2018, 06:59:16 PM »

I put in the ABC unit and it seems I need 3 of the thinner Brian Gardener shims to make that number (but I only have one).

Thanks,
Motorman

[/quote]
What head shims do you need, I might have something that will work.
Al

Al Ferraro · « **Reply #77 on:** August 19, 2018, 10:24:39 AM »

Quote from: Motorman on August 16, 2018, 08:39:52 PM

So, how much break in or flying time did you put in before you were happy with a consistent stunt run?
Motorman

Between Jim Vigani and I are using four LA25 with the Gardner kit in speed limit combat. The first one I put together I ran it 4 times on the ground wet 2 cycle on the bladder 2 oz at a time. The other engines I just ran them once on the ground and put it into battle on the same day. I use one head shim that Brain supplied on the stock head because I was twisting the plug elements with out it. I never had a problem with over heating and seizing up like the stock OS piston and liner did, plus I can hot restart it because the Gardner kit holds it compression. Last week Jim and I flew combat at Hershey Pa., it was hot and real humid out. The guys with the stock LA's were getting hot and going over lean it the air and had to set their needle real rich on the ground to get them to fly. I set my needle rich side on peek RPM and let it go. I am really happy with Brian's P&L kits, it turned a piece of S--t into a great engine. I had a friend who is a world competitor and engine expert look at the Gardner P&L kits and said they are team race quality. I would not lap in the engine, just run it with Powermaster GMA 10-22 fuel till its happy.
Al

Brian Gardner · « **Reply #78 on:** August 20, 2018, 12:57:39 AM »

The dimensions are as per stock and it is intended that you use the original OS shim. The supplied shim is provision for softening it a bit. Fits and tapers are matched to materials. It should be tight at tdc.

Al Ferraro · « **Reply #79 on:** October 17, 2023, 07:49:51 PM »

Hi Brian, there are a few guys asking me for your LA.25 piston and liners. They see how great my engines perform and would like to upgrade. Right now, I have 7 engines using them, 6 in speed limit combat and 1 in my Nobler. What numbers you need to do another run?
Thanks Al

Brian Gardner · « **Reply #80 on:** October 17, 2023, 09:59:29 PM »

Minimum of 20 sets - more would be better. I don't remember - did I include rods last time? Need to check if the drawings are still on file - been a long time.

Brian

Quote from: Al Ferraro on October 17, 2023, 07:49:51 PM

Hi Brian, there are a few guys asking me for your LA.25 piston and liners. They see how great my engines perform and would like to upgrade. Right now, I have 7 engines using them, 6 in speed limit combat and 1 in my Nobler. What numbers you need to do another run?
Thanks Al

Jay · « **Reply #81 on:** October 18, 2023, 08:12:54 AM »

RC Japan sells piston and liners for the LA 25 and 46. I know it's not ABC but I just ordered a set for my 25.
Total came to less than $30 including shipping
Just a FYI

Jay

Brian Gardner · « **Reply #82 on:** October 28, 2023, 11:12:05 PM »

Numbers are building for this, so I'll probably do them early next year.

I'm thinking about porting - I can do similar to what I did for the HP40. 2 slot style boost ports and a window in the piston to feed them. That way you can have the boost port functional in a LA. It won't be a big performance increase as the ports are only as "deep" as the liner thickness. Port timing would be as per original. So stunt suitability won't be altered either.

DO YOU GUYs WANT RODS?

Would that be legal for your speed limit combat?

Brian

Tom Luciano · « **Reply #83 on:** October 29, 2023, 11:41:44 AM »

Im in for 4 sets

Al Ferraro · « **Reply #84 on:** December 06, 2023, 08:24:25 AM »

Quote from: Brian Gardner on October 28, 2023, 11:12:05 PM

Numbers are building for this, so I'll probably do them early next year.

I'm thinking about porting - I can do similar to what I did for the HP40. 2 slot style boost ports and a window in the piston to feed them. That way you can have the boost port functional in a LA. It won't be a big performance increase as the ports are only as "deep" as the liner thickness. Port timing would be as per original. So stunt suitability won't be altered either.

DO YOU GUYs WANT RODS?

Would that be legal for your speed limit combat?

Brian

The boost port would be nice to try, but I would not take the chance of making a whole run of liners and then we might have engine run problems.
Put me down for 4 sets.
Al

Brian Gardner · « **Reply #85 on:** December 06, 2023, 06:52:23 PM »

That brings the tally to 16 so far.

Dave Rigotti · « **Reply #86 on:** December 06, 2023, 08:25:23 PM »

Asking for a friend. What's the count for the Fox 35 run as of now?

Quote from: Brian Gardner on December 06, 2023, 06:52:23 PM

That brings the tally to 16 so far.