You could be right Nick. I didn't know the stator had been changed. The pickup modules have to be removed to change the stator and the timing has to be reset. If the spark is advanced or retarded too far, you will definitely lose RPMs. Timing does weird things to a two cycle engine. A retarded spark makes the engine extremely easy to start and the idle is very smooth but you will never develop the RPMs or horsepower you need. Advance the spark too far and it makes for hard starts, rough idle, and loss of RPM on the top end. Both situations lead to overheating beause you are trying to swing a prop which is set up for 80hp and the engine is struggling to run with less hp. Kind of like running a straight drive car in high gear at low speeds.
Checking the timing is not a big deal but you do have to be able to get to the flywheel and that is sometimes difficult in a tractor installation where the flywheel cover is often very close to the firewall. You also need a dial indicator with an adaptor to screw into the spark plug hole. The timing has to be exact. The good news is that with the Ducati solid state ignition, you set it and forget it. Nothing to burn, wear, or get out of adjustment except the plugs. Even the older point ignition system requires only little extra maintenance.
Unlike some two cycles I have worked on, once the Rotax is set up properly, it is a great engine. Very dependable.
Bill.
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