hopefully it was FAST at least.

My motor bought around the same time as Jay(Serpent720) is still running strong.

I have three gallons through it. Raced the KO and bumped up twice in the mains. Raced the Toys For Tots and bumped up twice in the mains again.

I replaced the rod at or before the gallon is finished and I am on my third rod. The motor still has tons of compression. I am able to practically run one plug for an entire gallon. My only reason to switch plugs was only during the A-main when I switched it for a new one just to be safe.

The break-in process was effortless to begin with and was like that everytime I replaced the rod. I've never had such a fast motor that is so easy to run and maintain. I can't say the same for my experience with Nova motors. I will definitely get another Picco for my next engine.

This happens some time to engines. It is not like it was some sort of manufacturer defect that caused it. This has happened to me with Sirio, Novarossi, and OS engines. The more we push these engines to the very edge to get max performance, the more we shorten the life and open the envelope for engine failure at some point. The question is whether or not it is worth rebuilding or just purchasing the new one.

Looks like poor quality fuel. Way too many formed deposits in that crankcase indicating poor fuel quality. did you use after-run?

I did NOT take that great of care to this motor as my sched. at the time was very eratic.

I run POWERMASTER 30% which IMO the best fuel. My Nova 35+ motors are BEAUTIFUL on the inside.

This particular PICCO I posted on was not well taken care of by me at the time which in part also had to do with me.

Also did not help that the Shims were re-installed by me the wrong way

I'm positive it was not the fuel and I stand by POWERMASTER fuels as it has done nothing but given me great performance and excellent power and run time.