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S. Mundy | 5 Aug 1997 11:22

Driving Technique/Engine Failure

I have a question about driving technique.  I've found a little extra time 
by dragging the brakes in some corners (trail braking).  We also had a 
crankshaft failure at the last event.  It has been suggested that the 
failure was related to trail braking.  Seems reasonable to me.  What do you 
folks think??  (Kawasaki\Polaris\Zink)

Steve

You only live life once, but done right, once is enough!!
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Eric D. Christensen | 5 Aug 1997 17:20

Re: Driving Technique/Engine Failure

S. Mundy wrote:
> 
> I have a question about driving technique.  I've found a little extra time
> by dragging the brakes in some corners (trail braking).  We also had a
> crankshaft failure at the last event.  It has been suggested that the
> failure was related to trail braking.  Seems reasonable to me.  What do you
> folks think??  (Kawasaki\Polaris\Zink)

Doubtful. Everyone (well, at least everyone I've ever discussed driving
techniqes with) trail brakes. I can't see where trail braking would put
enough load on the engine to cause a crankshaft failure. The clutches
will backshift when you trail brake due to increased torque at the
secondary (basicly just like climbing a steep hill). 

I've experienced a few crankshaft failures with Kawis. Post mortems on
these always showed that a failed bearing was at fault. Not surprising,
considering that these things are OLD. Even "fresh" Kawis probably have
a lot of time on their cranks (considering that new cranks are virtually
impossible to find). I've never had good luck with rebuilt cranks in
Kawis, they just don't seem to last. 

Cheers-
Eric Christensen
Attachment (vcard.vcf): text/x-vcard, 375 bytes
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Richard Grunenwald | 9 Aug 1997 19:54
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Kawasaki Flywheel Puller

I'm having trouble pulling the flywheel off my Kawasaki using a regular 
puller.  I've been told I need to use the special Kawasaki puller (Part 
57001-3509).  I am checking with snowmobile dealers, but haven't found a 
puller yet.   I'd like to borrow or purchase a puller if any one has one.   
Would welcome any suggestions. Thanks.

BTW, found another engine for my Red Devil, and am back racing again.   Thanks 
for all responses. 

Rich
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knell s alan | 11 Aug 1997 17:19
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(unknown)


National at Grattan Michigan:

Qualifying order (Top Five)

1st Jeff Auberger  (KBS)

2nd  Aaron Ellis  (Red devil)

3rd  Jay Novac  (Nova Car)

4th  Tom Edwards (KBS MKVII)

5th  Rick Neal   (KBS MKV)

Finishing order : (Top Five)

1st Tom Diehm (Red Devil)     (Qualified Ninth)

2nd Rick Neal (KBS MKV)

3rd Tom Edwards (KBS MKVII)

4th Aaron Ellis (Red devil)

5th Alan Knell (Defender)     (Qualified Tenth) 

########################################################################
oil on track during the race, and bad Vee Traffic causing many 
spins and incidents throughout the race.
(Continue reading)

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S. Mundy | 11 Aug 1997 22:57

RE:Driving Technique/Engine Failure

To everyone whom responded to my question about driving technique, thanks!  
What a forum.  

I just finished my first actual race this weekend at Daytona.  Had fun, but 
not a good weekend.  Yes, I did trailbrake!  No car failures whatsoever, 
aside from being hit by a FVee.  I was running well and suddenly found 
myself within striking distance of the leader.  I got a little over 
exuberant, spun in turn 6 and was nailed by an oncoming Vee.  Bent the axle 
and the whole rear suspension pretty bad.  I was half a lap from the halfway 
point, so no credit for the race.

As for the engine failure from before, it was an exploded thrust washer on a 
lower end with many, many races!  I did not go into detail because I figured 
it to be irrelevant.  I merely wanted to know if trail braking will or will 
not adversly affect the crank.

Again, thanks to all whom responded.

I wish I had the results of the race to post, but being new to this, I 
didn't think to get the info from Saturday, and I didn't stay for Sunday's race.

Steve

Life is tough, it's tougher when your stupid!
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JDMurphy47 | 28 Aug 1997 02:29
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Want To Buy

There might be a remote chance one of you might have two used Hoosier slicks,
R25 18.0x7.5x10, available for sale.  I would like to match these with two
used ones I have to run the rest of '97 events after the Topeka Solo II
Nationals. At least 50% remaining tread would be preferable.  I'll be gone to
Topeka from 9/5 to 9/13.  Please email me privately.

TIA,
Jim
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Gmane