I purchased a .15 size AME and was wondering about the break-in procedure. I own a few of the .049's. They provided little information on the prop selection for break in on the .15. They did state 8x4 was the max. The rpm's shown for average run was using a APC 7x4. This engine was extremely tight. I first washed it in denatured alcohol as noted in the directions and re-oiled. It took about a 1/2 hour of constant flipping and re-oiling just to get it so I could flip it before attempting to start. This engine started right up but wasn't very responsive at first to the needle setting. I backed the needle out to get it to settle down. I was using a 7x4 prop with sig 15% 20% castor. The engine hardly even got warm to the touch after a 4 min run. I ran it again let it settle to a wet 2 then pinched the fuel line a few times. I believe the needle has a few leaks in it causing poor fuel draw and poor needling characteristics. The needle assembly has 4 points of potential air leaks. I believe I can remedy some of them. This particular needle screws into the venturi side and protrudes slightly into it. I'm guessing this is referred to as a sprinkler type. How fast should I be running this engine? Its been mentioned that heat cycling is the way to progressively break your engine in. This engine hardly even gets hot to the touch on the outside. I wasn't using a tach but this seemed to be howling quite loud when I was pinching the fuel line. I was wondering if I was going to do damage. I know this isn't typical to a iron piston engine.  Ken Cook

           Ray, I noted that same squeak you mentioned. I came across an old article concerning Norvel engines. It stated the need for an oil heavier than 3 in 1 to oil this cylinder first. Well, I used 3 in 1. I also heated the cylinder slightly with a heat gun as well. The article did state a good 2 cycle for run up. A rich run could do damage to this unit quickly. They recommended Marvel Mystery oil with the piston down and soaking for at least 24 hrs. Its amazing what you learn afterwards. I did purchase another one of these engines. As for my inconsistent needling, the older Norvel instructions stated this could happen due to it breaking in. I only ran it twice and it definitely sounded better on the last try. I came across a few of your posts and it appears we share the same interests.        Ken Cook