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Ziggy's Tips

General

Honda

Deco

General
How do I ship an engine?
Shipping an engine can be done easily and safely by following these steps. Drain all oil and fuel. Remove exhaust, throttle linkage and air filter. Disconnect the sparkplug wire on Honda engines. Last: complete our shipping form, which will make sure we can do the work you want, contact you with questions, and return the engine to you when finished.


Ziggy's offers a sturdy shipping frame to make it easy to safely ship your engine. The engine bolts directly to the frame and steel loops surround and protect the engine. They cost $60 and can be used over and over. Do you need a shipping frame? You decide.

If so, call us. We will ship you a frame and double wall outer box for shiping your engine. Drain all the oil and fuel and remove the exhaust and air filter. Bolt the engine to the frame, drop it in the box and ship it. Easy and worry free.

Be sure to drain all fluids! Shippers will not foreword engines that are leaking fluids. Any leaking box stops where it is in the shippers system. This will delay the shipment and will require us to physically go to the hub and pick up the engine. You will be charged for this inconvenience.
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How long will it take to get my engine?
There are three steps to getting your engine back from Ziggy's:
  1. Ship from you to Ziggy's
  2. Perform necessary work at Ziggy's
  3. Ship from Ziggy's to you
With items 1 and 3 you pay your money, and take your choice. UPS ground service takes 1-6 business days. Faster services are available at extra cost such as overnight, 2-day and 3-day select. The brown UPS truck visits Ziggy's every day.

Item 2 is our responsibility. We do our best to work with your schedule. We usually stock new Honda engines and can ship them quickly, however high demand can temporarily deplete our stocks. Turnaround time for other work varies due to work backlog. Normally turn around times are 2-3 weeks. It is Ziggy's policy not to try gain new customers at the expense of our existing customers. We are busy from April to the Grands and extremely busy in the weeks before the Grands so service may take longer. Plan ahead. Call for an honest estimate for service time.
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What is the best time to call Ziggy?
Our business hours are M-F 8:00am to 5:00pm eastern time, except during the weeks of the Grands. Machining and dyno noise sometimes prevents us from answering the telephone. If we don't answer please leave a message. Include your name and number and some idea what you are calling about. Speak clearly and slowly. If we can't understand you, we can't call you back.
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Quarter Midget Links

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Do you work on Half or Briggs engines?
Deco and Honda quarter midget engines are our specialty. However, we do occasionally take on a Briggs or 1/2 midget motor. Please call, so we can discuss it.
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Does my engine come with any warranty?
There are no expressed or implied warranties on engines or accessories sold by us. These engines are intended for competition use and the application and/or use of our products is beyond our control. We believe that we offer the best products available and, from time to time, will extend an out of pocket 'goodwill' adjustment. Consideration is given only on a case-by-case basis and is at the sole discretion of Ziggy's Motorworks.
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How do I get the fuel to my engine?
The quarter midget fuel system is only 1 foot long, but it is important to do it right. These engines have tiny jets that are easily clogged. The carburetors on Deco engines are particularly susceptible to debris since they don't have a float bowl to allow debris to settle out. Use only clean gas from a clean container. Install a fuel filter in the line. Use only pipe sealant paste for threaded connections such as Loctite 567. Do not use Teflon tape as small bits can tear off and get into the carburetor at the worst time even years after installation.
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How do I hook up a SenDEC tachometer?
The SenDEC Fastach will work on both Honda and Deco engines. The Fastach pickup wire can be connected to any ignition wire, either primary or secondary. It is better to connect to the secondary (spark plug) wire since a short to the frame will not disable the ignition. The SenDEC website shows how to connect the wire.

The second step is to set the tach for the proper "P" value. This is done by pushing and holding the button until the proper value appears.

