CMB.45 problems

[Brian Blazer]

In Celina, I ran the CMB.45 2004 for the first time on Saturday and it was running VERY well on the test and tune. Sunday was the race and I broke the rod at the bottom (a previous post noted this problem). The rod went thru the case, trashing the piston and sleeve too. The needles looked good, and the rod didn't look like it was getting hot. This engine had 3 tanks of fuel thru it. Last year, I had a 2003 motor and the needles siezed after about 10 tanks thru it. Have they determined what the problem is (I assume it is a heat treat issue with the rod). I plan to call Tidewater tomorrow to get an explanation and a replacement.

Brian

 

[TimD]

Brian,

I have been led to believe that the original crank bearings are the problem, and replacing them with WIB swiss bearings is the fix.

Tim.

 

[GMC7]

Brian,

Sorry to here about the 2004 CMB .45, I have had two 2004 do the same thing. I am currently waiting for a replacement for the last one that exploded.

I told Tidewater that I didn't want a replacement till they fixed the problem. As what was previously stated it seems to be a crank-bearing problem.

Steve

 

[WIDEBOY]

I THINK YOU WILL FIND THAT IT IS A BEARING AND ROD PROBLEM.

I HAD MY ONE REPLACED BY HOBBY SUPPLIES IN AUSTRALIA AND NOT A PROBLEM SINCE BIG PIN CRANKSHAFT AND SWISS BEARINGS.

TIDEWATER DID NOT HAVE A PROBLEM 6 WEEKS AGO WITH THESE ENGINES NOW IT SOUNDS LIE THEY DO

 

[rcboater]

Brian. From what i've been told its a combination of two problems.

One/ The 45 CAM 2004 engines from Tidewater have crap bearings fitted that get excessive clearance after only a few runs causing the crank and rod to rub on the case in different places.

Two/ The Tidewater 45 CAM engines have the small rod and crank pin fitted and there seems to be a problem with the hardening of the their rods. When adding the bearing and conrod problems together you have some potential problems.

After reading the discussion here recently on this engine and the assistance Hobby Supplies in Australia gave to some guys that bought engines from Tidewater I purchased a 45 2004 engine from Australia. Hobby Supplies explained in great depth the issues with a batch of these engines and that the engines they had in stock were fitted with precision WIB bearings and large rod and pin which is stronger and didn't have problems. I have run the engine for the past 5 weeks and it is fantastic and no signs of any rod or crank problems. It screams.

I'm sure Hobby Supplies in Australia would answer any questions you had. Their web address is http://www.hobbysupplies.com.au/ I would like to take this opportunity to thank Hobby Supplies for all the help they gave me on this matter and quick shipping to US.

I hope this helps, Ed Peters.

 

[Viper40]

Has anybody compared the timing numbers between the 2003, and 2004 CAM 45 engines? What are the "major" differences between them?

I guess I am a bit curious on how or why the newer 2004 models seem to be getting positive comments about performance even though some (not all) are temporarily plagued with failure problems.

 

[rcboater]

Viper40

I was told by Hobby Supplies the latest 45 CAM 2004 engines they stock have a new liner with different port angles that give higher RPM and better plug life. I'm not sure if the Tidewater engines have this liner.

Ed.