guy_walker Posted November 4, 2013 Share Posted November 4, 2013 Hello everyone. I am well aware that there are people with axes to grind etc, but I was recently told that my Bailey v3 (all rebuilt by Bailey) was likely to fail again due to over heating and design flaw etc. Could any Bailey v3 owners with piston seizure experience get in touch, or indeed those who have had reliable service time let me know the hours their machines have achieved. My v3 scuffed its piston after 15 mins running, and oil was not low. Just trying to make sense of the pattern here. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ptwizz Posted November 4, 2013 Share Posted November 4, 2013 I bought my V3 second hand. It had been updated with the V4 crank and seals, but I believe the piston is original. I have flown 10 hours since I got the motor, with no problems. The engine shows no signs of overheating, no smell after an hours flight. Was your piston scuffed over a patch, or a few distinct scratches? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
guy_walker Posted November 5, 2013 Author Share Posted November 5, 2013 Hi Pete, I didn't see the damage, Bailey swapped the piston and barrel free of charge (thank you Paul). We came to the conclusion that oil starvation was not to blame, as oil level was correct. I build vintage car engines for a living, and therefore engine issues are my daily fare! It could have been a multitude of factors that caused the failure of the oil film between piston and bore, but not having done the post mortum myself, I cannot really say what went wrong. Just ran slower and slower whilst trying to launch, then no start. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robovercyprus Posted November 5, 2013 Share Posted November 5, 2013 Hi I know it's not a v3 but my v4 had around 600 hours on when I sold it two years ago (ish) it's still flying every weekend without issue (touch wood)! My v5 has had a 500 hour rebuild which I was advised it didn't need it but as I fly almost everyday I wanted it doing anyway. It now has 700+ and is still perfect. Just my 2 penneth! Cheers Rob Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
guy_walker Posted November 5, 2013 Author Share Posted November 5, 2013 Hi Rob, Thank you, I am beginning to suspect that I am worrying about nothing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ptwizz Posted November 5, 2013 Share Posted November 5, 2013 Guy, Did the person who told you of the Baileys design flaw by any chance also warn you that it would kill you because it is an outdated design and has no crumple zone? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted November 5, 2013 Share Posted November 5, 2013 lolol SW Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
guy_walker Posted November 5, 2013 Author Share Posted November 5, 2013 Hi Pete, No! He stated that every Bailey fails at about 20 hours due to overheating and poor lubrication of piston. Seems to be a case of axe grinding! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mdr2000 Posted November 5, 2013 Share Posted November 5, 2013 Sad when someone tries to slate a tried and trusted design with rumours that clearly have no truth.. There's many a happy Bailey owner who has many many more hours on than 200 let alone 20.. Try saying the same with many other brands. Not to mention the back up you get if and when something does go wrong, the truth speaks for itself.. Small minded rumours like those are usually a result of a very small minded, small penis! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mdr2000 Posted November 5, 2013 Share Posted November 5, 2013 Notice too, you got great service.. As does every bailey owner! Free barrel and piston.. Rarely hear that from other manufacturers if ever.. Take no notice, sounds like a cheap dig at bailey to me.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
guy_walker Posted November 5, 2013 Author Share Posted November 5, 2013 Hi mdr, Thank you for your comments. I do hope people follow this thread for what it is, ie disproving a rumour. Anyone with a different experience, do please come forward. The chap who stated this view with certainty may have an agenda, I like to get a wider view. Out of interest, I have fitted temp stickers to my unit and will monitor how hot the cylinder head and crankcase get during usual operation, and will post results for people's interest. Please, do post if you have a view. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
morgy Posted November 6, 2013 Share Posted November 6, 2013 Biting my tongue!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rickythompson Posted November 6, 2013 Share Posted November 6, 2013 Mate this bloke is full of shit bailey motors are very good I love them and I've never had any problems with mine what so ever I would always recommend a bailey Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ptwizz Posted November 6, 2013 Share Posted November 6, 2013 Biting my tongue!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
guy_walker Posted November 6, 2013 Author Share Posted November 6, 2013 Ricky, thank you. Morgy, go on! Don't bite your tongue!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rickythompson Posted November 7, 2013 Share Posted November 7, 2013 The bloke who's saying this to you is he trying to sell you a motor or something? But honest you won't go wrong with a bailey they are very reliable motors an good on fuel I won't change from a bailey don't need the hassle of changeling pistons ect Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mdr2000 Posted November 27, 2013 Share Posted November 27, 2013 I've never had an issue... Ok hardy a hardcore flyer but regular and all year.. There's not a motor out there that won't suffer some issue or other at some time but find me any manufacture that builds maintains and looks after it's customers anything like Bailey does and I'd listen... I've heard all the horror stories about other manufacturers, I won't be changing to ANY in a hurry.. Mine starts, runs well, looks good, is frugal and powerful enough and light enough for my needs.. I've trashed mine once and thanks to great supply was all sorted in just a few days.. And what I couldn't fix with parts was done FREE at the factory by Paul Bailey himself.. Not many around like him I'm sure... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted November 27, 2013 Share Posted November 27, 2013 If it ain't broke, don't fix it Or... if your happy, why change ? SW Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
guy_walker Posted December 3, 2013 Author Share Posted December 3, 2013 Well, flown again after rebuild, all perfect. So, hopefully we will be a happy bunny from herein. The chap being mean is a bit of a nuisance to be fair! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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