hc46 0 #1 Posted May 22, 2016 it was running. now acts like trying to start against compression. is it fixable? i'm new to small engines. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
953 nut 51,421 #2 Posted May 23, 2016 2 hours ago, hc46 said: start against compression. is it fixable? I am not clear on what you are asking. Is the battery in good condition and all terminals clean and tight? What are you asking regarding it being "fixable"? Anything can be repaired, but we don't even know if it is broke. If you remove the spark plug and try turning it over that will give us some information. Then put the plug wire on the plug and lay it against the engine and crank it over and watch for ignition spark. Tell us what you find and let us know what happened just before the problem occurred. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
hc46 0 #3 Posted May 23, 2016 it turns over fine with the spark plug removed and gets a good rapid fire spark. I got it a couple of years ago as partially dismantled project. replaced gummed up carb and bad battery. seemed to start with a little difficulty but ran ok, though sometimes backfired when starting. I cleaned the flywheel and reset the magneto and replaced the spark plug to get good spark. if it had a timing chain or gear I would figure something had slipped. the valves seem to open and close but when I try to start it, it seems like the timing is off as the starter wont spin the engine, just seems to be trying to turn against compression. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
oldredrider 2,547 #4 Posted May 23, 2016 (edited) Check the shear key in the flywheel. They're made of aluminum and it may have partially sheared changing the timing. If so, new ones can be found at NAPA. Use an impact driver to tighten the flywheel nut upon reassembly. Edited May 23, 2016 by oldredrider 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
hc46 0 #5 Posted May 24, 2016 do you know the torque specs? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
hc46 0 #6 Posted May 25, 2016 shear key is fine. slots are in perfect alignment. is there anything else that could affect the timing? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gwest_ca-(File Mod) 10,475 #7 Posted May 25, 2016 Have a voltmeter you can connect to the starter terminal? See what the voltage at the starter is when you are trying to crank it. Try with the meter ground attached to the negative battery post and again attached to some bare metal on the engine. Garry Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
953 nut 51,421 #8 Posted May 25, 2016 On 5/23/2016 at 11:09 AM, hc46 said: I got it a couple of years ago as partially dismantled project. How far was the engine dismantled? If the crank shaft or camshaft was removed the timing relationship between them could be off by a tooth, that would be a tremendous contributor to your problem and a relatively easy fix. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
hc46 0 #9 Posted June 3, 2016 I don't think the engine was opened up, but how do I identify the correct tooth alignment? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
