Warranty on new OS Engines

[Tim Procter]

if i was you i'd bypass your LHS and send the engine to ripmax, i would be surprised if they didn't put it right assuming it's not been misused.

cheers

I would do the same Shaun.

Forgot to mention that I bought an OS91HZ from Fastlads that after only a month sucked something in the engine and scoured the bore.

Fastlads sent it back to Ripmax direct and I got a new replacement piston/piston ring and new liner FOC.

There might be some light and the end of the tunnel yet mate.

Hence they get to have a place in my sig.

[Jackflap]

My little problem has seen to stir some interest and debate, which is good. I need to clarify again I think.

This Hyper I have a small problem with is an Align Hyper. My initial frustration is with the LHS and their seemingly flipant / couldn't care less approach to my engine problem. This thing has been trouble since day one, Busterboy and LHS were the first ones to see the 600 blades spin on 05/12/08. Since this time the engine has had less than 4ltrs of fuel through it and has only done hovers, eights and circuits not loops roles or 3D. It hasn't sounded right for a while and after Busterboy let me fly with him the other day to compare engines it confirmed the worst and things have progressed.

I see lots of good things said about OS and RIPMAX on this thread, which I fully support, and I have never had a problem with any OS engines. My first hyper I wore out, it didn't break. I duelly purchased a second which lasted 6 weeks when it's life ended with the Raptor after it hit the deck. I have been in RC for 9 years now and have only ever flown with OS nitro (.46 - 160) or Zenoah (26c) petrol. I wouldn't use any other nitro engine other than OS to be honest.

I don't wish any disservice on OS engines or RIPMAX. Main gripe is Align Engine and LHS approach to problem.

So moving on I have ordered a new OS Hyper engine for Tuesday, the Align engine will go back to LHS to have a warranty claim made on it and what will be will be. Said LHS will be advised of my dissatisfaction with the response I received on my last visit, but this will have little impact I know. Disappointing that when you spend most of your modelling fund over 9 years somewhere you get a poor response back on the few times you have a "major" problem.

Thank you all for your feedback, constructive and supportive comments.

Have a good New Year and heres to better weather and more flying time for 2009. Happy New Year Folks

[Jackflap]

I would do the same Shaun.

Forgot to mention that I bought an OS91HZ from Fastlads that after only a month sucked something in the engine and scoured the bore.

Fastlads sent it back to Ripmax direct and I got a new replacement piston/piston ring and new liner FOC.

There might be some light and the end of the tunnel yet mate.

Hence they get to have a place in my sig.

When I called at Fast Lads yesterday and asked for the Hyper Jamie chuckled and asked if I'd blown it up flying with you. I explained the stuation and I got a constructive reply back from Jamie as you would expect. I must say the message wasn't too far away from LHS but infinetly more sensible. Jamie even offered to sell me an engine out of a 600 kit to get me going. 10 /10 but I'll wait for the OS.

There is light it's here on Tuesday....

[Jackflap]

Folks

Quick update, had a response from distributor yesterday (see below) and the engine has been returned for inspection today along with warrantly slip and receipts etc to prove UK purchase. I have asked to be advised what they find and what if anything can or will be done about it. I advised the engine was set up by a dealer (LHS) and the result is my current situation.

All I can do now is wait...

Unfortunately, it is very hard for manufacturers to recommend settings for engines due to the wide variety of fuels on the market (it is very rare you will find any two fuels which will run at the same needle settings). So, with all engines it is recommended to simply get the engine set up by an experienced modeller (usually dealers can offer this service). This is especially critical when running engines in.
You are welcome to return the engine for inspection by ourselves if you wish. Usually wear on the big end of the conrod is caused by lack of lubrication. Premature wear on the bearings will be caused by either lack of lubrication or surface rusting due to the fuel. Some fuels have rust inhibitors to help reduce rusting, however, I am not sure about Oxxxxxxl.
Best regards,

[Jackflap]

Update

Nothing has happened...

[Jackflap]

Just what I expected

Final update,

Got my engine back today after nearly a month to be told heavy corrosion of the rear bearing caused it to fail (4 weeks old and 3 ltrs of fuel???) It also showed inadequate signs of lubrication, the suggestion was to fit a new set of bearings and take the model to LHS to have them set it up. Not flaming likely it was set up there originally look where this got me. Having said that I set my expectations low so I'm not too suprised. As advised on various forums the retailer and distributor seem to have their warranties pretty much wrapped up to put the blame on the user, fuel, set up, etc, etc.

Looking at a few older forums since fitting an OS to my heli "Robgt" has given me a good starting point and have now got three tanks through the new engine and it sounds and runs a lot better. The mixture settings are different to what my original engine was set at from LHS. Still a little unsure on best settings to minimise a reoccurance of engine number one. It's times like these you wish there was a flyin on the horizon to seek some advise.

[Stuart]

Can anyone shed any light on what warranty with what terms you get when buying a brand new OS engine.

I'm a little dismayed in Ponteflyers response from his local hobby shop regarding his engine troubles in this thread

I asked the same question when I bought a new OS Hyper 50 and got a similar response.

How can they dictate what fuel you run when half the country is running the same fuel in theirs with no trouble.

Discuss.

Some light reading for you..

[Jackflap]

Stuart, Thank you for the light reading I don't think I'd get anywhere at all with rules and regulations in LHS though I shall show them the feedback from Robbe. "Once sold your problem" attitude will only happen once in my book. All I will ever buy from that shop is glue and anything I stand no chance of having to return. I'll make savings on the internet where possible. I'll do in future what I should have done in the first place gone to Fast Lads at least if I'd have had problems someone who knows what they are doing could have helped me and they are friendly and don't have an attitude towards customers.

As you can tell a slightly bitter modeller to towards LHS

[Whizzzaboy]

"Nice" to know others have had this experience. I had a Hyper die after 3 gallons - piston crown had started to disintegrate. LHS said head bolts must have been loose or engine run lean. Er I don't think so. Could have been something I'd done, I'm not experienced enough to know. Anyway, after being told it wasn't covered by warranty, (I agree with previous comments about difficulty of proof) I thought "buy another engine and get flying. Life's too short to worry" and I got fed up waiting for an answer. But, like you Ponteflyer, I feel a bit miffed. Why can't we have a bit less power and a lot more reliability?

[Jackflap]

Whizzzaboy,

We can it's called a OS 50SX-H they are still about. Same engine just 40 size carb and a standard head. I know a shop that sells them but due to my recent experience I don't see why I should give a (potential) sale...

Onwards and upwards as you say....