TBR7 Won't start

[Johnny_Sardine]

So I opened up a claim with PayPal. Technician wants me to get a compression tester and test the compression... not sure what difference it would make if I'm not going to open the engine.

A normal tester from the auto parts store should work fine right? It's a normal plug fitting, I imagine.

[Megadan]

Yep, any basic tester should work fine. Rent one from the parts store if you dont want to buy one.

[Johnny_Sardine]

Alright compression is at a whopping 90... I'm guessing that's low? Obviously had to test it cold...

[Johnny_Sardine]

I can't find out what it's actually supposed to be?

[Megadan]

Definitely not 90. It should be well past 100psi even on a cold test. Was the throttle open or closed?

[Johnny_Sardine]

Throttle was closed. I took the carb off and did it again, still cold, still with thte throttle closed. 152. Properly done?

I threw the stock carb on again and reconnected the airbox, got some fireworks... might explain the glowing cat. Gotta be timing, no?

[Megadan]

Originally Posted by Johnny_Sardine

Throttle was closed. I took the carb off and did it again, still cold, still with thte throttle closed. 152. Properly done?

I threw the stock carb on again and reconnected the airbox, got some fireworks... might explain the glowing cat. Gotta be timing, no?

152psi with an open throttle on a new engine with unseated rings is fairly reasonable. I would have expected a bit more, but it's not bad either.

Flames out of an open exhaust port aren't that unusual. Extremely hot gas and some flame front containing unburned fuel hitting a rich source of oxygen = flame on.

Have you made any progress with this? Any word from Tao or Q9? Tried hooking up a timing light?

[NzBrakelathes]

I once had a broken push rod - would back fire thru carb.
BUT valve gap showed that issue.
Still no joy swapping parts from TBR to Hawk? relieved nothing yet?

[Johnny_Sardine]

Originally Posted by Megadan

152psi with an open throttle on a new engine with unseated rings is fairly reasonable. I would have expected a bit more, but it's not bad either.

Flames out of an open exhaust port aren't that unusual. Extremely hot gas and some flame front containing unburned fuel hitting a rich source of oxygen = flame on.

Have you made any progress with this? Any word from Tao or Q9? Tried hooking up a timing light?

Right... I figured that might be normal but also can't figure out why the cat glows so hot so quick...

Haven't tried the timing light... not sure how that would work with a motorcycle... just shine the light in the port hole and look for the T?

Anyways... I'm at a standstill. Honestly, Q9 has been more dismissive, ambiguous and short with me than I'd hoped. I mean, I understand the nature of selling these kinds of products but it's obvious something isn't right (hawk runs beautifully with all the stuff we've done. Including mods). Yet they have told me they would call me back and didn't, given me no time frame when saying they'll contact the manufacturer, etc. I did everything they asked to troubleshoot the product they sold me.

I had asked them to just replace the bike, because I don't want to rip it apart. They have to take some limited amount of responsibility for the product they are selling. They have ignored this request, and have not given me a concrete answer on what would even be done if the engine were to be determined defective.

So I felt my only option was to call PayPal and escalate the dispute. I only want the refund for the Tao Tao, as the hawk is performing as advertised. Would have been happy with a replacement but we'll see. It's in PayPal's hands now.

I'll keep you updated. Thanks for the advice, all.

[Ariel Red Hunter]

Originally Posted by Johnny_Sardine

Right... I figured that might be normal but also can't figure out why the cat glows so hot so quick...

Haven't tried the timing light... not sure how that would work with a motorcycle... just shine the light in the port hole and look for the T?

Anyways... I'm at a standstill. Honestly, Q9 has been more dismissive, ambiguous and short with me than I'd hoped. I mean, I understand the nature of selling these kinds of products but it's obvious something isn't right (hawk runs beautifully with all the stuff we've done. Including mods). Yet they have told me they would call me back and didn't, given me no time frame when saying they'll contact the manufacturer, etc. I did everything they asked to troubleshoot the product they sold me.

I had asked them to just replace the bike, because I don't want to rip it apart. They have to take some limited amount of responsibility for the product they are selling. They have ignored this request, and have not given me a concrete answer on what would even be done if the engine were to be determined defective.

So I felt my only option was to call PayPal and escalate the dispute. I only want the refund for the Tao Tao, as the hawk is performing as advertised. Would have been happy with a replacement but we'll see. It's in PayPal's hands now.

I'll keep you updated. Thanks for the advice, all.

Yes, I'm going to explore the timing side of the engine later today. You won't need this information now, but some one else may, down the road....ARH

[JerryHawk250]

Originally Posted by Johnny_Sardine

Right... I figured that might be normal but also can't figure out why the cat glows so hot so quick...

Haven't tried the timing light... not sure how that would work with a motorcycle... just shine the light in the port hole and look for the T?

Anyways... I'm at a standstill. Honestly, Q9 has been more dismissive, ambiguous and short with me than I'd hoped. I mean, I understand the nature of selling these kinds of products but it's obvious something isn't right (hawk runs beautifully with all the stuff we've done. Including mods). Yet they have told me they would call me back and didn't, given me no time frame when saying they'll contact the manufacturer, etc. I did everything they asked to troubleshoot the product they sold me.

I had asked them to just replace the bike, because I don't want to rip it apart. They have to take some limited amount of responsibility for the product they are selling. They have ignored this request, and have not given me a concrete answer on what would even be done if the engine were to be determined defective.

So I felt my only option was to call PayPal and escalate the dispute. I only want the refund for the Tao Tao, as the hawk is performing as advertised. Would have been happy with a replacement but we'll see. It's in PayPal's hands now.

I'll keep you updated. Thanks for the advice, all.

I think they should at least offer you a replacement engine.

[jimwildman]

head scratcher for sure, perhaps they installed the piston backward, ive heard that causes some weird stuff to occur.

probly suggested already but, swap cdi from the hawk? they can have timing issues even new.

with 152 psi compression im doubting the valvetrain is the issue, maybey intermittant spark.

[wheel spinner]

hey ... did you ever get this bike running???

[Johnny_Sardine]

Nope. Still talking with paypal. The only thing about the engine is I was told they're on back order and I can't be fucked to wait 8 months to get an engine that i have to replace.

Been tinkering with some other stuff, I'll keep you posted if the situation changes.

[Ski_rush]

Originally Posted by Johnny_Sardine

Nope. Still talking with paypal. The only thing about the engine is I was told they're on back order and I can't be fucked to wait 8 months to get an engine that i have to replace.

Been tinkering with some other stuff, I'll keep you posted if the situation changes.

I’m impressed at how well you’re taking this. I’d be fuming. I’d probably drive to Texas and return the bike, no matter where I was.