Bob,

Was that muffler weight with the pipe? If it was that new muffler would be great on a side mount with a small nipple...

I was able to put in some run time on the .62 this past weekend and from what I've seen, it's pretty impressive.
First off, this engine seems to be set up tighter than most 4S engines I've run. It will need lots of run-in time.

The first thing I did was to remove the valve covers and check the valve play - OK on the intake, exhaust was a bit tight.

After adjusting, I flooded the valve gear and crankcase with oil and flipped it to insure proper lubrication (probably overkill but it can't hurt)

I followed the SAITO directions to a "T" and ran it for the first 10 minutes at 4,000 RPM, slightly rich.
It showed the usual discharge from the vent nipple.

After more time, I began to run it more aggressively. Acceptable vibration at idle but smooth-as-silk over 6,000.

It would turn a 13-5 wide blade wood at just over 9,000 RPM, a figure that should improve as it accrues more time. 10/23 50/50 fuel.

I ran it mostly with the stock muffler and then tried a de-baffled muffler from my .56.
The .62 is definitely louder - considerably louder in fact.
This may well be due to the combination of a different cam and a more oversquare configuration - remember, same stroke as the .56, but bigger bore.
Just my guess - I really don't know.

Putting back the stock muffler made it considerably quieter without sacrificing anything.

I'm not sure if it's the fact that it's new or just stubborn but I could not get it to start with standard flipping. Only  back flipping would bring it to life. One backflip almost every time.

Due to weather, I did not fly it but I did notice a slight inconsistency/unevenness in the run. Could be the fact that it's new or the fact that it has some air leakage in the throttle valve. DB had a similar problem and went to a venturi setup, an option that I do not have.

Anyhow, I will get it in the air as soon as possible and see what it can really do.

Then into the Stearman.

Bob Z.

Went out to visit John Brodak this past weekend and we decided to put in a few more flights with the SAITO .62 powered Polaris.

Both John and I flew it and he was very surprised at the line tension - LOTS OF IT!!

The wind was 20 to 25 MPH with heavy gusts but it did not bother the bother the plane other than a bit of bouncing. Line tension everywhere.

For anyone considering this engine, I would highly recommend it if you want a nice size between the .56 and .72.

The power is still increasing after every flight and I predict that a long but justifiable break-in period is in order.

Bob Z.

Can't wait to get mine.  More power than the 56, less vibration than my 72.