Keeping Your
FZ SHIFTER in
Peak performance
Basic maintenance is key to unlocking the full potential of your FZ SHIFTER engine. By following some basic steps, you will ensure smoother track days, better speed, and longer engine life. Staying on top of maintenance keeps your FZ SHIFTER engine at peak performance, which will keep your budget low and enhance your experience on the race track! Keep it simple, do the basics, keep your FZ SHIFTER clean and spend your time focusing on driving, improving and having fun!
Regular Oil Changes
Recommendation is to change the transmission oil every 5 hours of use with Maxima MTL-75w
Clean Air Filters
Cleaning your air filter is important, especially when you have an off-track excursion. Once every 3 to 5 hours is sufficient.
transmission oil volume
FZ SHIFTER engines have the volume of transmission oil posted on the engine case. For FZ65/85 = 450 ML | FZ125 = 550ML
Radiator check
Make sure your hoses are not dragging and are secured. All hose clamps should be tight. Ensure your radiator is filled to the top and that you have an overflow bottle.
General Maintenance
Don't leave your chassis out of the mix. Routinely checking the tightness of wheels, engine mount, brake pad depth, and axle grub screws is equally important.
Routine Inspections
Make sure to lubricate your drivetrain every session. Take a look at your radiator water level; it should be at the top of the water inlet. It's a quick check!
Common engine Fixes
Understanding these common issues will lead to quick, practical maintenance to keep your FZ SHIFTER engine running smoothly.
Why does my engine overheat during races?
Overheating can be caused by a few reasons:
First, make sure you purchased a radiator that is designed for your local climate.
Second, check that your radiator is not clogged and the cooling fins are in good condition.
Third, is your chassis handling correctly? An improperly handling chassis will cause more stress on the engine and therefore, increase the operating temperature.
Lastly, if the ambient temperature is 90-100 degrees, the engine will not operate at the ideal temperature. This will not harm the engine.
What causes inconsistent engine idling?
Typically, if all carburetor components are installed correctly, you most likely have an issue with the marriage between your throttle housing/cable and your throttle pedal.
First, make sure your throttle pedal returns freely and does not bind. It may require a new spring or some simple lubricant.
Second, make sure your throttle cable is free from fraying and the housing is free of any kinks.
Lastly, make sure you don't have your throttle cable with too much tension. the cable should be solid but not preloading the cable on the carburetor slide body.
How to handle sudden power loss on track?
Power loss may be due to fuel delivery issues, clogged filters. Check your fuel line to make sure it is in good condition with no holes/scuffing. Next, check your fuel filter, and it's important to check the pick-up tube in your chassis fuel tank.
Why is my engine making unusual noises?
Not always, but check to make sure your electronics (wiring sub lead/CDI) are connected and not damaged. After that, make sure your spark plug is solid with no cracking and your spark plug boot is clean and free of tears.
If the noises are LOUD, most likely you have a broken spring or o-ring that has broken. LOUD noises are created from a misfit on either the exhaust or intake side of engine.
What are good RPM's?
FZ SHIFTER is tuned for performance but also ease of use.
The general range is 7,000 - 13,000 for all engine models, with peak performance between 11,500 - 12,000.
General Shifting Tips
When starting out shift a little earlier in the power band before the RPM peaks during each phase. Additionally, lift off the throttle quickly when making the shift.
As you get more experience and time in your FZ SHIFTER, you can shorten these gaps and develop a more fluid process.
We recommend not exceeding 13,000 RPM ideal top RPM is between 12,500 - 12,800.
What's the best way to Down Shift?
Downshifting is the key to not being too aggressive. Much like a manual car, do not shift from 6th gear to 1st! You should have a sensible progression in your downshift to make sure you are completely downshifting prior to arriving at the corner entry.
This will keep your engine in good condition as well as keeping your chassis stable and the tires working.
Are you looking for expert coaching or technical pros?
Some competitors are looking for more and we get that. We have a selected network of key driver coaching experts and technical experts that can assist you on your FZ SHIFTER and kart racing journey.
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