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Post by sea1tjd on Jul 18, 2013 16:33:03 GMT -8
Hi Guys. I race in the clone class up here in Spokane. Or should I say I try and keep up with the World Formulas. There are only a couple of Sr. Clones up here. Any way... Have any of you had issues with the Harbor Freight Engines? I have gone through two this year. Both due to the rod galling on the crank. I didn't realize what was happening on the first one and ended up with a tennis ball size hole in the case and the rod in 4 pieces. The second one I caught and was able to get off the track in one piece. I'm Running Mobil 1 Oil, I change it after every event. And on this last one I checked the rod clearance before putting it on the track. .0025" clearance. We have a no touch rule so the billet rod is out. Any suggestions?
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Post by voodooracing on Jul 18, 2013 17:35:28 GMT -8
wish I could answer your question but Im not a clone guy. I dont want to step on spokanes toes but you should come on down to the aug 3 night race and come race with our clone guys. It is some of the best racing on the track, large classes and different packs of of karts so no matter what your speed your wheel to wheel with another kart it seams like. Plus we are haveing a BBQ that night and nothing beats racing under the lights. come on down and talk to the clone guys down here. They have it down to a science.
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Post by rocketshoes on Jul 18, 2013 19:02:57 GMT -8
Are you running an old blue engine or the new Predator?
Regardless the engine model, probably the first thing you need to do is switch to a kart specific oil like Red-E or Redline. The only HF clone engine to ever fail me had Mobile oil in it...
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Post by stang6990 on Jul 18, 2013 19:20:36 GMT -8
Are you running an old blue engine or the new Predator? Regardless the engine model, probably the first thing you need to do is switch to a kart specific oil like Red-E or Redline. The only HF clone engine to ever fail me had Mobile oil in it... Mine blew on redline... In the end it's $100 engine from HF, what do u expect? They are going to fail. Most of the guys here now run the yellows you buy online. Either way come down for the next race. $$$ is possibly if enough show.
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Post by rocketshoes on Jul 18, 2013 21:04:36 GMT -8
When assembling, make sure every part is pristine clean and pre-lube all your mating surfaces with the oil you'll be using. Make sure the lube hole is clear of any debris or obstructions. And proper torque is essential! IIRC, it's 14ft-lbs. In the end it's $100 engine from HF, what do u expect? They are going to fail. That's not an argument I agree with. The only reason I went through 3 HF engines in two years is because the first engine, which was assembled by someone else and filled with Mobile oil, seized. The other two I made some pretty drastic mods to them for the Pumpkin Race at the end of each season and they would have been illegal for actual racing. All were very strong, competitive engines at the time.
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Post by mbenton on Jul 19, 2013 5:41:21 GMT -8
welcome Sea1tjd: We would love to see you for our next night race. I run a clone engine and have had no rod problems yet. I run red line oil and use red line assembly grease when putting motors together. I run 14oz in motor with a 10 degree motor mount. I probably over maintenance my motors tearing them down after each race weekend. I just rebuilt my race motor because it had 5 races on it. Probably didn't need it but I worry about things. See you Saturday the 3rd. Most of us run around a 4:0 gear if that will help you set your kart up for our track.
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Post by sea1tjd on Jul 19, 2013 6:37:19 GMT -8
Thanks Guys. Yes itis the Black Harbor Freight 212 engine. What's frustrating is we have a junior clone class and these kids havent had a problem. Atleast noneof the dad's will fess up too... It sounds like Mobil 1 may be the issue. I ran Royal Purple the the first race on this engine and didn't have a chance to get to the store to get more before this race. I'd love to come down on the 3rd sounds like fun. A couple of questions though. If I'm not mistaken you guys are allowd to run a larger carb. Does it have to be a clone carb that is reworked? We have to run the stock carbs but can rejet them for tuning. I have a Mukini 22mm I could throw on for the race. Are ther any other changes that can be made that are not listed on your website? Last thing... What is the schedule for the 3rd? When do I need to be there and when do thinge usualy rap up?
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Post by mbenton on Jul 19, 2013 8:07:01 GMT -8
We run the IKF rules. Carb has a venture limit of .615 if my memory is with me this morning. I don't have rules in front of me. I can't remember the carbs we can run but I know the Mukuni isn't one of them. We start around 11:00 am with practice and drivers meeting around 4:00. Then time trials,heat races and then main. Usually we are done by midnight. The clone class runs last. I like to say it's because we are the big show. Let's get 15 karts and make some money.
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Post by Gorgeman on Jul 19, 2013 10:14:00 GMT -8
I run synthetic oil in my 4 strokes, but only after a thorough break in on regular Dino oil. A new engine will not break in properly on synthetic oil.
You can run a Predator motor in our clone races but 212cc's is too big for our engine rules.
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Post by sea1tjd on Jul 19, 2013 11:37:48 GMT -8
.615 i believe is a stock size carb if I'm not mistaken. No problem there. We have to run the HF predator engines. They just changed the design to incorporate a flat top piston, a Hemi style head and roller rockers. Out of the box, minus the governor these are almost hitting 10hp. All that for $100. What is the 15 cart issue? I'm up for the long day if I can convince the wife...
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Post by mbenton on Jul 19, 2013 13:35:55 GMT -8
any sr. class that has 15 or more karts will pay $50.00 for fast time and $250.00 to win race. We had 11 karts last race. My son in law should make this one and hopefully the 2 Yakima karts will come and you would make it 15.
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Post by sea1tjd on Jul 19, 2013 14:36:21 GMT -8
That's awesome. BTW it's not official yet but they are trying to set up a night race here towards the end of August. It will be held at the Stateline Speedway utilizing the 1/4 mile oval and part of the figure 8 infield. I don't know exactly how they are going to do it but we are all looking forward to it. Would love to see more clone cards up here to make it a night!
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Post by LarryM on Jul 19, 2013 17:35:30 GMT -8
That's Stateline Stadium Speedway in Post Falls? Looks like a dirt track, yes?
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Post by sea1tjd on Jul 19, 2013 19:21:35 GMT -8
Yes it is right on the Idaho/Washington border in Post Falls. It's not dirt but a 1/4 mile banked oval with a figure 8 track in the infield. We're hoping everything works out. It will be fun running on the banked corners.
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Post by sea1tjd on Jul 21, 2013 11:18:26 GMT -8
I run synthetic oil in my 4 strokes, but only after a thorough break in on regular Dino oil. A new engine will not break in properly on synthetic oil. You can run a Predator motor in our clone races but 212cc's is too big for our engine rules. Georgeman, what do you consider a thorough break in. I ran this for several hours on cheap oil before I tore it apart and prepped it for the race. I was really surprised it happened again. I ordered some Red Line from Kart-O-Rama. We'll see how that turns out.
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