OS VZB lifespan

[6victor6]

Hi all..

I picked up an OS VZB about two gallons ago and I was warned (after I bought it) that it wouldn't last long before needing a rebuild.. And it seems as thought the warning was right. Now, when I give it the "turn the flywheel compression check", it puts up very little resistance when rolling over TDC. The whole time I ran the engine, it ran cool (averaging around 220 deg.) and ran fast. Awesome motor, but I thinks its dying already. Now it wont idle for more than a second. I had to turn the idle up quite a ways to keep it going and while driving it seems to exhibit odd bursts of power. It's a shame too because up untill now that thing ran killer!... Are these the early signs of a motor wearing out? Any info about this would be appreciated.

Thanks

 

[FlyinRazorback]

Yes, unfortunately it sounds like your engine is exhibiting signs of being worn out. When it starts to run erratically it's usually time for a rebuild. From what I understand though, Great Planes is rebuilding these for free if you have a receipt. Give them a call. They know that they are having problems with the engine and they will probably help you out.

 

[6victor6]

Hmmm... Alright.. Thanks.. I emailed Great Planes and in their reply said, "We are not aware of any problems with that engine."..
yeah.. guess I'll call 'em before I bother shipping it out.. I was also thinking of having the sleeve pinched.. This is new to me but I've heard it yields good results.

 

[FlyinRazorback]

That's BS and they know it. Call them up and say that you have done your research on the web and it seems common for these engines to wear out prematurely. Hell, that's why their pro drivers are still using V01b's! OS has really pissed me off on this one, and I'm beginning to wonder if I will ever go back to an OS engine.

Check out the OS thread on the starting grid. Several guys have sent their engines in and have had them repaired or replaced.

 

[6victor6]

Oh .. .. I hate it when this happens... I had that motor for a week and a guy at the track told me I'd be lucky if it lasts for two gallons... He was right..

Yeah thanks... I'll give 'em a call in the morning..

 

[RobH]

Good luck with your engine. I personally like the OS enegine for their bottom-end torque and easy of tuning. It sucks that they killed a pretty damn good product by introducing the VZB and dropping the RZ (V01b).

People in the market for a good, easy to tune engine with a lot of bottom end are pretty much out of luck.

Sorry to hear you got stung,
RobH

 

[6victor6]

thanks..
ya know, I called 'em this morning and they still claimed to have not heard anything about this but I had also emailed them a couple of quotes from this forum, including one about Degani not using the VZB for this reason and that got 'em.. hehe.. Suddenly they remembered hearing something about this..

They replied, "It's entirely possible that some engines sold to this point have had a problem with the piston and cylinder, but the numbers don't suggest that it is widespread. We still have not received our first shipment of replacement piston/cylinders sets and since O.S. was informed of the situation prior to shipping these, they would of addressed any problems before shipping them to us."

hmm

 

[Cesar]

some people think they can get over you. I'm glad you got what you wanted

 

[FlyinRazorback]

Hahaha,
Isn't it funny how they denied it at first, then admitted to not receiving "...our first shipment of replacement piston/cylinders sets and since O.S. was informed of the situation..." What asses. Did you politely inform them that you want your p/s replaced?

 

[6victor6]

Nah... not yet.. I don't get it... They say they haven't received the FIRST shipment of pistons ans sleeves yet my LHS has them in stock...
Go figure...