Craig's Xe track Nova (pb fixed to page 10)

[8valve-craig]

Everything above new bar the cam's.

[LDAWSON]

Gutted about your engine Craig, the new unit looks massive compared to your old unit.

[BRoadGhost]

Everyone has different theories on engine run ins. Personally I would have put as close to 1000 miles on it as possible before climbing rpm much above 4,5k; then an oil change. You could just pootle about on the rebuild now you've got a map?

[8valve-craig]

Gutted about your engine Craig, the new unit looks massive compared to your old unit.

Thanks Leigh, yes the new place is a nice size. Its predominantly business space of course, but does have its perks.

Everyone has different theories on engine run ins. Personally I would have put as close to 1000 miles on it as possible before climbing rpm much above 4,5k; then an oil change. You could just pootle about on the rebuild now you've got a map?

Agree, although as its not road legal and had a map which would have been way out we opted for the harder (quicker) running in proceedure on the rollers. Ran it up with mixed loads on Millers CRO for about 30 / 40 mins (Video 1).

I did call Dave this week to chat about its rebuild and he said the map is now fine for running in, so will probably get an MOT and do it on the road next time around.

[Will F]

Another fecking tensioner bolt failure!? I can't stress enough how crap they are! Hence why mine have been beefed up! It was suggested by Ridgeway too... Is that on the cards now craig?

[8valve-craig]

I had a meeting with Paul at Ridgeway a few months back to talk about it when they crack tested the head. They aren't happy about re-using any of the parts and don't want to put their name to it without fitting a steel crank (which conveniently they can supply). If it went to them it would be a hugely expensive build so although I did consider it its not on the cards anytime soon no.

RE the tensioner, it wasn't so much the bolt that failed, but it did loosen enough to allow my idler to slip round. It was a trimmed down adjustable pulley from the gates kit which in hindsight wasn't a great idea as when it loosened it quite obviously allowed the belt to slacken off. When we put it back together i used another fixed roller and tensioned the belt on the water pump.

SBD did develop a brace for that area last year, but from what I can see it's nothing I couldn't make myself, so one of those will be going on too.

[BRoadGhost]

Those do look to be a good move from SBD; I'm also making an anti belt flap roller bearing solution for in between the two verniers.

...I didn't like the look of the belt movement at high rpm, watching mine on the rollers a couple of months back.

[Will F]

Ooh yes that sbd brace looks sensible and should reduce the stress on the bolts...

im sure ridgeway wouldn't be cheap either, especially with the addition of one of their cranks!

[Benn]

Gutted for you over the probs you've had. Glad you're gonna be carrying on and upwards tho.

[nova_niek]

The crank is scrap, one of the Arrow rods has had it.... that's it, so some might say lucky.
I don't feel very lucky though.

After having lunched my X16XE that had only done 2k miles after an expensive rebuild, I know exactly how you feel. Crap. It's salvagable but it costs money that could be spent on other things. Hope you get to the bottom of this and that you can avoid similar misery in the future. Keep us posted.