  • Honda 120/160=P1
  • Stock=P3
  • Mod/B-Mod/AA-Mod=P1

Sometimes the Fastach will be oversensitive and register a much, much higher RPM than the engine on a Deco. This can be remedied by reducing the number of turns around the plug wire and/or add length to the pickup wire. One or two turns is sufficient to get a strong signal. The pick up wire should be at least 2' long to give it enough capacitance to reduce noise. Even when working properly the SenDEC Fastach can read ~200 rpm low compared to other methods. Adjust your tuning accordingly.


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Can running a Ziggy's engine make my driver a winner at school?
Yes! Zoe Mattis is a successful Sr. Honda racer at the Montgomery County club in Pennsylvania. She is also a winner at school. Zoe won the county Science Fair for fourth and fifth graders in Chester County on her project entitled "Which gear ratio makes a quarter midget race car go faster". She beat over 140 kids in her school to advance to the county level and the county judges said there were over 400 entries there. She won and one of the references on her bibliography was to Ziggy’s gear chart by Joe Dille! Zoe's parents are very proud of her.

Joey Dille is in the 9th grade and has been running Ziggy's engines at Oaklane for years. This year his science project was "Effect of Weight Distribution on a Quarter Midget". Joey earned a first place at the Pennsylvania Junior Acadamy of Scientists regional competition with a perfect score. He also won first place at the Montgomery County Science Research Competition.


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Is it better to run big gears or small gears?
Gears are gears are gears! For example, on a Deco you could run a 20/24, 25/30, or 20/36 engine/axle ratio and they would all give you a 6.88 final ratio. No matter which ration you use the engine will go around 6.88 times for every time the rear tire goes around. It will be exactly the same for each so no combination have more torque off the corner or more top speed. They are all the same.

That said, there are some subtle differences between large or small gears. Small gears are lighter and are a little more tolerant of an angle between the axle and engine. Large gears will wear slower and cause less bending of the chain. Larger gears will also give finer increments of overall ratios. Make your gear selection based on the ratio.
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Honda

Will it be legal?
Yes! The technical report is one of the most important parts of Ziggy's Honda service. Your engine's dimensions are compared to the QMA specifications using the appropriate measurement tools. Some measurements are engraved into the outside of the installed parts. Any part not meeting specifications is replaced. We send you a two page report detailing all the critical dimension measurements. Ziggy's keeps a copy for our records. A third copy is forwarded to the QMA National Tech. for their database.
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I got a Honda from Mr. X, can you help me?
No problem. We work on all Honda engines, no matter where they were originally purchased. There is a one time evaluation and legality charge when a non-Ziggy engine is serviced for the first time.
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What should I check if my Honda is a bit off?
The usual culprit is the fuel system. The Honda carburetor has some very fine passages and they are susceptable to clogging. Disassemble the carburetor and carefully clean all jets. Inspect for dirt in the float bowl and sediment bowl under the fuel valve. A quick trackside fix is to race the engine and then choke it by hand. This sometimes clears a clogged carb.

Problems with the ignition system will cause the engine to misfire on the track. Check condition of the ground wire from the engine to the kill switch including the wire to the tach, if one is installed. Look for cracks or rubbed spots in the insulation where it might be touching the frame or firewall. Replace any suspect wires. Also check the spark plug cap is tight on the spark plug.
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How often should I change the oil in my Honda?
The Honda engine is fairly lightly loaded and does not place many demands on the oil. However, the light oils used in the Honda engine tend to thicken as the lighter fractions evaporate off under running conditions. Oil should be changed every other race day for asphalt racers and every race day if racing on dirt.

