rearenginekarts.com

How reliable is the cartridge needle bearing at the top of the con rod? I heard that the needles can come out sometimes, an event the motor might not appreciate. Should the bearing be replaced from time to time? I think Mac had the right idea with their two bearing piston where the load is shared by the bearings and the rod has "cross beam" support to keep it from rocking.
bill

Bill, email Hank Rotroff at: hankrotroff@yahoo.com as he's the PP guru, as well as the nicest guy you'd ever want to meet. If there's a PP problem, he's worked thru it! Tj

Ted-
Hank and i go back a piece! We've discussed these bearings before, but i just wanted to throw this topic out onto the site to see how many other racers might have experienced, or not experienced, trouble. My whole PP career was saved by Hank, who selflessly kept me supplied with good parts and even a mint ah58 chain saw motor. Not to mention nos white cylinders and a thin ring piston! Can you imagine how many others would turn loose these extinct items? Most importantly, his advice and instructions came pouring out without hesitation. I finally met Mr. Power Products at the 2009 Big One, where i started him all weekend, saw your Swoopster, and generally had a blast! Hank invited me to stay with him the next three days, spending most of the time in his shop, of course. On the way down, we visited his daughters' and sons in law enormous farm, where i learned more about corn, soybeans, electric power distribution, and bird control than ever before in my life.
bill

So what you are saying Bill is vintage karting is very educational?

Bill, you've gotten to do what I've been wanting to do for more than 4 years; visit Hank and Marylin at home! Great guy, great gal. When I bought a Homelite XP1000 saw from eBay, he gave me a crankcase to replace the one on the saw which was broken. I envy you! Rob's right-if you keep your eyes and ears open, you can learn a whole bunch of good stuff thru vintage karting! TJ