QuestionQUESTION: Hi John,
Tried to use the follow up system but it said I had too many follow ups. In any case, the engine will only start on rare occassions and when it does, it is strong but races very high. I had taken the flywheel off to replace the starter gear and keyway slot/key was in good shape. Prior to this problem, the engine did start good but I had to shut down the choke as soon as the engine started. I have a new battery, fresh gas, new plugs, new gas filter,.020 gap, clean carb in Gunk, etc.
To improve the compression, should I go with heavier oil?
Also starting fluid goes not seem to be a big help so that leads me back to the magnetto although I am getting some spark. Although my kids make fun of me and tell me to buy a new one, I am not giving up, so I need your help to save face with my kids. Please advise your thoughts. Thanks again for all your time!
Kevin
ANSWER: Hi Again Kevin:
Sorry about the Too Many Follow Ups. I Never Knew the Site had that. Anyways, Put a Small Amount of Oil (1oz) Into the Cylinder through the Spark Plug Holes and Replace the Plugs. Try to Start the Engine. Did it Start with Little or No Problems? If the Starter Fluid Does Not Assist in Starting the Engine, then it Sounds like a Low Compression Problem. Have you Checked for a Burnt Valve? Try Using SAE 40 Engine Oil. It May Help with the Compression, but Not for Long if the Compression Rings are the Cause of the Low Compression. There is Not Enough Compression for a Quick Start and the Engine has to Turn Faster to Reach the Compression Required to Start and Run. Either a Burnt Valve or the Rings are Going to be the Cause of the Problem. Usually a Burnt Valve, Blown Head Gasket or a Loose Valve Seat is the Cause of this Problem, if the Engine has been Properly Maintained. The Compression Rings Rarely Give a Problem Unless the Engine has been Run Low on Oil or Overheated. Hope this Helps. I am Here if You Require More Assistance. Let me Know What Happens, Please. Thanks.
Good Luck
Respectfully
John
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Hi John,
Rechecked the compression several times - Left 87/95lbs and right was 82/84. Valves looked good when I had the heads off and the gaskets were not torn. Checked spark to the plugs and it was good at both. Plugs were slightly wet again as if it is flooding. The engine trys to start but dies quickly after briefly starting. I am getting alot backfiring/flames from the carb when trying to start. Shaft keyway and key were in good shape so not sure if there is some other way to have the timing off. Your advise and dirction is appreciated.
Thanks!
Kevin
AnswerHi Kevin:
The Backfire and Flames is Usually a Good Indication of; 1- Bad Valve Seat or Bad Valve. 2- Ignition Timing (Flywheel Key is Damaged) Or the Carburetor is Not Metering the Gas Properly Through the Jet. Did you Remove the Valves and Check the Valve Seat and Valve Mating Surface? i have Another Question with the Same Problem and will be Speaking to the Mechanics in the Shop Tomorrow to See if I May have Forgotten Anything. Hope this Helps. I am Here if You Require More Assistance. Let me Know What Happens, Please. Thanks.
Good Luck
Respectfully
John
