Man, when it rains it pours. After I found the bad bearings on my first Zilla, I pulled the backup out last weekend for a ride. Ran perfect at first, just as always, then wouldn't pull after 3/4 throttle...just stumbled and sounded like it was loading up. Went to check on it yesterday, to prepare for a ride today, and found oil on the garage floor under the engine. Removed the left side cover, the crank seal came off, and the stator was soaked in oil. Now it won't even start.

Was the oil-soaked stator what made it not run right at top end??

Do I need a new stator now?? Send it out to have it redone?? Or can I just clean it with engine degreaser and re-install after I replace the crank seals.

Thanks in advance,
Mike

 

I would think you would be able to just clean it and reinstall, but that is if it looks fine(everything in tact).

Zilla owners where are you? Help a guy out

 

First, what kind of oil are we talking? Is it just the fuel/premix or is it tranny oil? And as for the stator, I would suggest using WD40 and maybe some compressed air, but not too much air pressure, I usualy use a can for a computer instead of the compressor. And make sure u clean the flywheel good too. If it got oil on it, it will rust quickly.

 

If your seal fell out, chances are your main bearing inserts are bad($250 if you split the cases yourself). At the very least, you probably need new main bearings(approx. $50-$100). Grab the flywheel and see if it will move up and down. If it does you have big problems. If it doesn't then you can probably get by with just replacing the main seal. Make sure to add blue locktite to the outside edge and grease to the inside "lips" before you install the new seal. Do not run the engine if it has main bearing/main seal problems. A melt down will occur quickly. Oil on the flywheel is not a problem. Let me know if you need any details.

 

I had a chance to look at the Zilla today. Bearings were good, main seals were shot. Installed new seals and tried cleaning up the stator and reinstalling. Still no spark...wouldn't fire. So I took the flywheel and stator out of my other Zilla and put in. Fired right up on first kick and ran like a scalded dog!!

Thanks for everyones' input,
Mike

 

"Ran like a scalded dog" thats funny [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img]

 

Where's Wilson?