Issue: Transmissions without updates have been damaged during use.
Symptoms: Difficulty or inability to shift
Solution: To prevent or minimize damage
always use the clutch when downshifting and lift when up shifting to match
revs. Read all applicable SCCA Enterprises Updates. Install replacement parts
as recommended by SCCA Enterprises, Elite/Beagle. Order spare set of gears as
they are a normal wear item.
Issue: Under certain circumstances the shift cable can become over heated.
Symptoms: Over heating can damage the
inner lining of the cable causing high friction on the actual shifter cable
resulting in difficultly shifting. In severe circumstances it may not be
possible to shift into 5th gear at speed. Drivers usually describe a 'mushy'
feeling or that the transmission feels sluggish and non responsive.
In at least three instances drivers
encountered problems only when the vehicle was hot and stopped for a period of
time as a result of a race stoppage or spin during which time the engine
temperature rose. Severity is reduced or eliminated when temperatures drop, but
return faster and to a more significant degree upon increase in
temperature.
Solution: The solution has been to
replace the cable with that of a different design that is less susceptible to
heat damage. Most have also further elected to cover the shift cable with a
heat sock and minimize or eliminate routing along the engine coolant
lines.
Issue: OEM supplied seats seem to be susceptible to
breakage below the shoulder blade area on either or both sides.
Symptoms: Visible crack as well as excessive flexing of the seat during use.
Solution: Before or after symptom is noticed reinforce the reverse side of the seat with
fiberglass mat and resin. If possible include metal structural support in
crevice of side pieces. Alternately, replace with custom foam or bead
seat.
Issue: OEM mirrors do not provide maximum visibility.
Symptoms: Visibility is impaired.
Solution: SPA (manufacturer of OEM mirrors also makes Convex lenses that can be interchanged. Available from Pegasus as well as other race suppliers. Absolutely the best money you will spend on your FSCCA/SRFSCCA vehicle. In our opinion should be a required upgrade.
Issue: Contact between the wire assembly and the intake can cause the wires to fray and short the ignition module.
Symptoms: The engine will lose power and possibly stall depending upon the number of cylinders affected by the short. After stalling or being shut off the engine will not fire.
Solution: Replace the ignition module and wiring harness assembly. Install 1" plastic spacers to raise the module off of the intake. Route the throttle cable under the module rather than around it. Wrap the wiring harness to protect against contact with the intake.
Issue: When shifting from 4th to 5th immediately upon reapplication of power the motor exhibits a consistent rev limiter like miss. RPM's are not in the rev limit range (typically no or one shift lights were observed). Result is significant loss of power and drivability.
Symptoms: Motor misses consistently as though the rev limiter has been reached. Drivers were able to breath the throttle which would override or correct the miss until the next 4-5 shift.
Cause: In one instance the cause was a broken alternator belt which prevented the alternator from supplying power to the system. On another occasion (in a separate chassis) the cause was the loss of the grounding connection via the bolt in the voltage regulator also preventing alternator power to the system. It has not been determined how or why the symptoms did not present in any other gear or RPM range.
Solution: Check the alternator belt to insure proper tightness and that it hasn't broken or come loose. Insure alternator is mounted securely. If belt has been lost or damaged check oil pump belt (this is a critical component). Verify ground connections on voltage regulator. Test wire continuity and visually inspect for damage or breakage. In vehicles without alternators no known cause or solution is available.
Issue: Throttle Cable can become stuck in accelerator pedal attachment hinge.
Symptoms: Motor can not return to idle typically hanging about 4000 rpm. This results in clutch slippage when changing gears and when starting from a stop.
Solution: DO NOT OPERATE THE VEHICLE. Doing so will ruin the clutch and require replacement. When at a safe location remove the shock cover so that you can visually inspect the foot well area. Examine the end of the throttle cable where it terminates into the bracket attaching it to the accelerator pedal. Push the cable so that the end bead can be maneuvered back into the bracket hole allowing the cable to fully extend when the accelerator pedal is in the neutral position. To prevent reoccurrence place a solid object behind the end bead inside the bracket and secure. Slack in this area of the cable moving in and out of the bracket has also resulted in cable failure from fraying. The above solution should address both situations.
Issue: OEM oil filter part number is generally not known.
Symptoms: Difficulty in finding correct replacement.
Solution: The OEM Filter is manufactured by Cooper and is their part number Z107. This is not a common brand available in the USA. Through various sources and online research the following filters are believed to be direct replacements with the OEM filter provided on the FSC engine. Please email any additional compatibility information you may have and confirmation of any use not already confirmed.
Hewland-GearChanging.doc
