Trouble with running/tuning a K5.9

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pbiscuits

Member
Messages
14
Location
Michigan
I have a K5.9 on my Savage X that I just can’t get to run. Here’s what I’m experiencing:

I’ll put the carb at factory settings, warm the engine to l200 F with a heat gun, and fill the tank 1/2 way. The engine starts right up but then pretty quickly bogs and dies. So I start leaning out the lsn and it just seems like I have to lean it out a ton. Like 2 full turns in from factory to keep it idling (been 80 deg outside lately).

Ok it’s idling now, so I start to give it some throttle, but if I give it anything more than a quick blip it bogs down and dies. So I start leaning out the hsn. I’m able to give it more throttle, but it still bogs and dies. So I lean out the hsn some more and it does a little better, but is still dying when I give it throttle. At some point the hsn is so lean that the engine is stuttering and now its cutting out when I give it throttle.

Just seems like there is no tuning window on the engine. Here’s some more facts that might be help point to the issue:

1. I’m using a new LRP R5 plug. Was using a cheap N3 plug before and engine had the same issue.

2. I did some leak testing on the engine and the only place that is producing bubbles is the pinch bolt. I can seal that up with RTV, but would that really make the engine run this poorly?

3. Compression seems great and engine internals looked good. Bearings seemed to be good. The cover plate leaks a little, but doesn’t seem too bad.

4. The engine appears to have a generic blue pipe on it (see attached). I can’t find anything about it and it has no markings on it. Any chance the pipe could be causing the issues?

5. When the tank empties, the engine starts screaming like crazy until it dies.

Any ideas are appreciated.
 

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2. I did some leak testing on the engine and the only place that is producing bubbles is the pinch bolt. I can seal that up with RTV, but would that really make the engine run this poorly?

3. Compression seems great and engine internals looked good. Bearings seemed to be good. The cover plate leaks a little, but doesn’t seem too bad.

2: the O- ring is in good condition? Note: after tite comes breaking
3: this IS bad, if it leaks, air can also be sucked in here
 
2: the O- ring is in good condition? Note: after tite comes breaking
3: this IS bad, if it leaks, air can also be sucked in here

2: I just replaced the o-ring and the pinch bolt isn't leaking anymore. Tried running it after that and it was acting similar, maybe a slight improvement.

3: the cover plate wasn’t leaking according to my soapy water leak test.

All in all it seems I have an air leak. As I’ve run it more, I’ve realized the idle is a little erratic. The bottom end will be running super rich until I lean it out and it will sound good for a little bit and then all the sudden it’s running kinda lean. Was sounding like chewbacca today when I gave it a little throttle. And when I give it any kind of throttle over 30% it either cuts out quick or bogs and dies.

If I’m serious about keeping this K5.9 going, I should probably just order a new cover plate and o-ring kit. Of course these parts are like $60 total. So I've decided to purchase a new F4.6 and put these headaches behind me!
 

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