QuestionWell John, first I checked the compression, it was about 115 psi. Excellent I thought, especially since this motor is 18 years old! And then I followed what you said below! I can't tell you how glad I am to have found you for advise. I took your advise and guess what, you hit the nail right on the head! The exhaust port was loaded with carbon. There was only a small opening left, about a 3/16 inch diameter or less! I cleared it away, vacuumed the carbon bits out of the cylinder with my shop vac, [I removed the spark plug to get air flow going while I was sucking the carbon out thru the exhaust port], I put the muffler back on and the plug back in socked up tight and it now runs like the day I bought it! Plenty of power. It back! It's like brand new! Even the knocking went away! I am very pleased becasue this was on my mind all week, I was just waiting for Saturday to come around so I could get outside and get down to business. You are very knowledgeable and I'd like to say thank you for taking the time to respond to me. Very much appreciated! Sincerely and with BEST regards!, I am, Dominick Esposito of Exton PA.
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Followup To
Question -
Thanks very much for responding to my inquiry John, very much appreciated. I will check the exhaust port as soon as I can certainly by the weekend. I have been reading that the flywheel woodruff key imn the crank sometimes can shear perhaps if a stump or obstacle was hit by the blade. Who knows what my sons may have hit, I have to get on their case to cut the grass and well, anyway.... Although the unit runs fine at no load, (and by the way I finally adjusted the governor where I get a slow steady idle and then full throttle to what sounds like a lower rpm than I was used to but maybe I just can't remember.) Anyway, I was wondering if the key to the flywheel could have slightly sheared just enough to change the timing and at no load it's ok, but at speed with a load, the units timing is off such that it looses power. Would that be retarded or advanced? I think it would likely be retarded enough for a smooth idle and speed at no load, but no advance for the load and hence it can't maintain speed, am I explaining myself right? What do you think? I'll check the exhaust port and let you know what I find. I am thinking the timing is screwy? Anyway I will lookk forward to hearing from you again. Thanks again for your thoughts and expertise! Kind regards, Dominick.
Answer -
Hello Dominick:
Hold the Throttle Full Open and Adjust the High Mixture Screw. Turn it Clockwise 1/4 to 1/2 Turn and see if the Power comes Back. If the Power has Increased, then you May have to Turn the High Air Mixture Screw another 1/4 Turn Clockwise to get full Performance. Im Thinking the Carburator May be Flooding the Cylinder Under a Load. Do this Before you Check the Flywheel Key, Please. The Only Time I have Known a Key to Shear from Binding the Chain or Hitting a Nail or Rod with the Chain, is if the Flywheel wasnt Tightened Properly. Hope this Helps. I am here if you Require more Assistance. Let me know what Happens, Please. I enjoy knowing the Outcome. Thanks.
Good Luck
Respectfully
John
Answer Hello Dominick:
Great!! Im glad I could Help. I Hope you have many more Years of Service out of the Engine. Remember us at All Experts whenever you have a Question. May all your Mechanical Problems be SMALL ONES and May the All Mighty Bless You and Yours. Thanks for the Email Update.
Best Wishes and Good Luck
Respectfully
John
