This last few weeks, our 2012 5 speeder has been pinking more and more from the right hand cylinder. I've read many of the threads about engines running too hot, exhaust problems, low grade fuel etc. I'd tried to check everything that I could and changed to higher octane fuel.
Whilst touring the Yorkshire Moors last week the pinking was getting worse and hot starting was increasingly difficult. Power didn't seem to be up to the usual standard either. On the way home we blew the right hand cylinder head gasket and Uncle Eddie was admitted to A&E under the excellent care of Melvyn Rutter.
Strip down has revealed one blown head gasket and the other one close to it. The cam box had a lot of corrosion in it and the right hand cam drive had a badly mangled keyway which has been allowing plenty of slop in the valve timing. I am thinking that the damaged keyway was causing the timing and pinking issue. Has anybody else had this issue? I would suggest that it is well worth checking the keyways when you are replacing the timing belt. This engine has only done 11,000 miles and I would not have expected this amount of wear.
A few thoughts around this whole topic:-
1. Some of the engine components really to seem to be "made of cheese" as other people have commented. The first engine on my car only lasted 2000 miles.
2. I'm not sure that changing the fuel made any difference. Prior to this recent deterioration, supermarket fuel seemed to be okay.
3. I don't see why our engines should run any hotter than in a Harley simply because the cylinders are mounted across the car rather than in line. Framework, fairing, front mud guard and riders legs must all limit the airflow on a Harley much more than what our engines receive. And surely the trailing cylinder on a Harley is receiving a steady flow of already hot air.
4. Has anyone attempted to measure the gas flow through the standard exhaust? Whilst it may seem like a very crude comparison, my car seems to be louder than many Harleys and I don't know of them having exhaust flow problems.
I'm looking forward to getting things fixed. I'm planning to keep everything as standard and will let you know how I get on.
Last edited by Rik; 25/09/20 06:58 PM.