We have tested several different oils and recommend using Alisyn synthetic since it improves performance. Check out the dyno results for yourself. When changing the oil the Honda GX120 engine gets 12 fl. oz. and the gearbox gets 3 fl. oz. The Honda GX160 engine gets 14 oz. and 3 oz. in the gearbox.
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How should I break in a new/rebuilt Honda?
Your Ziggy engine has been run in on the dyno and is race-ready when you receive it. No further break in is necessary.
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Should I warm up my Honda before racing?
Since the carburetor choke system has been removed, we recommend warming up the engine when the ambient temperature is below 55°F. Warm the engine at idle 2-5 minutes until the valve cover is warm to the touch.
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Should I use the heavier GX140 valve springs in my GX160?
Repeated tests have proven that GX140 springs will enhance the performance of a 160 engine. These springs are illegal for the GX120.
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How often should I change the valve springs?
Tests have shown that valve springs will last at least 5 races under normal use. For repeated high rpm use (above 5500 rpm) we recommend replacement after 2 races.
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Is the new style GX160 better than the old style?
Repeated tests have shown the new style (E2) engine produces 0.2 to 0.7 HP less than the old style (E1) engine. The primary differences between the two engines are the piston and combustion chamber design. To date, we have not discovered any way to achieve the same performance in these two designs. Please be advised that the E1 engine can only be used until 12/31/03.


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Can I update my old style GX160 to new specs?
Yes. Per new QMA tech rules, all old style 160's can be updated to new style effective immediately. The cost for this update will be approximately $225.00 in parts (piston, head, and gasket set) plus $100.00 labor without tech, dyno, or additional service work or it can be included in with a freshen for the cost of the additional parts $225.00.
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Do you sell different "stages" of Honda engines?
We do not sell any "graded" or substandard engines.Our products do not leave our shop unless they are of winning quality. Our commitment to our customers goes beyond the money. We only offer the best in engine performance as our dyno testing indicates. We can't ask our drivers to do their best if we don't first do ours by giving them a quality engine. If the engine is not capable of winning, it won't wear a Ziggy sticker.
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Can I pay more to get a better engine?
We are very concerned by the current trend of punitive pricing in the Honda classes. The rules are structured so that there is no room to enhance performance and stay legal. QMA's engine class structure offers a venue for folks to exercise any engine building skills desired. They're called the Deco classes. If desired, thousands can be spent there. Simply stated, there's a firm limit to what can be modified in a Honda engine. Exhaustive testing has proven that there is a ceiling in engine perfomance. All of our engines arrive with full dyno reports. Therefore, it would be impossible to upcharge for performance we cannot document.
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Deco

