Request views/info about OS Max.65 VR-M

[noahdear]

My first post :wave:

I have bought a nitro OS .65 vr-m to use in a 41" mono hull (wardcraft apparently) with a surface drive system. My LHS tells me that these engines are cr@p because they had a history of breaking conrods and that I should have bought a CMB engine.

I have been trying unsuccessfully to find reviews, specs and info on the .65 vr-m motor that dates back to the 1980's.

Does anyone here have personal experience with the .65vr-m and whether it is a good, reliable motor or cr@p as I have been told?

thanks,
Tony

[ianscr250]

ok
now first of let me say that with fuels in 1982 through 1985 the oils were **** and thats the main reason these motors blew rods to bits
or shoould i say turned the bottom end bearing then blew to ****
as far as the water system on the motor is was brilliant if you had the water cooled manifold to start with always make sure you run ur water through the manifold first then the block then the head this way the water isnt at a cold temp when hitting the top of the motor
the fly wheel on these motors was a bit of a concern as most time they wernt round this caused a lot of imbalance in the bottom end
The bottm end bearing by now should be replaced with a set of decent sealed bearings high quality dont use crap they will go out of round real quick if you use cheepies
The hardest thing you are going to find is not being able to buy parts for the buggers i have two complete motors here with my 46 vrm's and cant get the bits to rebuild them
in this instance i would highly recomend shelving the motor as a keep sake nad buy you self a k&b 11 to 13 cc motor you have the same fun the same rev range and no problems getting parts

If you have any other questions flick me an email at ianscr250@hotmail.com and ill answer what i can
cheers Ian

[noahdear]

Thanks heaps for the advice Ian. Over $300 is a lot to pay for a shelf ornament though. I'll follow what you say to do about the water cooling procedure.

I see what you and others are saying about getting parts. There are a few places on the net with parts for sale, like crankshafts, sleeves, front end cases, back plates, watercooled heads, bearings, nuts & bolts, but not that many. I am looking at buing a ducted fan model for parts in case something does blow.

My local distributer says there was never a design fault with this engine but also stressed that parts would be an issue due to the no. of yrs since it was discontinued.

Maybe I will give it a try and if it explodes I will shelve the boat until I can afford a better donk.