Dle 30
12-05-2016, 10:11 AM
#1
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Dle 30
I have a DLE 30 I'm running a Xoar 18x10 prop on a GP Giant Stik. It maybe has five gallons of fuel run through it and just now getting to running good. It starts good runs great and has plenty of power and I'm very pleased with it. Now it has a loose rod bearing. But it is out of warranty plus I don't have documentation of purchase any longer.
I'm running Stihl synthetic oil in and mixing it at about between 35 or 40:1. Stihl calls for 50:1, DLE calls for 30:1, so I kinda split the difference. Again, now I have a loose rod bearing. Not enough oil ? Bad parts? Normal wear and tear? Also I have another DLE 30 that is older and I run the same fuel/oil in it and no problems with it. So. Where am I going wrong?
Any thoughts anyone?
I'm running Stihl synthetic oil in and mixing it at about between 35 or 40:1. Stihl calls for 50:1, DLE calls for 30:1, so I kinda split the difference. Again, now I have a loose rod bearing. Not enough oil ? Bad parts? Normal wear and tear? Also I have another DLE 30 that is older and I run the same fuel/oil in it and no problems with it. So. Where am I going wrong?
Any thoughts anyone?
Last edited by B.Day; 12-05-2016 at 10:15 AM.
12-05-2016, 10:23 AM
#2
My Feedback: (19)
I don't think you're going wrong, at least with the oil. Just the luck of the draw on the bearings. I have (2) DLE 30 with 6 and 7 seasons on them with zero problems. 32:1 on the oil and they started out life on Pennzoil, then Stihl Ultra and now on Redline. Again, good luck in this case in my opinion.
How loose is the rod bearing? Is it the top or bottom bearing? Top is very easy to replace. Bottom will require a crank assembly. Not an expensive repair.
How loose is the rod bearing? Is it the top or bottom bearing? Top is very easy to replace. Bottom will require a crank assembly. Not an expensive repair.
12-05-2016, 05:59 PM
#4
My Feedback: (2)
I'm not going to suggest that the oil is the cause for sure either, just tossing out an opinion. Please consider that running an oil rated for 50:1, or even 100:1, does not mean the engine is rated for that oil mixture. You will note that the oil manf will not stand up to any claims for engine damage at any mixture, much less the one they're suggesting that they are capable of running at.
I would suggest staying within the engine mfg's specs. They're the ones you'll be speaking with if/when things get sideways. -Al
I would suggest staying within the engine mfg's specs. They're the ones you'll be speaking with if/when things get sideways. -Al
12-06-2016, 08:39 AM
#6
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To ahicks..Thanks .. Point on the oil well taken.. But I believe I'm close enough on my oil mix for that not to be a matter. I was really wondering if any one else was having any issues s with this.
12-06-2016, 09:14 AM
#7
My Feedback: (19)
Certainly the Chinese engines have had plenty of bearing problems, especially when they first became common in the marketplace. But the overall quality of the bearings and the engines in general has increased by leaps and bounds over the years. These days, bearing problems are no where near as common as they were a few years ago.
I've had more bearing problems with non-Chinese engines! Fix the engine and go forward .....
I've had more bearing problems with non-Chinese engines! Fix the engine and go forward .....
12-06-2016, 09:17 AM
#8
My Feedback: (2)
You're welcome. It's just a rule I use whenever any indecision comes up.
Re frequent DLE 30 bearing problems, not in my experience. It's not something you hear of or read about frequently.
The early DLE 20's were getting a bad reputation when first introduced, since silenced. People found the DLE was serious about their fuel/oil ratio suggestion, on this engine especially, and even though it will make great power turning 10k on the ground, it won't do it long....
Re frequent DLE 30 bearing problems, not in my experience. It's not something you hear of or read about frequently.
The early DLE 20's were getting a bad reputation when first introduced, since silenced. People found the DLE was serious about their fuel/oil ratio suggestion, on this engine especially, and even though it will make great power turning 10k on the ground, it won't do it long....
12-06-2016, 06:15 PM
#10
I'm going to suggest checking the ignition timing. DLE engines are notorious for having the timing way off from the factory as much as 45 degrees advanced and that can and will take out rod bearings regardless of oil content .
12-07-2016, 08:46 AM
#11
My Feedback: (2)
Notorious for 45 degree timing errors? I generally don't follow the timing threads. Though quite familiar with the processes, I'm not enough of a purist to be too concerned about my engines being off a degree or 2. This in mind, Can somebody explain how you might correct for an engine with it's timing off by 45 degrees, when the only adjustment allowed is the tiny slot in the pick up that might allow for just a few degrees of adjustment?
Last edited by ahicks; 12-07-2016 at 08:48 AM.
12-07-2016, 09:58 AM
#13
Agreed with CK1, my DLE 35 was timed @ 47° from factory, I reset it to 28° and it is a very easy engine to start and to run over all, had it for three years and around 50+ runs/flights, regular Chevron @32:1 RedLine oil since after a gallon of mineral oil to help the Bowman's ring seat.
