Recently installed a new top end to my moped (all new piston, rings, wristpin, and cylinder) and the bike has been running dependably and seemingly healthily. There are a few hiccups though that I'd like to run by the community. I realize from past posts that the only way to get real answers/diagnoses is to be specific and clear about the setup, so here's mine:
'78 Batavus
M48 Laura Engine (30mph version)
Stock new cylinder
New piston, rings, wristpin
NOS cylinder head
Exhaust- MLM People's performance pipe for Batavus
Carburation - Stock Encarwi (with small vent hole mod at top of float bowl, referenced in
http://www.mopedarmy.com/wiki/Batavus_performance Section: Fuel system cleanliness)
58 jet (stock break-in size)
Stock air box
New condenser, externally mounted
Timing appears advanced by previous owner
Cleaned points/gapped to spec
Spark plug, NGK B7HS gapped to spec
Tail/brake lights are currently out (have been for some time, new bulb replacement did not fix issue)
Sudden Loss of Power:
I was riding last night on a high speed road in Boston maintaining approx. 30mph, fluctuating throttle (not riding completely WOT the whole way). Engine gets hot, steadily maintaining temps around 245 - 265 degrees F (with temps rising at idle). Coming down a flat stretch in about 30 degree weather, all of the sudden the bike just loses power (seemed like it was going to stall) with WOT applied at approx. 260 degrees engine temp. I came off the throttle a bit and was able to catch the engine again on its way out, rode for another quarter mile as I witnessed my temps rise rapidly to a max of 315 degrees at which I shut off my engine. I watched my temps (engine off) climb to a max of 325 before gradually cooling and going down. I waited until the bike was at 250 degrees and started it back up, taking it the additional half mile back to my apartment where the final recorded temp was 275 degrees. What does this sound like? Does anyone have a potential explanation for this sudden loss of power and rapid heating?
I am open to any insight and would love to follow up with anybody who can help me find a resolution/steps to fixing and further preventing this phenomenon from happening again.