O&R 23 FRV finally running

[Richard Logston]

Just a note to those kind people who have made helpful comments regarding the problems with this engine. Today I managed to get it to run. It is now outside running on the test stand as I type this. While running it is leaking bubbles out of the cyl to case gasket area and also at the glow plug even though it is tight. also notice leaking around the prop shaft area. It has been running for at least 10 min. without stopping and holding steady RPM. But engine is not airworthy until repairs are made if possible. Thanks everyone for your input. Richard

[Randy Ryan]

Hi Richard, the main bearing is a very common failure point for these engines as is the base gasket. I've done many of them but they still drip a bit. the plug leak if probably the gasket although I did have one with a deep gouge across the sealing face, I had to set it up on the mill and spot face it to make it seal.

[Dan McEntee]

  Hi Richard;
   I've been following the thread on the O&R. I have several, but never run them. Putting all this info in my little book of knowledge! I think your biggest worry is the cylinder/base gasket seal, and the glow plug. I would worry less about the front main bearing. I have seen lots of old Fox .35's run just fine with stuff spewing out the front of the crank, just make sure oil content is up where ity needs to be. Just think, the electric guys don;t get to have this kind of fun!
  Type at you later,
   Dan McEntee

[Tim Wescott]

Just think, the electric guys don;t get to have this kind of fun!

That could be arranged, though, with the right plumbing.

[Jim Kraft]

I have an old 23 sideport that weeps from the case gasket that I have been flying that way for years. It seems to run ok even with the leak. But it is on an old Lanzo Bomber with a radio, so it does not get the same treatment as in control line. Not sure how bad they would have to leak before it would loose case compression and not run right.

[Brett Buck]

I have an old 23 sideport that weeps from the case gasket that I have been flying that way for years. It seems to run ok even with the leak.

The side-port doesn't care nearly as much about what happens in the crankcase as the front-rotor.

     Brett

[Richard Logston]

Just wondering which engine is the best between sideport and FRV both run on fuel mix. I realize the sideport is difficult to mount in most airplanes due to the rear intake tube. As I have mentioned before my O&R 19 SP which was a Christmas present at age 12 ran great as a sparky and when changing to glow would start and run at will. It was indeed kid friendly. Richard

[FLOYD CARTER]

The cylinder on these O&R engines is held on by two spot welds, one in front and one in back.  This was a poor design, because shrinkage of the cylinder gasket allowed the cylinder to "rock" side to side, with the spot welds, while not exactly failing, getting a bit loose so that the cylinder can move.

The best repair involves JB Weld.  Looks ugly, but it works.

Any leaks in the crankcase system will give erratic engine runs.

Floyd

[rustler]

I would worry less about the front main bearing. I have seen lots of old Fox .35's run just fine with stuff spewing out the front of the crank, Dan McEntee

It's rare for a leak like this to seriously affect the running of the engine. Having said that, I'm running in a K&B 4.9 ABC, and it looks as if half the fuel spews out the front. That I am doing something about, - that high nitro fuel is expensive, much better used if it goes through the engine! 

[FLOYD CARTER]

Anopther thought.  Leaking around the glo plug HAS to be the plug or its gasket.  The cylinder is one piece, including the glo plug hole.  No possibility for cylinder leaking there.

Floyd

[Richard Logston]

OK, Here is my plan. I cleaned out the soft cyl. base gasket using a razor blade around both sides and then took a small dia. copper wire and wrapped it around the gasket area cleaning out the gasket. Then a took some dental floss and leaned it some more pulling it back and forth. Next I plan on cleaning the area with some denatured alky saturated in the dental cloth and clean any oil residue from the area. Next plan is to mix some JB-Weld and saturate a long piece of dental floss in the JB-Weld and wrap the dental cloth in the gasket area until it is tight and filled the area completely. As Far as the leaky glow plug I will install a new gasket and go from there. Has anyone tried this procedure? Richard

[FLOYD CARTER]

You are being more thorough than I, in fixing the cylinder gasket.  Your idea should work even better, and will result in a neater "fix".

Floyd

[Richard Logston]

Floyd, Thanks for your post regarding the O&R. This engine was given to me by Dave Shrum who you may know since he is from Roseburg. In fact he and Peggy are coming up to Washington Sunday and spend a few days with us and leaving on Wed. The plan is to get some of my hanger queens in the air. As far as the base gasket fix, time will tell if it works. Biggest problem was getting the JB Weld coated dental floss in the grove above the exhaust port. I have found out that the O&R floods very easy, but won't run with the needle turned in to start. My best procedure is to hook up fuel tank and just choke enough to bring the fuel to the venture, prim engine at exhaust port and with battery attached flip prop and hopefully after a few tries it will start. Now turn needle in until desired RPM and disconnect Battery. I have been running a 10-6 wood prop. Richard