Is a cracked/welded water jacket a big deal?

Damian Galazka · Joined: 04 May 2012 Posts: 2

Hi everyone. First time posting here but have lurked for a while. I am new to this whole karting thing but eager to learn.

I am close to buying a complete kart for what seems like a very fair price. The seller has assured me time and again that it is in virtually like-new condition. I was ready to buy it when we went to fill in the radiator and water leaked all over the place. The culprit: this crack in the water jacket.

http://forzafoto.smugmug.com/photos/i-4gJHVKM/0/O/i-4gJHVKM.jpg

Now the seller has assured me that this can be welded no problem and will henceforth be a cosmetic problem only, that it will not negatively effect the performance/longevity of the engine at all. Is this true? I have no reason not to trust the seller but better safe than sorry. I should add that seller is a Rotax service center.

Anyone have experience with a motor like this? How much do you guys think it is worth with the crack? Supposed to have very few hours on it.

Angel ramirez · Posted: Sun Jun 10, 2012 6:20 pm Post subject:

Hi Damian: cracks like that one are not rare at places with cold winter and people living the water on the engine, the most important here is to remove the cylinder head to check that the crack is only on the outside and not in the cylinder itself.
_________________
Racing for the pure art of racing.

Steen Carstensen · Posted: Mon Jun 11, 2012 6:31 am Post subject:

I have repaired a few of these and they worked out fine.
Let him repair it before you buy the kart, and at no extra cost. The engine seal will have to be broken, so since he is a Rotax service centre, he can reseal it after the repair.

John Savage

Steen Carstensen · Posted: Mon Jun 11, 2012 10:00 am Post subject:

Rotax Canada does allow this repair. You are right about the machining, but if you are very careful and have the skills to do the job right, no machining is needed.

Carl Beavers · Posted: Mon Jun 11, 2012 8:18 pm Post subject:

Running a welded cylinder and there are no issues. Bought it this way and it was sealed.

Moral of the story is: Be sure to drain the cooling system and fill will 50/50 water/antifreeze if your store the kart in a northern climate.

Cool

Damian Galazka · Joined: 04 May 2012 Posts: 2

Thanks guys! Feel more comfortable buying it now. Like I said the seller is a legitimate Rotax service center and I will be racing it at their track so shouldn't be any issues with legality. Just wanted to make sure I wasn't setting myself up for future issues.