[andy graham]

well put Jim, that’s about what I had figured out — asking about service intervals is kinda like asking how much does a car cost?…..it depends….the whole reason I started this thread was because I’ve been trying to “thin the heard” and came across some REALLY OLD RMax stuff as well as some non-functional parts…the trade in deal for the X30, IAME will take any TAG engine, running or not, as long as it’s complete on trade.  So I was able to sell off some of my stuff but cant see that these old rotax parts would be of much value with some being now illegal to use in Rmax comp.   I was thinking of reinvesting the money I’d made from selling some parts, couple that with the old rotax parts and bingo!, a new X30!

I currently run rotax and its getting to be time for service.  I like the rotax’s relatively low maintenance and dependability, but would like something that is a bit more responsive than what I currently have….if that makes sense.

As for service —   The thought of having similar service intervals as the Max is attractive, even more so knowing that I could preform nearly any service the engine would need with the exception of crank work.  Not to say that I’d dump the Max, but it might not get as much track time as an x30 if both are in the garage.  Furthermore, being relatively new to karting, I think I’d be closer to the 15-20 hr service than the 10 hr service, no way I could push one to its limits with me behind the wheel, not at 45 and six coronary stents.

I plan on trying out some local racing with my son for the fun of it this winter and spring here in FL, so the thought of having a few HP at the same weight as my buddies that I would run TAG Master with is attractive also.  So, there’s my story….I appreciate all the input on the thread, this thread and the Leopard v. x30 thread are two of the best Ive read on the new site yet….very, very honest and on topic….thanks guys, I’ll let you know how it ends up.

 

 

[andy graham]

pm sent

[andy graham]

I’ve got a Speed Products selective programmable ignition cdi box….connectors for a 1999 ignition though…might work other years, not sure….$200 obo

[andy graham]

DAMN look at all the FL drivers!!!   What a showing for OGP driver especially.

S1 — 2nd place, Nick Neri

S2 — Oliver Askew leads race until lap 17 or so and broken chain; shouldve/wouldve won

S5 — Kyle Kirkwood stands on top of the podium

This is their first trip out to Vegas as a team, looks like the concentration on gearbox karting has paid off for them this past year.  All this Vegas termoil/drama came right on the heels of the team being at NOLA the previous week for the Rotax event.  A big congrats to Nate Grindell, OGP Race Team Manager, for keeping everyone calm and focused through some very long and stressful weeks of racing.  Real proud and happy for the OGP gang and all the other FL drivers that showed well during the washout of a week….we get plenty of opportunity to practice in the rain here in FL. :-)

 

 

[andy graham]

had a good conversation with tj about the x30…he’s a good guy, and honest and gave me some good feedback, however he’s at a much higher level of competitive driving than I am  so gotta take that into account, his required service  would be different than mine

[andy graham]

that’s my home track.  Yes it is a city park, open sunrise to sunset everyday, closed on Christmas day I believe.  Its as simple as pull up, unload and drive.  There is a police officer that lives on site and restrooms.  The local club that races there finished their season last weekend, and dont start back up until after Christmas.

There is no on site marshaling or person in charge on regular days, its all self regulated and it works out pretty well.  I believe camping is allowed over nite but not exactly sure of that.  Its an old track with an old design from when karts didnt have the best brakes, hence all the banked turns.  YOu can PM me if you need anymore info….usually theres a few people there testing, but its the kinda place you can run into anything or anyone.  IF you need some more info, PM me your phone # and we can talk.

AG

[andy graham]

I was eves dropping on a conversation at the track over the weekend between some shifter drivers who are also mechanics…they were talking about always reading the piston top as opposed to the plug…I couldnt get specifics, but they were reading the burn pattern on the piston crown using a small scope light down in the plug hole…maybe you know what Im talking about maybe not, but I plan on asking more questions as Ive never heard of taking a reading that way.

