Peter Roberts Posted August 16, 2011 Share Posted August 16, 2011 I've recently bought an OS 200 and wondered what experiences RCM&E flyers have had with them? Do they need a tuned pipe? OS Suggest a Heavy Duty 2.5mm bore silicon fuel tube - the only one I've found on the web is by Flair and I've not found anyone who stocks it. I read recently that some people have suggested they easily overheat? What are anyone else's experiences please? Thanks Peter Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Adrian Smith 1 Posted August 16, 2011 Share Posted August 16, 2011 Hi Peter, I hope you have better experience than me because I got through three of them from new and each time Ripmax had to replace them after barely 3-4 hours flying time. There is an oil loading and not dispelling problem in a lot of them that leads them to destroy the bearings very quickly and the third one I had the connecting rod broke through the engine casing in mid-flight after an hour and a half use. The fact Ripmax kept replacing them suggests they know there might be a problem. The last new one I had replaced I didn't use it but instead sold to a dealer on E-Bay because I couldn't be bothered with it. All my other OS engines I have had (only buy OS) have been absolutely fine, but I think it's telling that OS guaranties 2STs for 2 years but none of the 4STs are warrantied that long. I have gone back to 2STs and am using OS 160FX, 120AX and the BGX-1 which run just great. I know this doesn't help you but I just urge you to be cautious and not do anything to invalidate the warranty otherwise if it has to go back it may not be replaced. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peter Roberts Posted August 16, 2011 Author Share Posted August 16, 2011 Wow that is very scary. I bought OS because I always believed they are the best in terms of quality of engineering. I've had a number of engined J'EN and Irvine included but my 6 others have all been OS and not given any problems. In fact the converse - they have all been remarkably reliable which I have put down to quality of manufacture. Is the OS200 going to break the OS reputation? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Adrian Smith 1 Posted August 16, 2011 Share Posted August 16, 2011 The quality of engineering as a rule is very good of that I agree with you. That's why I continue to buy OS, but I just think the 200FS is a bit of a rogue design which sometimes happens. I do wonder if some of the parts have been sourced from China and may be inferior to the usual OS standard. I know when I had this problem with my 200 I exchanged e-mails with Brian Winch (wizard of Oz) and he said he had seen the odd example of failure in that motor. I suspect that OS will quietly upgrade the 200FS at some point and rebrand it. That said there are a lot of 200s doing well, but if you have a problem with oil flow then a mod to the crankcase nipple may be required according to BW. Anyway best of luck Peter. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peter Roberts Posted July 29, 2013 Author Share Posted July 29, 2013 I wanted to update may experiences. Since this at the end of 2012 I had a 'helpful' converstaion with Ripmax and their technical man took my OS200 pumped back to test. He replaced the diaphragm on the engine and said it was now working great. When I got it back onto the plane (a Weston Obsession) and got a flying day I took it to the field and it wouldn't start. I and a friend then spent and couple of afternoons getting the engine to at least run - we did eventiually albeit didn't seem very responsive. At the end of our first session we realised the clunk had been stuck at the top of the tank! I redid the tank tubing and we had another 'tuning' session. I then took plane and engine to the field and flew it. Well for a 20cc engine it really seemed to struggle and at one point went dead stick. Another tiuning session ensued and we combed the web for advice which included a suggestion to change the tank. We then flew again and at the end of the next flight (not sparkling) and refuel observed that fuel was actively dripping from the bottom of the fuel regulator. I filled up and went to start it at which time fuel sprayed everywhgere. I gave up and went home feeling very dispirited. When I took the engine off the plane it was evident that the regulator had broken off (even though its retaining screws were still securely in place. I then replaced the OS200 pumped with an OS120 pumped which I had and flew it last weekend. The plane was a different model entirely and did all that I would have expected of it. I am hoping that Ripmax will now replace the regulator or engine and get it back into a useable condition. I can't tell you how let down I feel by OS. All the other engines I have from them have started first time and been so reliable. What did they do wrong with theOS200 pumped? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Adrian Smith 1 Posted July 29, 2013 Share Posted July 29, 2013 Hi Peter, I am really sorry to hear your experience. It just bears out my theory that this particular engine is a bit of a dog and not like any other OS engine I have had. All I wanted to was to get rid of it and that's why I didn't even unpack the third engine Ripmax sent as a replacent. May be I should have asked for a refund, perhaps you are in a better position to demand that. I would be dubious about accepting another 200 though. Anyway I hope it doesn't put you off OS, but it just goes to show not everything that comes from its factory is top notch. By the way I notice you tried the motor in a Weston Obsession, well I have an OS 160FX in mine and it goes like a rocket and engine is very reliable, furthermore the plane is an excellent flier. Anyway best of luck Peter Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Former Member Posted July 30, 2013 Share Posted July 30, 2013 [This posting has been removed] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peter Roberts Posted February 9, 2014 Author Share Posted February 9, 2014 Just out of interest, I did send the OS200 back to those nice people at Ripmax. After a few frustrating weeks waiting in the queue for them to get round to my engine it was duly returned with comps and I spoke to their Technical specialist who had again worked on the engine. He told me he had replaced the cylinder head, regulator and carb with pump and that everything was now working fine! Interestingly he also mentioned that the excess of fuel swirling around the air intake was no more and this makes me think that maybe the pump was the problem all along. Sadly the weather hasn't been particularly good to try it out since being repaired but I've decided to leave the OS 120pumped in the Obsession as it performs like a dream. I'm looking forward to getting our field back from the weather - it is currently a muddy quagmire! I do hope none of you reading this have been flooded out... Is it time to fit floats or just go slope soaring? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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