How to Race Prep an Engine
- 1). Change the oil and filter regularly. Old makes an engine suffer. Consult your engine builder for recommendations on how often you should change your oil and perform all other maintenance procedures. Most race teams change the oil based on the number of laps run versus races competed in. Inspect the oil and filter for any signs of metal shavings; their presence could mean there is a problem inside the engine that needs immediate attention.
- 2). Clean and inspect fuel lines and filter. Make sure there are no cracks or weak spots in the lines that could cause leaks. Fuel filters need to be replaced on occasion as well; check for an inordinate amount of dirt and debris. Make sure there is minimal fuel in the tank before inspecting the lines because removing fuel lines with a full tank will cause fuel to spill all over your shop.
- 3). Inspect spark plugs for any damage. Sometimes debris from the track can hit a spark plug and cause damage. Replace old plugs and ones that are damaged. If a spark plug is not performing properly, the engine will not run on all cylinders.
- 4). Inspect gaskets for leaks or damage. If you notice anything suspicious, replace gaskets immediately.
- 5). Start the motor before each event. Most tracks have a designated time when race teams start their motor to build up heat. You never want to simply start a race before allowing the motor to heat up because you risk damaging the motor. That would be like a football player not stretching or performing warm-ups before a game. Take time to check for any leaks. Make sure you have proper oil pressure. Without oil flowing, the motor will seize up and your night of racing will be over quickly.
Instructions
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