Leopard floods in slow turn (sometimes)

George Jounakos

After spending last weekend breaking-in my new Leopard, I decided to get some speed out of it this past weekend.
Engine ran great during practice and qualifying.
15.1k max RPM, good lap times considering cold weather in NY. (40-45deg, no sun)
The problems started in the first heat race.
I ran about 12 laps, engine temp got to 130deg, everything seemed great.
Then coming out of the hair-pin, it just loaded up with fuel and died.
Changed plug and it started up fine.
Next: the main.
Ran about 12 laps, engine temp got to 130deg, same as before.
Coming out of hair-pin it loaded up, but this time I went to full throttle.
After a few seconds it cleared and picked up speed.
It still didn't feel right, it felt too rich.
But it pulled good through the fast part of the track.
The same thing on the next lap.
I pulled off the track and it flooded and died as I did.
After getting my helmet and gloves off, I hit the start button and it started up and ran fine(on the stand).
Only two other Leopards at the track that day, and they had other problems.(castor oil in cold weather)
Does anyone have any ideas?

joseph hollinger

Sounds like jetting to me.

George Jounakos · Posted: Tue Mar 30, 2004 9:41 am Post subject:

That was my first thought, but it doesn't seem to be the case.
This almost seemed like I covered the air intake and choked it.
Someone suggested that it was possible that the foam filter in the airbox got a layer of frost on it and choked the engine.
It was cold and damp.
It should be warmer next weekend, so I'll see what happens.
Thanks

Jim Russell, Jr. · Advertiser Joined: 03 Oct 2001 Posts: 1535

I would lean the low speed needle in about 1/16th of a turn. This condition is most likely a rich carb setting condition.

The other option is a broken reed but this would happen all the time not on the one hairpin sometimes.

I sounds like you were just barely rich.

Jim jr.
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George Jounakos · Posted: Tue Mar 30, 2004 12:05 pm Post subject:

Thanks.
I'll give it a try.

Ray Drinkwine · Joined: 15 Feb 2004 Posts: 25

George,
I have had some similar problems only when it has been cold. I was using castor oil and it was real cloudy when I drained it out of the tank. Mixed fresh fuel with differant oil and no problem. Took the old fuel and got it warm and was able to run it with no problem. I am going to try silkolene KR2 and see how that works, it is made for karting.