Hi- I have a friend that just bought a new Ohvale GP-0 mini racer, and it has a problem. It does not run correctly and we want to look at a known good running Ohvale to verify correct wiring, carb settings, etc.. There has to be something silly/small wrong with it.....pretty baffling. We are in San Diego and we're hoping there might be someone close that might be willing to help??? PM me if you want or comment below. Thanks!
Can you describe what it's doing or not doing, more accurately, for it to not be not running correctly? Is the fuel valve completely open? Is the 3 position toggle choke off after it's run a bit? Are you running ethanol free fuel? I run VP C9 in mine, and it runs much better on that fuel verus pump gas. My son and I have run our Ohvales quite a but this year we've only used one 5 gallon pail of the C9 ($65). They don't use a heck of a lot of fuel.
Lots of fuel, valve is fully open. Tried jetting up and down from a 125 baseline. Leaner (down to 105) seems to work best, which is totally weird. There is no choke on these carbs- they have an "enrichening valve" for cold starts. Carb changes don't seem to make much of a difference. We are pretty sure it's an ignition problem. Runs almost as if the ignition timing is way off. Tried another CDI and another coil, no change. I think it could be the pick-up or the stator at this point. Trying a know good one would help......that might be a big ask though. Also- U4.4 makes no difference, but that was expected as race gas only helps cure detonation. Thanks for your reply.
I’d also call Ron at Washington Cycle works. Nine zero eight Eight 3 Five Zero zero 4 3 he may be helpful as well.
I am not very familiar with the engine set up in the Ohvale but I sure seem to see a lot of people doing work to them mainly some engine issues, usually seized piston etc, can someone clue me in as to why they are not seeming very reliable? I have kind of been looking at one but for the premium they command to have engine issues every few track/race days, its kind of kept me away.
I'm no expert on these high-strung little engines, as my Ohvale 190 (bought used) had issues from the start (2 yrs old and raced heavily). But, after diving into it, there weren't major. Just time for periodic maintenance and replacement of fast-wearing parts. That said, I know of two owners who have worked through the gremlins to sort out their ohvales (160s). Check both the service and repair manuals. The recommended service intervals are there for a reason.