Following the issues that plagued us during 2007 we were still having problems with our new 'big' engine. The decision was made to have a good friend (and previous engine builder) tear down the motor and see what was wrong. The findings were not good and included a crank shaft that was under size on the main bearing journals. This at least explained the big end failures! The bores were measured and also revealed problems. New pistons and a rebore were the only cure.

The engine was duly rebuilt with a crank regrind, new shells, new pistons etc.

Once back out and racing it was clear we still had problems but this time they were linked to engine breathing. The engine would literally pass large amounts of oil through the crankcase breather and into a catch tank. The cause was thought to be an excess of pressure in the crankcases. After much head scratching and input from may well respected sources it was suggested we try a breather from what would be the rev counter take off and see what would happen. Testing at Mallory Park in November has proven to be very encouraging. The engine is now back in France to have a general check over and a good clean ready for 2009.