Thoughts on replacement pistons for the model 03 Wombat!!!

[dirty_rat]

Here are a couple of thoughts I had as it relates to the model 03 Wombat and a lack of pistons for them.

There were only 4000 model 03 Wombats produced.
There were about 17700 model 94 and 94A Wombats produced.
There were also 8000 model 95 Combat Wombats produced and 3900 model 97 Super Combats produced.
The point being, there is a much larger need for pistons that will work in the model 94, 94A, 95 and 97.

Instead of trying to find/produce pistons for the model 03 Wombat, why not just produce or modify a connecting rod to be used in the 03 crankshaft that would allow the pistons from all the other 125 models to potentially be used?
In checking the crankshafts, I have noted that the rod on the 03 Wombat is approx. 95mm long, from center to center. The rod on all the other 125's are 100mm long, center to center. The reason that a 94/95/97 rod can't be put onto a 03 crankshaft is that the big end pin and bearing on the 03 is a larger diameter than that used on the other 125's (by approx. 2 mm's).
My idea would be to machine out the big end on a model 94/95/97 rod (not the original rod as I don't think there is enough material to do so safely, but some of the new replacements appear to be rather beefy in that area) to accept the 03 big end bearing. Then just replace the rod and you could then use any of the other 125's pistons (with reed valve holes machined in on those that need them.)

Just my thoughts on a possible solution. Let me know what you think.

[viclioce]

Wasn’t it stated earlier that you can use a 99/01/02 rod with the 03 Wombat crank and the 94/95/97 pistons? I think I recall someone saying that here.

Buehler…anyone…Buehler? LOL! Victor

[Bullfrog]

Take one Model 03 engine, remove crankshaft. Replace crankshaft with Model 99/01/02 crankshaft assembly which has had Model 94/95 connecting rod installed on the crankpin. Bolt engine back together using Model 97 piston/ring (Or Model 94 piston/rings, modified for reed induction.) Use Model 03 crank assembly as paper-weight, or lamp stanchion with rotatating, long-reach pen holder.

[dirty_rat]

Yes, I'm aware of that solution. I was just thinking outside the box for another solution. Not everyone has a spare 99, 01, 02 crankshaft sitting around and with this method you would use your same crankshaft, just rebuild it with a machined 94/95 rod.
Like I said, just a thought to try to keep these machines in use.
The lamp idea does sound interesting.

[dcooke007]

Never tried, but thought about making bushings to press into the crank pin bore.

Danny