Sketch
Member
- Local time
- 11:07 PM
- Joined
- Nov 18, 2009
- Messages
- 87
I got the new gearbox installed and everything was working fine...and then the piston seized up. Here's how it happened (already contacted bicycle-engines, waiting for a reply):
After installing the new gearbox I did a short test ride and then checked the whole bike for loose nuts/bolts and inspected for any leaks - no problems anywhere. I also checked my oil level. It was, and is currently, filled to the max level.
I did some longer rides - 2 rides that were each 12 miles long. Again inspected the bike.
Then I started it and picked up the back wheel by holding the frame - and ran about 1/4 to 1/2 throttle, checking out the lack of perfect balance that my rear wheel (rim) has. I got it spinning at a moderate rate. It seemed like very reasonable rpm, certainly didn't seem like I was doing anywhere near an excessive rpm.
After probably 30 seconds of doing that, the motor stopped fairly suddenly. Wasn't sure why. Tried pulling the pull start and it wound't budge. I took out the spark plug and gently set a screwdriver on top of the piston (which I found to be stopped at or near the top of it's travel) - then I tried pulling the pull start - the piston didn't budge.
Up until then I was very impressed with how smooth and quiet the engine was. Could the oil distribution system have failed?
I think I'm having bad luck, I know most people with this engine have not had this type of problem - so I wouldn't want to discourage anyone about this specific kit. I'm posting this in an attempt to get help understanding what the heck could have caused this. If I did something wrong I'm very confused about what that might be. Sure I'm a computer nerd, but before that I was a farm boy. I've been working on all kinds of small gas engines for over 30 years. Chainsaws, mowers, blowers, tillers, snowblower, generators, etc. I do RC airplanes. I've replaced the engine twice in a Honda civic. I not some city boy newb....
(scratching head)
After installing the new gearbox I did a short test ride and then checked the whole bike for loose nuts/bolts and inspected for any leaks - no problems anywhere. I also checked my oil level. It was, and is currently, filled to the max level.
I did some longer rides - 2 rides that were each 12 miles long. Again inspected the bike.
Then I started it and picked up the back wheel by holding the frame - and ran about 1/4 to 1/2 throttle, checking out the lack of perfect balance that my rear wheel (rim) has. I got it spinning at a moderate rate. It seemed like very reasonable rpm, certainly didn't seem like I was doing anywhere near an excessive rpm.
After probably 30 seconds of doing that, the motor stopped fairly suddenly. Wasn't sure why. Tried pulling the pull start and it wound't budge. I took out the spark plug and gently set a screwdriver on top of the piston (which I found to be stopped at or near the top of it's travel) - then I tried pulling the pull start - the piston didn't budge.
Up until then I was very impressed with how smooth and quiet the engine was. Could the oil distribution system have failed?
I think I'm having bad luck, I know most people with this engine have not had this type of problem - so I wouldn't want to discourage anyone about this specific kit. I'm posting this in an attempt to get help understanding what the heck could have caused this. If I did something wrong I'm very confused about what that might be. Sure I'm a computer nerd, but before that I was a farm boy. I've been working on all kinds of small gas engines for over 30 years. Chainsaws, mowers, blowers, tillers, snowblower, generators, etc. I do RC airplanes. I've replaced the engine twice in a Honda civic. I not some city boy newb....
(scratching head)