How often should I change my Deco's oil?
For ultimate performance and longevity, the oil should be changed after each race night. A race night consists of a practice, heat, and a feature. The engine takes 10 fl. oz. of Red Line oil and the gearbox gets 4 fl. oz. of Red Line oil. For most conditions, 15W-50 weight yields very satisfactory performance and will protect internal components from premature wear. If you race where no warm-up laps are permitted, Red Line 20wt or 30wt should be used. NOTE: It is a good idea to remove the oil pan approximately twice a month for thorough cleaning and internal inspection.
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What should I look for while changing the oil?
There are two very important items to pay attention when changing the oil. First, measure the amount of oil drained out so you can keep track of oil usage. As a general guideline, stock and mod engines shouldn't lose more than 1 to 2 ounces. B and AA engines will use slightly more, but should not exceed 3 ounces. Second, be sure to look for extreme changes in the oil color and also chips or debris. NOTE: A new engine will have a small amount of "flakes" present in the drained oil during the first 2 or 3 races.
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How should I break in a new/rebuilt Deco?
We dyno test and tune each engine prior to shipping. The only "break-in" necessary is a thorough warm up prior to racing.
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Should I warm up my Deco before racing?
The Deco engine should be warmed up before racing. The piston is aluminum alloy and the cylinder/block is cast iron. If the piston is heated too fast it will expand more than the bore, and run tight, and increase wear. Warming the engine for 3 to 5 minutes will allow the engine to warm slowly and maintain proper clearances. Pre-warming the engine on a stand, also makes it easier to start on the track.
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What should the spark plug be gapped to?
For Super Stock the spark plug gap should be .040 to .050". Mod, B, and AA engines with electronic ignition have the side electrode removed and there is no gap adjustment is possible. This technique works very well and optimizes ignition.
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What color should the spark plug be?
A light tan or brown generally indicates of a properly adjusted carb. However, some engines do not color the plug at all, yet it is a normal condition. This is due to an uneven air-fuel mixture in the combustion chamber. This is sometimes referred to as fuel "Wash". A black plug indicates too much fuel and a silvery gray or white plug may indicate too little fuel. NOTE: Aluminum deposits on the spark plug may be the result of extended operation at high Rpm's with a very lean carb setting. Catastrophic engine failure will result if this is not corrected immediately!
Exhaust gas temperature is a simple and accurate method of tuning your carb.
  • Stock - 1250-1300°F
  • Mod - 1300-1350°F
  • B - 1350-1400°F
Exhaust gas temperature is easily determined using a Micron data acquisition system equipped with optional features. Another way to evaluate carburetion is by looking at the exhaust valve head. It should be tan to brown in color. However, this requires removing the cylinder head.
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Why is my engine difficult to start?
The most common hard starting cause is the lack of fuel. Remember there is no choke or cold enrichment circuit in your carb, so hand choke it before attempting to start your engine. Also adjusting the idle or low speed mixture slightly richer will give easier starting. The second most common cause is battery related. Charge your battery and turn off the switch when the engine is stopped. Be sure to maintain your electrical system to deliver peak performance. Check all wires and connections for proper function.
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How should I set my carb for best performance?
Stock Walbro carbs should be set to idle clean and smooth but favor the rich side of the "window" for good throttle response. Set the high speed needle for the best performance over the entire race duration, keeping in mind you have to check your plug color occasionally. All pumper carbs must be set rich on the low side to provide good throttle response. This usually means they won't idle without the driver applying some throttle. The high speed needle should be set for best performance. It is very important to monitor plug color and exhaust gas temperature. You have to ensure you don't run too lean and damage your engine.
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When should my engine be serviced?
There are several points to consider when deciding to have the engine serviced.
  • Generally speaking, a full freshen is needed after 10-12 races have been run.
  • Extensive testing has shown that after only 4 or 5 races power output is already starting to drop. This is usually caused by carbon deposits in the ports and head areas.
  • We are wrestling to maintain the last 1 or 2 percent of power that these little engines can produce.
These measures may seem extreme. However, the racers that go to these "extremes" are the ones that carry the checkered flag on race day.

NOTE: Significant loss of performance, severe smoking, or pushing too much oil into the overflow are all causes for immediate attention and service!
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What RPM should my engine run?
Each engine is run on the dyno and evaluated to identify the peak performance point. Our dyno report gives the power at all rpms for your engine. The dyno report is a guideline to help you choose gearing.

We strongly recommend you experiment on both sides of the peak power point to find out what works best for you. Typically, a short track requires you to running slightly higher to achieve the best overall results. This is because the engine will lose more rpms than on a big or banked track. Also, driving style definitely plays a big role in your final choice of gearing.
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I got this old stocker, can you update it?
We update engines whenever possible. Ziggy's Motorworks is known for the best quality and performance. We are happy to reuse and update older products as long as performance and quality are not compromised. We review each engine on a case by case basis and provide guidance if it will be cost effective for you.
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What kind of gears should I use in my Deco?
The large ratios and high horsepower of the Deco engines make them tough on the traditional engine gears. The steel drive chain can shred the aluminum in just a few races. At best the gear profile will be damaged leading to high friction and lost performance. Ziggy has developed lightened steel gears that will stand up to the strain of racing. Call for details.
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How do I hook up my new MSD ignition?
The latest MSD ignitions comes with an updated 3-wire coil P/N 8232. The new coil is more powerful than the old style. The new coil is not covered on the supplied wiring diagram. The diagram below shows the proper hookup for your Ziggy's Mod, B-mod or AA-mod.


Click on the picture to see full size.

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