Rotax runs HOT!!

Jim Marks · Posted: Wed Aug 07, 2002 9:38 pm Post subject: Rotax runs HOT!!

For the first 4 months I owned my Rotax I was blessed by how cool it ran. I found myself duct taping the radiator most of the time. Now it seems to be running very hot. At Willow, yesterday, in 95 degree heat, I could barely get 4-5 laps in before it climbed over the 80 degree celsius mark. I have done everything I can think of besides cracking the motor. Any ideas, please help!

Nick Weil · Posted: Thu Aug 08, 2002 12:08 am Post subject: Rotax runs HOT!!

Are you sure it was over 80 celsius? That would be well over 200 Fahrenheit. If indeed that is the real deal, I would double check your fluid level obviously, and then possibly take of the cover and see what condition your gears are in. This can be done without breaking the seal.

Nick

Jeff Fontenot · Joined: 02 Mar 2002 Posts: 110

I have done everything I can think of besides cracking the motor.

What exactly have you done to reduce the temperature?

Are you running the correct Jet?

Change out your temperature gauge, maybe it is reading high.

Jeff

John Borroel · Posted: Thu Aug 08, 2002 7:12 pm Post subject: Rotax runs HOT!!

I ran my first race a couple of weeks ago, I also had an overheating problem. It was at Amago Air Temp about 95'F by the end of the main my temp climed up to 176'F. Checked water level it was fine. Can jetting change the temp that much? It ran fast, but it could have been on the lean side. Its hard to get a good plug reading when you have a slow cool down lap.

John

Jeff Fontenot · Joined: 02 Mar 2002 Posts: 110

Jetting can change the temp. How Much I do not know, but that is a factor.

Do not slow down on your cool off lap, keep the RPMs up and shut the motor off, before you get in the pits(when the RPMs are high) and coast in the pits. you will get a good plug reading then.

Nick Weil · Posted: Fri Aug 09, 2002 12:05 pm Post subject: Rotax runs HOT!!

As a note to everyone on temperature. The Rotax Owner's manual states the normal operating range at 45 - 80 degrees Celsius.

For the Celsius-impaired this is:

113 degrees Fahrenheit - 176 degrees Fahrenheit

And just so you all know, it is possible to 'stick' the motor if you don't let it warm up to 113 Fahrenheit before really romping on it. Be careful and watch those temperatures...

Nick

Gary Kannegiesser · Joined: 01 Jul 2002 Posts: 121

Im new to this also

Outside Temp 90

Jet 160

Eng temp 156

normal has been around 140

Is That ok?

Jim Marks · Posted: Mon Aug 12, 2002 10:11 am Post subject: Rotax runs HOT!!

Thanks for all the help. After a couple weeks of head scratching, I was working on my Kart in the garage and noticed that the Mychron was on and reading 117 degrees Farenheit. The motor wasnt and hadn't been run. I took it to Pitts, turned it back on...118. Hooked up a new unit to my sender...95. It was the Mychron Calibration. Just got back from running Willow in 105. Rotax ran within range......

Andy Seesemann · Posted: Mon Aug 12, 2002 10:14 am Post subject: Rotax runs HOT!!

Marks,

You're still alive?

ANDY

Nick Weil · Posted: Mon Aug 12, 2002 1:42 pm Post subject: Rotax runs HOT!!

Please guys... Read your manual... or at least read the previous posts in this thread...

177 is hot...

155 is fine...

Nick

Gary Kannegiesser · Joined: 01 Jul 2002 Posts: 121

Nick Chill!

You were luck you got a manual!

The dealer we got our Rotax never gaves us any of that.

SSC has help alot. just to get us our passport.

I can read just dont have any thing to read.

Thanks for the info

Chad Stapleton · Joined: 19 Jul 2001 Posts: 4403

Manual can be downloaded from the Rotax web site.

Bill Wright · Posted: Tue Aug 13, 2002 1:09 pm Post subject: Rotax runs HOT!!

Manual can be downloaded from my web site. Look under the "parts" link. Also have the parts book there!

Bill Wright
"Get on Course!" with FK www.formulakart.com

SHAYNE SHIPLEY · Joined: 02 Aug 2001 Posts: 1518

I'm glad Andy could help you at pitts,they are very familar with rotax karts and engines.