motor's toast

[byron westman]

HI there , first off it's nice to see there is alot of familer names at this new site . lots of help thanks . Now about my motor ,I was breaking it in and got to my 3rd tank and a bit ? the connecting rod end blew into peices in about 30 sec on my first try to get it on plane. it was a aqua .18 on my mv . is this a warranty deal or am i on my own with this one ?

 

[piper_chuck]

The owner's manual has the warranty information. Basically, it's 90 days. I suggest calling to see what they say. From the manual, the number is 217-398-0007. If it's not covered and the connecting rod is the only thing that was damaged, replacing it is easy and not expensive. Here's a link to the part: http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti00...=LXMND0&P=Z

I don't know your experience level, but in case you're fairly new to hydros, here are some suggestions for launching a hydro. First, it's a good idea to give it some forward momentum when you launch it. This isn't necessary for some, but for others, it's critical. Even with a launch, the prop doesn't always get a good bite. If the engine revs up, but the boat slowly plows through the water, the prop is cavitating (technically, that's not the right word, but it's commonly used this way). Anyway, when it does this, if jam the throttle to full, the unloaded engine can self destruct. Even if it does survive, the prop may never get a bite. So, what you need to do is ease back on the throttle, or keep blipping it to let the boat gradually pick up speed.

 

[camaroboy383]

Sorry to hear about the rod letting go. Ron olson on here had the same issue.. For sure it would be a warranty job as long as its in the specified warranty period.. Now the question is, how does the rest of the engine look? Piston/sleeve ,head button, crank, get damaged?

She was rich correct? For break in.

What fuel and what percent oil?

Was it on pipe when it blew? Or was it just millin around at full throttle? Or was it cavitating like chuck stated?

Chuck has some great points with the launch.

In my personal experience i have never seen rod or crank failure in these aqua's, i have although heard of it happening on several occasions.

Alden

 

[byron westman]

I just got it up to a plane for about 30 sec . then it blew apart I an running stock . byron's fuel 33% nitro with 16% lube rtr. i gess it started to cavitate not sure. I'm to new at this . anyhow it looks like it 's just a rod to replace everything else looks like new. i think it would be easier to just get a rod then to ship it out . i don't want to go with out my boat for long.

thank-x (lots to learn)

 

[user 6667]

I just got it up to a plane for about 30 sec . then it blew apart I an running stock . byron's fuel 33% nitro with 16% lube rtr. i gess it started to cavitate not sure. I'm to new at this . anyhow it looks like it 's just a rod to replace everything else looks like new. i think it would be easier to just get a rod then to ship it out . i don't want to go with out my boat for long.thank-x (lots to learn)

For warranty you'll need to send in the whole engine.

If it was a manufacturing defect or workmanship issue it should be covered otherwise you would be better off just putting a new rod in it.

regards

jack

 

[camaroboy383]

I just got it up to a plane for about 30 sec . then it blew apart I an running stock . byron's fuel 33% nitro with 16% lube rtr. i gess it started to cavitate not sure. I'm to new at this . anyhow it looks like it 's just a rod to replace everything else looks like new. i think it would be easier to just get a rod then to ship it out . i don't want to go with out my boat for long.thank-x (lots to learn)

What is your high speed needle set at?

a bent or broken rod is usually caused by a hydro lock or detonation. But like stated could be a manufacturer defect.

Any voids in the rod where it broke? Can you post a pic of it?

If everything else looks o.k then just slap a 8.00 rod in it. Be sure to check over the piston and sleeve real good. Clean out the whole engine with alcohol.

Were you just holding the engine full throttle from new? Or did you follow the break in instructions? The abc piston and sleeve have a super tight spot at the top. If this was not worked in slowly with gobbs of fuel/ lube it for sure would have caused this failure.

Loose pieces of metal from casting and machining will cause pre detonation wich will wipe out a rod in a hurry also.that is if there was any left over. There typically would be signs of this though on the piston crown.

Alden

 

[byron westman]

here are some pic

 

[byron westman]

 

[camaroboy383]

Ya,looks ugly, where is the bushing out of that end of the rod? In the pic it looks like there is a slight score on the piston? Is that just light reflection?

Be sure to clean that thing good the pipe and everything. Any pieces left over and you will be right back where you are now.

Alden

 

[byron westman]

hey guys ,I did a little more research and i found that my block is chiped abd cracked as well . yupp it's time for a new one . should i up grade the engine or stay stock?

 

[anthony_marquart]

Put the TZ18 in it..

hey guys ,I did a little more research and i found that my block is chiped abd cracked as well . yupp it's time for a new one . should i up grade the engine or stay stock?

 

[byron westman]

I thought the tz engine was a air cooled car engine

 

[camaroboy383]

I thought the tz engine was a air cooled car engine

It is, they modify them to use in boats. Could you please show where it is chipped/cracked?

I would have to say stay in the stock region for now being new to this and all. I would hate to see you spend good money on a engine and have issues. Better to start with cheaper more user friendly stuff for now.

If you need it fixed right away and cant wait, send it over to me and ill put it back together for ya. Ill even toss a little more hp in to her.i have a case and rod here and other goodies to take care of any issue like this.

Or if your mind is set on upgrading then i would have to say cvrm by o.s or the new super tigre.

On that note i would be interested in the aqua,let me know

Alden

 

[byron westman]

http://i612.photobucket.com/albums/tt207/chop2_photo/111.jpg

 

[byron westman]

I think you have a great idea to stay stock for now till i learn more and i like the idea of you rebuilding it . what would it cost me for the rebuild? if so what parts do i need to send you ?

 

[hydro rob]

.

 

[camaroboy383]

I think you have a great idea to stay stock for now till i learn more and i like the idea of you rebuilding it . what would it cost me for the rebuild? if so what parts do i need to send you ?

Byron, ill do the rebuild and a little modding for nothing,just wanna help ya out. Just pay the shipping both ways and for the parts and your in. Plus i can have it done in a couple days so you wont have to wait around for a warranty from aqua.

I have a new rod here.

$8.00

Have a case ill give you for $15.00 that looks new so you wouldnt tell the difference between yours and this one,still very clean.

And that should be it, as long as everything looks o.k.

I need the whole engine,flywheel and collet arent needed but never hurts to send everything.

Alden

 

[byron westman]

thank-x for the offer but i decided to get the part and do it my self. It is cheaper for me to buy the parts here then ship them to and from the states . I will have my parts in 5 days .

thanks again.

 

[camaroboy383]

Sounds good, just lookin to see you get back in action

Alden

 

[byron westman]

just a quick question , can i reuse the bearing if so how do get them out with no damage?