212CC Predator Break in Issues

[jojo8989]

Hey all! Long time lurker first post. I have a 212cc non-hemi with an aftermarket GoPowerSports Air filter & carb jet. I started it up for the first time today and there was a serious **CLUNK** every second or so. Went away with higher RPMs, shut it off, started it again and let it run then the clunk went away and it seemed to be smoothing out.

Then tried to start it again, nothing. Tried again, nothing. Finally turned over, idled, revved high (without touching the choke or throttle) then cuts off. During this time when it does this, if I try to move the choke on or off, the motor doesn't respond. Anyone experienced this? It has less than 5 minutes of run time. Thanks in advance everyone!!

 

[mckutzy]

Hello and welcome...

If it is a brand new engine, Take it back and get a new one.....
The next one, break it in with out the mods, then put the jet and filter in.
Typically one also uses a new header with the filter/jet mod...

 

[Hellion]

Take it back, quickly, with receipt in hand. Be sure to drain all the fluids first or they won't take it. Just what I heard.

 

[jojo8989]

Thanks for the input! Unfortunately I have modified the crankshaft so it cannot be taken back. My fault for not making sure it worked before modifying.

Do you think exhaust restrictions would cause the issues I am seeing? my next step is to put it back to stock and see how it runs but in bothered by the fact that it was running fine then on next attempt won't even start.

Thanks again for the warm welcome all-

 

[Whitetrashrocker]

I don't think the girl at the counter cares if you modded the crank. As long as it looks stock and in the box.

You might have got one of the spindles, speedy, defects. lol

 

[Hellion]

What he said ^. I don't think the girl at the counter cares one whit about your modded crank.

You always test the engine beforehand. I bought one and it sat undisturbed in the box for a looong time until I got my wits about me and fired it up. Whew, it works, fancy that. But I ain't gonna do it no mo'.

Chinese engines and well, anything from there, have hit or miss quality and quality control.
The Japanese (Honda, etc) are a completely different mindset by and large. It's cultural...but I digress.

CLUNK-ing sounds bad, really bad, like connecting-rod-level bad.

EDIT: what's amusing is you mod the exalted Predators and they let-go (KA-BOOM!) but unmodded they chug along....forever...

 

[Bbqjoe]

You modded the crank?

Whuuuuuut??????

 

[mckutzy]

What kind of crank mods did you do?
Did you unbolt the side cover?

 

[jojo8989]

What kind of crank mods did you do?
Did you unbolt the side cover?

Shaved .5" off of the end, I didn't open up the case at all. The clutch I used was designed for a shorter shaft.

 

[Bbqjoe]

Shaved .5" off of the end, I didn't open up the case at all.

Whew!
I thought maybe you opened it and just started grinding away!

 

[mckutzy]

Ya... that means you have that much less threads to grab when you bolt the clutch on....

You needed to use washers on the back of the clutch to offset the distance...

 

[Bbqjoe]

Ya... that means you have that much less threads to grab when you bolt the clutch on....

You needed to use washers on the back of the clutch to offset the distance...

So do you want to go ahead and start the "My clutch won't stay on" thread, or should I?

 

[mckutzy]

Be my guest, Joe...

 

[bob58o]

If the RPMs are too low at idle, i feel like my engines make funny noises. Are you sure the RPM was high enough to get a decent idle? 1200 - 1500 RPM

Does anybody really get a broken Predator or does everyone just break it, then return it, and fail to admit their error. I bet like 99.75% of Predators work fine right out of the box..

I once returned a Predator because I didn't know that the pushrods needed to be repositioned with the valve cover off. They fell when I took the side cover off. The cam came out with the cover. Lifters and p-rods fell into the block...

I pushed them back up (from inside the block) and put the lifters and cam back in.

Funny. It didn't start.

I took all the upgrades off, made it look as close to stock as possible, put it back in the box, and returned it. They didn't even open the box. I could have put a cinder block in there.

I've learned a bit since then. I wonder how much time I put into learning about the Predator engine and small engines in general???? I probably could have a PhD by now.

 

[Goat]

I think they may have sold you a clunker.