QuestionQUESTION: hello, i have a tecumseh oh180 set in a 1980 bolens 18xl, here we go, ex. valve dropped, ping back in, 92 on compression test, no vacuum leaks on intake or head, engine would run at idle 7/8 choke, hot or cold, lots of vibration, sent carb to walbro, now wants to start very difficult, spins fast, give some throttle spins slow-hard, open close choke, spins fast then slow, it is flooding, can get it start, it will now idle with out choke, stills lots of vibration at idle, plenty of power off idle thru wot, very hard to restart have checked lash, set at .005 in .010 ex. any thoughts? thank you, steve
ANSWER: Hello Steve:
Have you Checked the Head Gasket? The Head Gasket on OHV Engines can Blow Between the Cylinder and the Push Tube Galley and Cause 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. Then Select your Model and Download the File for Online Viewing. Since this is a Tecumseh Engine, I have a PDF Site Addy that May Assist you Also. http://www.tecumsehpower.com/CustomerService/BSI.pdf. If you Removed the Governor Arm from the Governor Shaft when you Removed the Carburetor, then Reset the governor before you Try Anything Else. If you Removed the Govrnor Arm to Remove the Carburetor, then Reset the Governor. **To Reset the Governor; Loosen the Governor Arm Bolt and Turn the Governor Shaft Clockwise Until it Stops. Using the Governor Arm Hold the Carburetor to Full Throttle. Now with the Shaft Full Clockwise and the Governor Arm and Carburetor Held at Full Throttle, Tighten the Governor Arm Bolt. If the Engine Still Runs Full Throttle, then Reverse the Rotation of the Governor Shaft, but Still Hold the Carburetor at Full Throttle with the Governor Arm. If it Still Runs at Full Throttle, then Check the Internal Governor.** If you Hit a Snag or this Does Not Correct the Problem, I am Here if You Require More Assistance. Hope this Helps. Let me Know What Happens, Please. May the All Mighty Bless You and Yours. Thanks.
Good Luck
Respectfully
John
PS: I am Allowed to Answer 10 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. Thanks.
Respectfully
John
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: thanks john, i have checked and replaced head gasket, no leaks i have checked governor and set according to tecumseh technicians hand book. i have found fuel in the throat of carb since walbro rebuilt, still not wanting to start and re starts are difficult. engine pops and puffs back thru carb when trying to start, fires and spins but not fast enough to run.? thanks for the web sites. steve
AnswerHello Again Steve:
I Just Looked at the Breakdown for this Engine. Have you Reset the Valve Clearance? Tecumseh Say to Set Both the Intake and Exhaust to .004in. I Do Not Use the Setting Called for by the OEMs. I have Found that the Following Works Best. Remove the Valve Cover (on the Dead Cylinder for Twin Cylinder Engines). Set the Cylinder you are Setting the Valves on to Top Dead Center (Both Rocker Arms will have Play in them when the Engine is at TDC) When Setting the Valve Clearance. Now Loosen the Valve Adjuster Locks and Set the Intake Valve Clearance to .004in -.006in and the Exhaust to .006in - .008in. I have had Better Performance Out of the Mowers and Less Burnt Valves Using these Settings. Be Sure the Piston is at TDC on the Compression Stroke. If the Valve Clearance is Not Correct, you will havwe the Hard to Start Problem you Described. If you Hit a Snag or this Does Not Correct the Problem, I am Here if You Require More Assistance. Hope this Helps. Let me Know What Happens, Please. May the All Mighty Bless You and Yours. Thanks.
Good Luck
Respectfully
John
PS: I am Allowed to Answer 10 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. Thanks.
Respectfully
John