 

just found this:

http://www.smellofdeath.com/lloydy/piston_diag_guide.htm

[andy graham]

I found a fuel that I’m interested in trying, and it seems reasonably priced.  Renegade Race Fuels P95  is a 95 octane, non oxy non eth blend for powersport applications, I believe its leaded also, but not positive.  THey have a large distributor in SC, but shipping gas is expensive…trying to find someone closer in FL, I’d like to try this stuff out.

[andy graham]

thats the place…nice layout, yes?  they also have an FB page that looks like they’re doing well with everthing else they’re doing which is good.  Pretty sure it’s meant to run counter clockwise.

[andy graham]

I would carry it on, uncharged with the charger…and carry the manual with you also if you have one.  If you put it in your checked luggage it’ll most likely get inspected by TSA and guaranteed they’ll break it open or keep it…if you carry it on dead you can at least explain to the agent what it is and what you’re using it for….

[andy graham]

found!  thanks ekn

[andy graham]

bump….still looking…bare chassis, couple of years old or slightly bent? no problem….as long as its an otk brand

[andy graham]

thanks Rob, thats what I was looking for….good `ol team strategy, I’m all for it.  OGP has a tight team and they train together all the time, good for all of them.  Not surprised at all by that move for that reason….and the Kyle DROPS and BREAKS his trophy!!!!  nice job, kid. :-)

Good thing that wasn’t a NASCAR sanctioned race or they would’ve DQ’d the whole team based on what they did to Waltrip’s team….all that caused MWR to loose NAPA as a sponsor for next year so only two cup cars for MWR.

 

 

[andy graham]

why did she refuse tech?

[andy graham]

+1 on the WTB

[andy graham]

tape on the bridge, or one of those breathe rite things on your nose to keep them in place?  dont wear glasses so dont have much to offer.

[andy graham]

two words — PIT SABOTAGE

 

 

Good Luck

[andy graham]

Chris–I use a soft brush hone to put a nice cross hatch on the cylinder wall when I rebuild a top end…have you ever seen one of these?  They’re really nice and do a great job….I got one on ebay for about $50, and Wiseco markets one that costs about $80.  Here’s a link:

[andy graham]

you can buy a new cylinder for about the same price as it costs to have an old one replated and the shipping…check out partzilla.com…I couldn’t beleive it either….

[andy graham]

you’re absolutely correct about the 125…I’ll look up the part, thanks!

[andy graham]

your choice….

 

https://www.google.com/search?q=radiator+fin+tool&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a

[andy graham]

Marc Andre — I’d suggest talking to Nate at OGP, he’ll take good care of you and get you off on the right foot…can’t say enough good about those guys…they’ve been very, very helpful to me and my son over the past year…Big Ups to Nate and the OGP Crew!

[andy graham]

thanks for the lesson Chris, I understand all of that clearly and completely…and you’re right — the last thing a manufacturer wants is to have to fix a problem product more than once thats for sure.

[andy graham]

I’m not a fabricator or welder (but I did stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night), but Ive heard that drilling either side of the crack and then building and filling the crack with a tig welder is the proper way to fix this problem…I’ve seen several fixed this way and have not failed for a second time.  Maybe I’m hung up on the cosmetic appearance of a plate welded onto a pipe rather than an additional tig welded crack. …but hey, if it works, what the hell, right?

 

[andy graham]

Chris — as a fabricator, would you consider that type of repair “acceptable” if it was your pipe?  Just wondering….why wouldn’t they tig weld it instead?  I had a similar problem with my 95 CR125 back in the day….a hole blew open in my pipe during a moto, the bike only had a few hours on it at that time…my dealer called Honda on Tuesday (closed on Mondays), they told the dealer to collect the pipe and send it back to them.  Two weeks later I received the pipe back repaired…I was amazed at how they were able to weld it up without having to put a plate over it.  To this day ive never seen a weld job that impressive.

[Author]

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