So I just got off the phone with the "G" man. In his opinion, he feels that the reeds were destroyed by something being ingested into the throat of the carb and then by the reeds. I did ask him his thoughts on the 32x12 and rpm. as if this would be a possible cause. He doesn't feel it would be the cause. He said that you have to remember these are the same reeds that are used on the 110, 157 and 170. The only variation is the reeds on the three engines mentioned are maybe slightly thicker. But he also mentioned the 210 reeds are the same reeds used in the previous version 200. He doesn't feel the rpm was a factor as the 110, 157 and 170 obviously turn much higher rpm. But my thought...(just my opinion) If the 110, 157 and 170 reeds are the same, with only the slight variation of a smidgen thicker, they would probably be able to handle higher rpm without any subsequent flutter and damage. Either way, I am going with Gerhard's opinion here and will follow his direction to a "t".
I did inspect the inside of the engine. It looks like it just barely came out of the box. No wear on either pistons, cylinders or any other part. Other than the rods being "shinned" by the fuel mixture passing by them, they are perfect as well. I was concerned of any of the reed material getting inside the engine and causing more damage. Gerhard did say that, "THAT" in itself is of no concern as the fractured pieces of the reeds will be drawn in past the crankshaft and thereby being "pulverized" by the rotating assembly.
The only thing I can come up with as far as the 210 ingesting some foreign material is, Though this engine was basically brand new when I purchased it as a second owner, (I was told it had "maaaaybe" if even that, a gallon through it) the previous owner unawaringly picked up some thing into the carb and did not realize it. From day one of bolting the 210 to the Yak, the bottom of the Behemoth Yak belly has always been incredibly splattered with residue. As with all new engines, I didn't really consider it a "HUGE" concern...though it was much more than I have ever seen with any one of my brand new engines. Now I am wondering and seriously conceding that there is a very very strong possibility that the reeds were damaged when I received the engine. Hence the way excessive splatter and truthfully not the best rpm to start with. Still, a new "dub" doesn't always have the best rpm until they start breaking in.
I snapped a few more photos of the damaged reeds and the opposing reeds that are undamaged. I thoroughly inspected "everything" to make sure I was not missing anything.
Final resolution: Ordered a new set of "long" reeds and the aluminum carb base plate and a full set of gaskets from the "G" man.
The most unfortunate outcome of this situation is that I may have lost the Yak. Besides the "BRAND NEW" 34x12 I just received from Norhtwest RC, (Supatim). The underside of the belly of the 40% Pilot Yak where the landing gear plate is attached to the fuse is absolutely and completely obliterated. Although the rest of the entire airframe, (wings, stabs, rudder, gear, wheels, canopy...even the cowl) came through unscathed. All adjoining structure is also completely whipped out. I would be hard pressed to rebuild this, even with the free wood that Tony has already promised to send. I just don't know. Losing this big bird really hurts.
