Gear Oil Interval/Checking

Matt Clark · Posted: Wed Jun 20, 2012 12:30 pm Post subject: Gear Oil Interval/Checking

Hey guys, tried to look as much as I could before posting this but haven't seen anything really concrete yet. What is a good interval to drain/replace the gear oil? Also, is the only way to know you have 100cc to actually measure out 100cc and pour it in? (Novel concept!) Appreciate the help I've received so far, just trying to do all the preventative maintenance possible so I don't pay for it down the road.

Matt

John Savage · Posted: Wed Jun 20, 2012 3:31 pm Post subject: Re: Gear Oil Interval/Checking

Matt Clark · Posted: Thu Jul 12, 2012 12:27 pm Post subject:

Correct me if I'm wrong, but the Rotax manual says to check the level every 2 hours and refill as needed, but states you don't need to "renew" (their words) the oil until 50 hours? I'm not saying that's the smartest thing to do, just stating what the manual says.

Also, really dumb question but how do you guys empty the oil out? I know you take drain screw out, but do you guys take off the engine? Or just take the screw out and tilt the kart so the engine is level? I've run it twice now (put a little over 2 hours since I bought it) and want to change the oil, it just seems like a large amount of work for such a simple thing to do that I surely must be wrong in thinking the engine needs to come off, right?

Todd Renaud · Posted: Thu Jul 12, 2012 1:44 pm Post subject:

Matt Clark · Posted: Sun Jul 15, 2012 1:08 pm Post subject:

Surely I can't be asking for a trade secret? Upon closer inspection it seems the easiest/most efficient way is to get to the drain bolt and tilt the kart back on the stand. When I can get someone to help I'll let you guys know how it went Laughing

Matt

Keith Buffo · Posted: Sun Jul 15, 2012 10:00 pm Post subject:

You need to take the engine off. It takes all of 10-15 mins once you get the hang of it. And it's a good thing to get the hang of... lets you give it a thorough cleaning and inspection, and trains you for that disaster day you need to do it quick to make your race.

FWIW... I know every2 hours is recommended, but I don't worry about it anywhere near that much, and I'm a semi-professional worrier.
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Matt Clark · Posted: Mon Jul 16, 2012 4:55 am Post subject:

My worst fears confirmed, thanks Keith! Laughing

You're right, I do need to get used to working with the engine. I think I'll just take a ton of pictures of every connection/angle to try and insure I don't wind up with an extra connector, etc. when I re-install. Is there any way of checking the oil level in the meantime? Thanks for the info.

Matt

John Savage · Posted: Mon Jul 16, 2012 7:29 am Post subject:

Matt Clark · Posted: Mon Jul 16, 2012 7:33 am Post subject:

John I was meaning a way to make sure the oil is at a safe level in between full on oil changes, I have the new style clutch so correct me if I'm wrong but I cannot use the oil level check screw since that was intended for 50cc instead of the 100cc I should have, correct?

Keith Buffo · Posted: Mon Jul 16, 2012 7:48 am Post subject:

I know removing the engine seems like a lot the first time, but it’s easier than you think... here’s a punch list:
- 2 motor mount bolts
- starter quick-connect under air box
- fuel line from tank to pump
- RMP sensor on plug lead
- Exhaust Gas Temp sensor (EGT)... unplugs easily from extension somewhere near seat
- 2 exhaust pipe springs
- 2 wiring harness quick-connects (from coil and back of engine)
- ground wire from harness to coil

- Some set-ups have a second ground wire coming off the harness... disconnect that too. (I have mine connected to the top most gear cover bolt.)

As John said earlier, the only way to confirm that you are maintaining level is to drain it into a measuring cup. (Same goes for filling with the correct amount.)
_________________
Keith Buffo
http://BondedTransmission.com
http://CFMotorsports.com
http://DRT-Racing.com
http://OhCopyboy.com
http://www.NHKA.net

Matt Clark · Posted: Mon Jul 16, 2012 11:30 am Post subject:

Thanks Keith and everyone else for the help, it's really beneficial to a noob like me who knows next to little and would like to prevent any sort of engine malfunction.

Matt

Curtis Ruth · Joined: 24 Jul 2001 Posts: 658

The newest engines have a red sticker on the side that suggests changing the oil with 100CC of oil every 5 hours of run time. Not a bad idea to pull the side cover off and inspect the plastic gears in there for abnormal wear and to drain all of the oil. Then reinstall and fill with 100cc of oil. make sure to replace the gasket if it tears. It should not though. It should adhere to the engine a bit.
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Innovative Karting/ Intrepid karts
Glendale, Arizona
WWW.INNOVATIVEKARTING.COM

John Savage · Posted: Tue Jul 17, 2012 10:21 pm Post subject:

Curtis Ruth · Joined: 24 Jul 2001 Posts: 658

The two main gears are steel, but I like to inspect the plastic water pump relay gears, as there are 3 of them that could have wear or cracks that prove to be catastrophic if broken. A thrown chain, crash, or kurb check can cause them to break and cause alot of problems in a hurry.
_________________
Innovative Karting/ Intrepid karts
Glendale, Arizona
WWW.INNOVATIVEKARTING.COM