Rotax maintance for dummies

Dirk Titus · Joined: 01 Sep 2001 Posts: 20 Location: Greenwood

I'm not a wrencher (karting is my mid-life crisis and I'm a newbie) and I need help in doing the maintance. Is there a book, video, wide page that has explicit directions on the maintance I need to do on the Rotax? I'm at the 10 hour level and I just don't want to screw something up. Thanks in advance for your help.

Shannon Schmidt · Posted: Tue Mar 25, 2003 10:05 pm Post subject:

Dirk...the beauty of the Rotax package is that it is mostly low maintenance, but that does not mean no maintenace. To avoid a lenghty list of stuff you can do, I would suggest you follow the directions on the last two pages or so of you manual. It outlines most of the things you should stay on top of.

You should be checking on a regular basis the cleanliness of you carb, the fuel lines, the airbox, throttle cable, quality of the plug, the powervalve, the level of the water in radiator, and the gearbox oil.

Remember...a clean Rotax is a happy Rotax and if you keep the dirt and oil off the motor you will be much more able to notice anything that might be wrong.

One last thing...read Nick Weil's article that is published on this website for a very good run down on Rotax maintenance. And don't worry about not being a super wrencher...you'll pick it up pretty darn fast...I did!

Good Luck
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Dirk Titus · Joined: 01 Sep 2001 Posts: 20 Location: Greenwood

Thanks Shannon. Maybe I didn't make myself entirely clear--my wife tells me this all the time. I know what I'm suppose to do I just unsure of how to do it.

I change the oil, keep the radiator full, grease and lube, check and change plugs but this starter bearing thing and the clutch Shocked

As stated above I am in need of simple instruction that I can refer too.

I've been shown how to tear down, clean and reassemble the carb but I would hate to try to repeat the procedure . (My mentor lives like an hour away)

Again any book, video or web page would be appreciated that has insructions like insert tad A into slot B

Marshall Martin · Posted: Wed Mar 26, 2003 6:19 am Post subject:

Hey Nick

Dirk has come up with another project for you. As the resident techie and do it yourself guru this would be a great project for your spare time. Just think about a video featuring yourself showing new people how to do carbs, clutches and other Rotax maintenance.

Anyone else think this is a good project for Nick to undertake?

Laughing

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LSR Motorsports
www.lsrmotorsports.com

marshall@lsrmotorsports.com

Roger Roatch · Posted: Wed Mar 26, 2003 9:11 am Post subject:

Hey Dirk,
I know this might sound like “easier said than done” but I’m trying to get your confidence up. Even if you had a better book, or video etc., you still have to finally pick up the wrench. And, if you don’t take care to place parts in order/step etc. when you take them out, you will still have the same possible problem at re-assemble.

If you’re a mid-lifer you must have a profession or other hobby that you train subordinates or newbies in an environment you understand. Think about the confidence you have in setting out those steps or procedures for others, and use those same methods for breaking down your carb. (with your manual by your side).

Nick and others have provided numerous “cautionary” hints on the Rotax site and on Nicks site. I’m talking about making sure the slide is in correct, stuck bowl needle, bowls in rightside up etc. Same for cleaning the power valve. You might go and do searches in the Rotax forum on each part in the carb., and I’m sure you will find most of what you are seeking.

Good luck, sorry if I made it sound simplistic, not intended.
Roger
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Don't brake til ya see God! But never loose sight!

Jonathan Bachelor · Joined: 29 Jan 2002 Posts: 13 Location: Boulder, CO

I sympathize with you, Dirk... I too am a total newbie, getting my rotax kart in 2 days time. If you're reading this, Nick of speedquest, I would definitely buy a maintenance how-to video! Getting into karting would be much less intimidating with that!

jon

Nick Weil · Posted: Wed Mar 26, 2003 10:03 pm Post subject:

How much would the average Rotaxian be willing to pay for a peek inside the wonderful world of Rotax Maintenance in a hands-on type video/DVD?

SpeedQuest is my 'full-time' business, but I am also partners in a video production business. If the need is there and enough people would buy it, I would only need convince my associates to start filming...

One issue you would have to put up with... Me and my chronies on video making wisecracks the whole time... (I'm thinking JACKASS meets Bob Vila with a Shadetree Mechanic flavor). And also... there would be the concern of project budget... And we would probably have to do 'on-location' filming at such places as...

Sears Point...

Daytona International Speedway...

Andy's shop...

Willow...

That new track in Utah...

Joe Ramos's guesthouse out by the pool... Wink

Andy's house

Las Vegas... not the track either you fools... just ask Andy... or Memo...

But seriously, if there were a market and an interest I would consider doing it... And on an even better note... Would SSC or Rotax/Bombardier be prepared to 'foot' the bill for the production? No one realizes how much even a simple production like this costs...

Anyone??? Bueller? Bueller?

Nick

Roger Roatch · Posted: Thu Mar 27, 2003 8:21 am Post subject:

Nick, call me about the filming. I can tell you that SSC knows exaclty what it would cost. I worked with Tom White for months on trying to get this done, but no budget was always the answer. I have some ideas I'd like you to consider too, before you jump into the project.

You have my Email address, send me a note if your interested, with your phone # and I'll be happy to call.

Roger
_________________
Don't brake til ya see God! But never loose sight!

David Stinnett · Posted: Thu Mar 27, 2003 11:36 pm Post subject:

Mike Robertson · Posted: Thu Mar 27, 2003 11:41 pm Post subject:

Well, since Jr. is into filming, and we are going to do a safety video for the New Black Rock Raceways, maybe he could do the production shoot and we could get Nick to put it into production

Mike

John Rust · Posted: Fri Mar 28, 2003 6:30 am Post subject:

Nick

I would second what David said above. I might even pay a little more if some golf karts were harmed in the making of this production. Pepper spray and stun guns are always fun too. Johnny Knoxville not required.

John

John Rust · Posted: Fri Mar 28, 2003 6:37 am Post subject:

Possible film title....

"Jackass Takes the RMax Challenge In: Karts-O-Fire"

Work with me here, Nick. I see great things.