Question1974 Troy Bilt Horse, receipt and manual says Tecumseh HH60-105080E (plate missing from engine), receipt for short block replaced in 1981, tag says SBH-328A
I'm pretty mechanical, but not an engine expert.
Purchased this Horse in May 2006, ran OK until I got it home. It would race at hign speed, and stall easily. Managed to keep it running (lots of stalls/restarts) long enough to do the garden, but oil kept coming out of the air cleaner when the unit was tilted toward the carb (new garden, so uneven ground).
Haven't used it since. Now, it won't start. Drained and replaced the gas, battery and spark plug. Starter turns, but engine won't start.
I removed the plug and placed it on top of the engine and turned it over with the recoil start. I saw a spark, but it may have been orange (not blue). Of course, I was doing this outside in the sunlight, so it was tough to see. Does an orange spark mean anything?
I removed the carb, it was really gummed up inside. The moving parts aren't seized, but even after using carb cleaner and a tooth brush, there's lots of junk in there, and I'm concerned I won't be able to clean all the small holes that I can see inside. So, I have ordered a new carb.
After reading the Troy manual, it mentioned the breather getting clogged could cause oil to come out the air cleaner. I took it off and cleaned it with carb cleaner, but don't see the tiny drain holes that are mentioned in the manual. So, I also ordered all the crankcase breather parts. Assuming I get it running, what other causes are there for oil coming out of the air cleaner?
I have also read online that I can upgrade the points to an electronic ignition. How do I do that, and how do I know what parts to buy?
How difficult are these old HH60 engines to tune, in terms of carb and governor adjustments? I know all the adjustments are easily accessible, but how finicky are these things?
Lots of questions, thanks for your time!
Mike
Answer Hello Mike:
You have Spark, No Worries. The Cause of your Problem was Most likely the Carburator and the Crankcase Vent. If the Engine Wasnt Overfilled with Oil, then the Crankcase Breather was a Must to Purchase. That was the Reason for the Oil Coming Out of the Breather. Other than the Crankcase Breather, a Cracked Compression Ring is about All that will Cause the Oil to come Out the Breather. The New Carburator should be Set to Run the Engine with No Adjustments Required. To Change from Point Set to Ignition Module, you Require the Rotary #8786 Nova II Ignition Module. The Instructions are in the Box with the Module. Most Small Engine Shops can Order the Nova II for you. They Use Rotary Parts. You can Call Michelle @ 205-669-2500 and She can Assist you in Getting a Coil with the Module Built into the Coil. Either Way will Work. The Nova II is About $20.00 and the Coil can Cost as much as $75.00. Hope this Helps. I am here if you Require more Assistance. Let me know what Happens, Please. Thanks.
Good Luck
Respectfully
John
