Polini Cylinder Head Screws/Bolts

[ksatter26]

I was having a lot of trouble getting my 303 to start. I replaced the factory battery with one with a higher Cold Cranking Amps ratiing and that helped some.

I did note that I had a small amount of oily grey/black material along the cylinder. I thought this to be some Evans Cooling Fluid overflow from possible overfill. When cleaning this up, I found that at least one of the cylinder head nuts was only finger tight.

I torqued the nuts (13.2 ft-lbs), the screws (8.8 ft-lbs), and the spark plug (14.2 ft-lbs). This seems to really help in starting the engine.

Since I previously only ran the 303 for less than an hour total during startup and test runs, I'm assuming the screws and nuts were untorqued from the factory.

[LA F2 Flyer]

Thanks for this Kurt. I'll certainly be checking mine as well! I've run mine for about a half hour so far. Time to grab a torque wrench!

[Badland-F5 Pilot]

Thanks for this Kurt. I'll certainly be checking mine as well! I've run mine for about a half hour so far. Time to grab a torque wrench!

I guess this means, no plug and play with Polini! I also suppose now that I hear about this that I'll check whatever engine I get, just to prevent a repeat of the problem on my end. Thanks Kurt!

Todd

[mrpilotron]

Sounds fishy to me. This needs to be reported back to the factory so they are aware. A new engine should not require you to double check the factory assembly work.

[ksatter26]

I ordered my 303 from Chris when I ordered the full kit. When I picked up the kit/engine in Minnesota, the engine was in the original Polini shipping carton mounted to a well designed, sturdy, tubular steel shipping frame. However during installation and test runs a few of problems had to be worked out (as documented in my build log):

(1) When I tried to mount my E-prop we found that the prop hub bolt/fixture was incompletely machined. Returned to Chris who returned it to Poini for replacement (about 3 weeks).

(2) No spark problem was finally traced to a defective CDI. Polini returned an incorrect replacement which had to be returned again before the correct CDI was received. (5-6 weeks, due to European August month long vacation shutdown).

(3) AS noted in this feed, my cylinder head nuts/screws were not torqued properly as delivered, probably causing lower compression and not at all helping the startup process.

Seems to be running well now but as many have noted the Polini documentation and service leaves MUCH to be desired.

[LA F2 Flyer]

I think it may be an understatement to say the documentation and service leave much to be desired. The common complaint is that they are virtually nonexistent.

[Badland-F5 Pilot]

Sounds fishy to me. This needs to be reported back to the factory so they are aware. A new engine should not require you to double check the factory assembly work.

It amazes me how many products I purchase today that I do have to check to make sure assembly was done correctly. Sad. At one time, there was pride in making sure everything leaves the factory without the need for buyer inspections and review.

Todd

[Badland-F5 Pilot]

I think it may be an understatement to say the documentation and service leave much to be desired. The common complaint is that they are virtually nonexistent.

That's really too bad. The interaction I've had with Hirth (Germany as well as the state side distributor) has been nothing be excellent. Now, this was simply requesting the full documentation on the F23 engine, but both responded within a couple of days with full PDF''s of everything I requested. Along with the PDF's were questions I had put into the emails to them. Again, all answered. Of course, I haven't ordered an engine from them yet. If that happens, I hope I don't run into the same issues that it appears some Polini purchasers have. Since I've heard similar stories on other forums and groups, it seems Polini would take notice and improve their Q&A of production products, as well as support and after sale service. Not totally bad-mouthing Polini. I've also heard others say how great their engines are. In fact, in my opinion, it seems Polini pretty much wants to stay in the PPG arena, and they don't really like ultralights. I could be very wrong about this, but it appears to be the case to me.

Todd