Very Expensive Learning Experience

Zev0

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Jan 6, 2008
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Ok, this last weekend I learned a very expensive lesson on what NOT to do with a 4 stroke engine. At least not with the robin/subaru. I got a gebe kit and while attempting to mount the RS it was discovered that a buldge in the side of the gastank would not allow the proper mounting. So, putting our heads together we came up with a decision to lay the motor on it's side with the gas tank opening up on the top, and the oil plug/guage on the bottom. Well after everything was installed and prepped, I took it outside and cranked it up. To make a long story short, after about 15/20 seconds I had an engine seizure. We were under the impression that it would be alright to run the engine in that position. WOW were we ever wrong. After doing some research, after the fact, it was learned that a 4 stroke MUST be operated mostly in the upright position. So, a word of advice to the wise. Don't operate your 4 stroke in any position except mostly upright.

I got a fantastic deal from Golden Eagle after my bad luck. Since I had already ordered the engineless kit from them for my RS, they let me have a Tanaka 32cc Purefire for the difference in the kit, rather then charging me full price. Now THAT my friends is what you really call CUSTOMER SERVICE. And they never do expedite shipping but when hearing of my plight they happily made an exception to accomodate my absolute stupidity. I have never run into customer service that brought a smile to my face.
 
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That's interesting Zev cos i was also under the mistaken impression that u could run these RS/Honda 35's at ANY angle,even upside-down......GUESS NOT.
That's an excellent deal u got from GEBE & since it's going to be THEIR full kit u should write a review.
Sorry to hear about your experience but we all know now Customer Service is alive and kicking,atleast with GEBE anyway.
 
That's why GEBE is your go to man for now on!
That's just awesome.
Couldn't this engine be salvaged? I mean a slight overbore maybe? Or a head set?
 
That's why GEBE is your go to man for now on!
That's just awesome.
Couldn't this engine be salvaged? I mean a slight overbore maybe? Or a head set?

Yes, I do plan on getting it rebuilt in the future, but my main goal is to get back on the road as soon
as possible. It is 109 degrees here right now and pedaling is now my only means of transport to and
from work. So quickness is of the essence. Plus I've heard and read such wonderful things about
this Tanaka 32CC 2 stroke. Full epa compliance with a catalytic convertor. Can't wait. Engine will
be in my hands either Wed or Thur and I just ordered it today. WOOOO HOOOOO!!!! Kit is already
installed, so just a matter of 4 bolts and away I go.
 
Bummer Zev. But now im smiling after hearing the end of your story. Smart business move on GEBE's part. Now they have 1000 people reading this, this week.
Yes, NEVER tilt a 4 stroke more than a 30deg angle. you flooded the valve and exhaust ports with oil and there was no where for the air/exhaust to escape. If you only ran it for 20 sec by some luck it may be ok. (these engines are tuff I think the crank/piston had enough oil for 20 sec run) Before you take it in, PM me and well go over for the cheapest way to check if you can fix yourself, or not. Or, maybe you dont want to deal with it?
 
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Bummer Zev. But now im smiling after hearing the end of your story. Smart business move on GEBE's part. Now they have 1000 people reading this, this week.
Yes, NEVER tilt a 4 stroke more than a 30deg angle. you flooded the valve and exhaust ports with oil and there was no where for the air/exhaust to escape. If you only ran it for 20 sec by some luck it may be ok. (these engines are tuff I think the crank/piston had enough oil for 20 sec run) Before you take it in, PM me and well go over for the cheapest way to check if you can fix yourself, or not. Or, maybe you dont want to deal with it?

Ok Graucho, when I said it seized I'm not entirely sure that's what happened. All I know is it blew smoke and quit. Now the pull start is frozen. Can't budge the rope. So I thought to myself. Well, it's dead now.
 
Try it again in the morning. Take out the pull starter and see if you can turn it backwards,then try gain.
 
I think..

Have you pulled the plug? You may have only filled the cylinder with oil and caused it to seize. Try pulling the plug and pour the oil out. Then it should run again. It will smoke like crazy for a while. That is if you did not bend the crank or crack the head under the pressure. Try it. Pull the plug and turn it over and pour the oil out. It may run again.. And ..If it does, never ever run a 4 stroke in any position other than as level as possible. Good luck. I hope it works again . The Engines GEBE sell are first rate. I hope this suggestion works... Enjoy the ride..
 
That's interesting Zev cos i was also under the mistaken impression that u could run these RS/Honda 35's at ANY angle,even upside-down......GUESS NOT.
That's an excellent deal u got from GEBE & since it's going to be THEIR full kit u should write a review.
Sorry to hear about your experience but we all know now Customer Service is alive and kicking,atleast with GEBE anyway.

Actually the Honda GX series from the 21-25-31-35 cc can be run at any angle. I'm running a GX25 vertically now for about 300 miles......no problems. However the GX 50 has a GXH and GXV denoting horizontal crank and vertical crank. The R/S I'm not familiar with
 
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