Hi Rhys, I think you’re right about materials, I made a trophy out of damaged parts for the Southwest group. I was shocked at how easy it was to cut through the crankshaft. On inspection the camshaft appears to have partially sheared & then sheared completely.I did wonder if 18 lb valve springs also contributed to its downfall .

Cheers Nick

Hi Rhys, mine was the metal camshaft.see picture above in this post. I think part of the problem is a lack of bushing on the cam, it simply fits into an aluminium hole in the crankcase. Poor engineering in my opinion.

Cheers Nick

Thanks Nick, I am just really puzzled, I had over 20 of them on what was licensed in NZ as a "Fairground ride", made from scratch to look like a lawnmower with tow behind seat, like a racing mower.. We ran them at every show we could find, dusty dirty conditions and never had a single failure of any sort. I did change the oil on every one after 10 hours running and was a bit careful with what oil went in. They were all also run in before use for a couple of hours on a fairly basic oil before being used then decent stuff put in. What came out on that first running looked terrible. The engines I used were the 196cc, I do know there are design differences, some I know, most I have only been told.
Lots of engines of all sorts, even full automotive run the cam in the casting, maybe it's the material rather than just the method.

I'm intending to attend.
Terry.

100% for me please Stefan

I will be attending.