Anyone get an FR18 recently?

[chrisexv6]

Just *tried* to break-in my FR18 today, and was faced with all sorts of issues.

First, with stock needle settings, the engine would cut out during the required idle-to-WOT passes. OK, figured it was too lean (dont know how, these are stock needle settings, not touched). Richened it up, no more cutouts.

Second, after getting it to run with no more cutouts, after 1/2 tank it stalled. Unable to restart it again for a while (cleared it out in case it was flooded, etc), I took it to an LHS. We were able to get it started and idling, so I took it back to my break-in location

Third, started right up after getting back to the break-in location. Made a couple more idle-to-WOT passes, then it stalled. After another 10 minutes of trying to get it to restart, I decided to look at the plug. Sure enough, I pull it and there are black shards of something all over it. Pretty good considering the engine is sealed and the air filter is on so tight I can't pull it off by hand. Pulled the head, and sure enough again, more shards and the sleeve is scored.

I'm wondering if anyone has recently gotten an engine that did the same thing. Keep in mind, I wasn't even able to run a whole tank thru this thing. I hope Fantom helps me out, I've already contacted them.

-Chris

 

[newnitrofan]

Chris one thing I can definately assure you of is fantom's customer service. They took good care of me. What application are you running this in a maxx??? I always tend to inspect engines even if they are new just cuz I can't trust the factory technicians any more.

 

[chrisexv6]

Yeah, second gen T-maxx. Tired of the trouble with the TRX 2.5, I "upgraded" to the Fantom, and its proving to be even more trouble (at least the TRX started and ran).

-Chris

 

[chrisexv6]

Just for the heck of it, I took another look. There is oil all over the chassis under where the engine was. I also noticed about 1/16" of play in the crank shaft (if I grab the flywheel, i can pull it forward about 1/16").

In addition, it almost looks like the front engine bearing is starting to pull out of the block, perhaps thats where the leak was. When I tilted the truck on its side, what looks like the bearing retainer fell off the chassis.

Click the below link for pics. You can see the bearing, the retainer, and the oil on the outside of the engine and the chassis.

http://www.chris-and-kathy.com:8081...s/tmaxx/fantom/

-Chris