QuestionQUESTION: John,
I have a Craftsman Eager-1 Model 917.377380 with a tecumseh 143.006700 engine. After replacing a blade I found the cord hard to pull, I can pull it back about half way then the tension greatly increases. I checked the blade and it appears to be on properly. If I remove the spark plug the flywheel moves freely. I've taken the motor apart and everything appears fine, I have not however removed the piston from the cylinder as I know how much of a pain it will be to get back in properly. Do you think this is a problem with my piston or do you think I may have overlooked something.
Thanks for your time
ANSWER: Hello Nick:
>>This is a Tecumseh LEV120-361501A Engine.
>>Which Direction did you have the Spark Plug Pointed when you Tilted the Engine?
>>From your Description it Sounds like the Valve Clearances Require Setting.
>>I Suggest you Remove the Carburetor and the Crankcase Breather/Vent and Check the Valve Clearances First.
>>When the Valve Clearances become Off, the Compression Release does Not Operate as Designed and you have the Problem you Described.
>>You can View a Breakdown/IPL of this Engine at this Site Addy, http://www.outdoordistributors.com/ and Select the T. Then Select Tecumseh. Then Select Don't have Part Numbers. Then Enter the Model Numbers 143.006700. Then Select your Model and Download the File for Online Viewing.
>>I See from the Breakdown that this is an L-Head/Flat Head Engine.
>>The Following is a Basic Instruction File for Setting the Valve Clearances on Non OHV Engines. If you Provided me with the Correct Make and Model of the Engine then the Specifications are Included. If Not I May be Able to Provide the Specifications if you Supply me the Make and Model Numbers.
>>The Most Common Clearances are Listed for this Engine in the Following File. Thanks. Any Input is Appreciated.
>>On this Model Engine I Usually Suggest Reseating the Valves if the Valve Clearance Requires Adjusting.
>>**Remove the Carburetor and the Crankcase Breather/Vent and the Valve (Stem) Cover so you have Access to the Valve Stems, Springs and Keepers.
>>Set 1 Cylinder (on Twin Cylinder Engines) to TDC on the Compression Stroke. Using a Blade Style Feeler Gauge, Check the Clearances. The Intake should be .006in (Tecumseh Specification .004in - .008in) and Exhaust .006in (Tecumseh Specifications .004in - .008in). If the Feeler Gauge will Not Slide Between the Valve Tip and the Tappet, then you Must Reset the Clearances.
>>**You Will Require a Small Engine Valve Spring Compressor to Remove the Springs and Keepers from the Valve Stems.** Some Engines Use a Valve Keeper that is like Automotive Keepers (2 Cone Shaped Keepers that Set in the Valve Retainer/Rotocoil Assembly)and the Other Style is a Slotted Retainer that is Moved (once the Valve Spring is Compressed) to the Larger Opening in the Retainer and the Retainer Slips Over the Valve Stem Tip for the Valve to be Removed.
>>Remove the Heads.
>>Set 1 Cylinder so the Piston is at TDC on the Compression Stroke And Check the Clearances Between the Valve Stem Tip and the Tappet. The Clearances are as Follows: Intake Valve Clearance is .006in (Tec Specs .004in - .008in) and the Exhaust is >006in (Tec Specs .004in - .008in).
>>You have to Lightly Grind the Valve Stem Tip and Place the Valve Back Into the Engine (you can Hold the Valve Seated by Hand) and Check the Clearance Until you Reach the Required Clearances.
>>**++** For this Engine Model I Suggest you Reseat the Valves while you are Setting the Correct Valve Clearance. For this you will Need a Small Valve Seat Suction Tool. This can Usually be Purchased for $10.00us and has a Suction Cup that Hold the Valve Head so you can Turn the Valve Back and Forth and Dress up the Valve Seat. Valve Grinding Compound is Approximately $5.00us a Tube and a Tube Last the Shop About a Year. It Doesn't Take a Lot to Reseat 1 Engine.**++**
>> Once the Valve Clearances are Reached and the Valve Seat is Nice and Dull; Re-Install the Valves on that Cylinder and Turn the Other Cylinder to TDC on the Compression Stroke and Set that Cylinders Valve Clearances.
>>Once that Cylinder is Set, then Assemble the Engine.**
>>This Web Page; http://www.affordablegokarts.com/va
lve-lapping.php has a Fairly Good Description and Instructions on Valve Lapping and a Good Explanation of what to Look for when Seating the Valves.
>>You can Locate the Correct Specification (Bolt Torque, Valve Clearances, ect) for this Engine at this Site Addy; http://outdoorpowerinfo.com/engine_specs/ and Select your Engines OEM and the Specification Chart you Require.
>>If you Hit a Snag or this Does Not Correct the Problem, I Hope to be Here if You Require More Assistance. Hope this Helps. Let me Know What Happens, Please. May the All Mighty Bless You and Yours. Be Safe and Happy. Thanks.
Good Luck
Respectfully
John
PS: I am Allowed to Answer 5 Questions a Day. If you See I am Maxxed Out, then Try Submitting your Question at or Just After 8pm EST (US). My New Day Starts then. Comments and Ratings are Greatly Appreciated. Thanks.
Respectfully
John
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: I'm sorry I asked a stupid question about checking the valve clearances. I was able to get it and I would say the clearances are about .009. If I grind the valve won't that make the problem worse? Also if I ever do get this fixed is there a specific torque for the head bolts? I've checked online and can't find a torque guide anywhere.
Thanks
AnswerHello Again Nick:
>>On a Flat Head/L-Head Engine when the Clearances become Larger/Wider than Suggested, then you need to Look at the Camshaft Inside the Engine. **The Larger/Wider Clearances Usually mean the Camshaft is Worn and Requires Replacing.
>>Are you SURE you had the Engine at TDC when you Checked the Clearances. It is Unusual for a Cam to Wear Down unless the Engine has been Run with a Low Crankcase Oil Level.
>>Using this Site Addy, http://outdoorpowerinfo.com/engine_specs/ , Scroll Down to the Tecumseh Section (select from the Links Provided for the Valve Clearances, Torque Specification, ect) and Select "Intake and Exhaust Valve Clearances". On this Page, while Looking in the Model Series Column, Scroll Down until you see LEV120. This is the Clearances.
>>Since this is a Tecumseh Engine, I have a PDF Site Addy that May Assist you Also. http://www.tecumsehpower.com/CustomerService/BSI.pdf . This Site Addy; http://www.outdoordistributors.com/Tecumseh/tmain.html has a Link to a PDF Trouble-Shooting Guide. >>Simply Select the Free PDF Download for the Tecumseh Trouble-Shooting Guide.
>>As Always, If you Hit a Snag or this Does Not Correct the Problem, I Hope to be Here if You Require More Assistance. Hope this Helps. Let me Know What Happens, Please. May the All Mighty Bless You and Yours. Be Safe and Happy. Thanks.
Good Luck
Respectfully
John
PS: I am Allowed to Answer 5 Questions a Day. If you See I am Maxxed Out, then Try Submitting your Question at or Just After 8pm EST (US). My New Day Starts then. Comments and Ratings are Greatly Appreciated. Thanks.
Respectfully
John
