Chainlube
Well-Known Member
I know what you're saying, I hate to revisit some operations. Sounds like you need another base gasket though. Do you know any kids with modeling clay? Maybe a craft store near by will have some.
Well I ordered a ported jug from CMB and gasket set...
- Thread starter markjs
- Start date
markjs
Well-Known Member
I guess I better pop the head and see what can be seen. Will l be able see if the piston is making contact? I'm really not sure what else that noise could be. It's not a constant, but it's not 4 stroking either I don't think...
Go to any dollar store and buy a thing of knock-off playdough. That will at least give you an idea of your chamber clearances.
markjs
Well-Known Member
So, the more I think on it, the more I'm pretty damn sure it's NOT hitting the head. I did roll the engine over with the jug on but head off and the piston didn't rise past the top of the jug. IDK, maybe it's a small exhaust leak or actual 4 stroking.
I rode it a little more, and what I find is it may have a higher RPM capability and higher top speed, but the low end acceleration is worse. It has a much harder time building RPMs from the bottom of it's range. IDK if that's cuz of it's port map, or simply because both my exhaust and manifold are round and restrictive, and unable to take advantage of the port work.
I'm lazy and don't want to, but I think I'm just gonna put the other jug back on and stick with that, give up on these ported G4 cylinders, because I really don't wanna spend a ton on intakes and pipes.
TBH, the ports on the old jug are not that different from the new. I can see they are a little wider, and maybe a bit more open, but not a lot. Whatever they did, it sure doesn't help my bike perform. It's so new I may list it in for sale, as I just don't see myself messing with it enough to make it work well for me.
If I get something more powerful, will probably try one of their Avenger 85s or even a CMB Minarelli. I just can't see spending $250 on a Phantom 85 when an Avenger 85 is $100 less and can also be bought on PayPal installment payments in the worst case scenario.
I see CMB does have the Phantom 85, v3 "engine only" for like $200, might be an option. I'm not sure if you can buy just an Avenger 85 engine without the kit.
I rode it a little more, and what I find is it may have a higher RPM capability and higher top speed, but the low end acceleration is worse. It has a much harder time building RPMs from the bottom of it's range. IDK if that's cuz of it's port map, or simply because both my exhaust and manifold are round and restrictive, and unable to take advantage of the port work.
I'm lazy and don't want to, but I think I'm just gonna put the other jug back on and stick with that, give up on these ported G4 cylinders, because I really don't wanna spend a ton on intakes and pipes.
TBH, the ports on the old jug are not that different from the new. I can see they are a little wider, and maybe a bit more open, but not a lot. Whatever they did, it sure doesn't help my bike perform. It's so new I may list it in for sale, as I just don't see myself messing with it enough to make it work well for me.
If I get something more powerful, will probably try one of their Avenger 85s or even a CMB Minarelli. I just can't see spending $250 on a Phantom 85 when an Avenger 85 is $100 less and can also be bought on PayPal installment payments in the worst case scenario.
I see CMB does have the Phantom 85, v3 "engine only" for like $200, might be an option. I'm not sure if you can buy just an Avenger 85 engine without the kit.
NeedSpeed
Active Member
Exhaust is key. I'd stay away from avenger, especially from CMB. Check out the thread "Avenger 85 help" to see what you would likely be getting yourself into. I sent Zane some pics of my cylinder repair and all he said was "Oh nice."
markjs
Well-Known Member
IDK, I'm kinda mixed on CMB. On the one hand you have some bad engines and unhappy folks, but I've heard equally many say he can be slow to act, but if you're persistent he will try and make things right? I've also seen a good many who bought their Avenger there didn't have big issues. I'm torn on it, but the fact that you can buy on 4 installments through PayPal on his site makes it very appealing to a guy of very limited means like myself. Does anyone else offer that?
It's also the only place I can get a Phantom 85 engine only and that for just around $200, also with the ability to split it in four over two months. If anyone else offers similar prices and options I'd love to know about it?
I've had mostly good experience with CMB, not 100% but nothing I felt upset enough about to ask for a replacement.
markjs
Well-Known Member
I put the old jug back on, about to test ride it and see if it's back to "normal". I did reuse both the head, and base gaskets, since I had no new ones. Hope I don't end up sorry,, but they did only have two days of brief test rides on them. Wish me luck!
I will sell that jug, so if anyone wants it? It's essentially new and I can save ya $10 from new price, LMK.
Edit: I just tested, runs fine. Interestingly, the new ported jug was still running lean at the richest needle setting, but the old one wants leanest needle setting just as it did before...
The gaskets I ordered for intake and exhaust seal WAY better than others I've tried, so a highly recommend to those!
I will sell that jug, so if anyone wants it? It's essentially new and I can save ya $10 from new price, LMK.
Edit: I just tested, runs fine. Interestingly, the new ported jug was still running lean at the richest needle setting, but the old one wants leanest needle setting just as it did before...
The gaskets I ordered for intake and exhaust seal WAY better than others I've tried, so a highly recommend to those!
