Engine mods for durability?

[savage XL]

Hi all,
Have been reading a lot about upgrading engines for durability. I run marine engines which are by far the most abused engines and have always used high quality WIB Swiss bearings, we change them twice a year just to be sure that the bearings are still good. I guess it's just good insurance.

My question is this; do I need to change the bearings in my K5.9 to a good quality bearing and follow the above procedure?
I have also read that a lot of you are using ceramic bearings, what are the advantages/disadvantages with these?

Here in Australia, ceramic bearing are 3 times the cost of polyamide cage/steel bearings, and if there are any disadvantages to these, I would like to know them before forking out big dollars on them.

Thanks.
savage XL.

 

[Scrogg]

Replacing the bearings in that mill is a definite must do. That engine is made by Axial for HPI. axial uses some of the cheapest sloppiest engine bearings I have ever seen in my life.
A good set of steel bearings would be just fine and make the engine last a lot longer.
Ceramics are lighter, smoother and last longer on a well made engine. It will allow the engine to rev up faster and reach a higher peak rpm. only downside to Ceramics is they must stay clean. One spec of dirt will foul the bearing instantly. Ceramics are all I use.

 

[savage XL]

Thanks for that Scrogg.
I have just ordered some ceramics to suit, and will be trying them in one of my boats as well to see what sort of life I can expect.
After careful inspection of my K5.9, I agree with you on the sloppy bearings.
I've already run half a gallon through the engine and it looks like new, so new bearings can only help, I guess.

I've spoken to Robin at Extreme RC, and he mirrors what you say, but I will give the engine mods a go myself, I do have a spare K5.9 new in the box sitting here if things go awry!
Cheers.
savage XL.

 

[moe7404]

i put 3 of the thickest head shims on my 3.3. didnt seam to loose to much power. ran some 40% nitro, but the the carb was not seated right. iam fixing that now. will try it tomorrow.

 

[Jmacca]

the K5.9 is a dog of an engine, if you pop it replace it with something better like the LRP .28 or similar.

 

[Scrogg]

You'll love the ceramics, pretty big difference in performance.