2020 Build-Off Discussion

Took some surface coverings off and already found one issue and a potential no-run issue.

Non-issues:
I turned the engine by hand and it does seem to have good compression.  Took the valve cover off and the valves look fine as well as the push rods.  They even have good rocker movement.  Looks to be non-adjustable.

Check out that gasket! LOL



Popped off the flywheel and found my first issue and the possible second.

1st  Magnet fell off the flywheel.  Hoping this is the knock sound that would momentarily stop the cranking.



and now the potential no-run issue.  When I took off the flywheel, look where the key is?  Also, the key is rusty all around evenly as well as the keyway.  The keyway even had some dirt in it.  I'm 98% certain that key was not in there.  The shaft looks a little scored too.

Murraymountain wrote:

Nice! Does it have the fuel pump on it?

Answer to that question is no.  No fuel pump.  Certain it was a gravity fed system.  If I need a pump, i'll use a briggs style.



I'll clean up the engine and put it back together.  If it runs, long term, it will need a new valve cover gasket and by the looks of all the blue rtv around the sump probably a gasket there.  It is obvious this engine was tore into at one time.  That is my biggest concern.   If it runs, I will start the thread and stop talking about it here.

Well, seeing those magnets tells me that I'm gonna need a new flywheel myself. Mine doesn't have any.

I think the valve cover gasket is stock. They used RTV from the factory on the Command series. I don't think they sell gaskets for those.

Not the valve cover (rtv gasket making there), but there is a sump gasket.  May replace the head gasket should she fire this weekend.  That's bit me in the rear before not replacing head gaskets..

hope it works out there, I hate when the magnets fall off..... I am procrastinating my entry for same reason as you, I know I have an engine problem....

Magnets are nothing...

Well guys, throwing in the towel on this engine this year. She's not a happy engine. I hit it with the juice and no spark. Then I realized it has the auto advance module thing. Put 12V on the battery line and she was sparking good. All this time no clank clank clank... maybe it was that magnet. Also, when I tried to start it last time I didn't put 12V on the line.

Sat it up on my roller stand, shot it with go go juice. Spin spin spin, clank clank clank wobble, clank. Didn't fire but all heck seemed to break loose. Pulled the head to check for sticky valve or something. Other than the severely blown head gasket, not sure I see anything wrong. Looked closer, spun the engine by hand, looked good. Put the drill on it and spun it. Realized the piston is coming out further than surface area, LOTS of side to side play in the piston. Also realized on the head where it is tapping the head. It can probably be overhauled, but not something I am looking to do at this time.

MightyRaze wrote:

Magnets are nothing...  

Well guys, throwing in the towel on this engine this year.  She's not a happy engine.  I hit it with the juice and no spark.  Then I realized it has the auto advance module thing.  Put 12V on the battery line and she was sparking good.  All this time no clank clank clank... maybe it was that magnet.  Also, when I tried to start it last time I didn't put 12V on the line.

Sat it up on my roller stand, shot it with go go juice.  Spin spin spin, clank clank clank wobble, clank.  Didn't fire but all heck seemed to break loose.  Pulled the head to check for sticky valve or something.  Other than the severely blown head gasket, not sure I see anything wrong.  Looked closer, spun the engine by hand, looked good.  Put the drill on it and spun it.  Realized the piston is coming out further than surface area, LOTS of side to side play in the piston.  Also realized on the head where it is tapping the head.  It can probably be overhauled, but not something I am looking to do at this time.

oh well I wouldn't waste anymore time...if you were closer I would hook you up with any vertical engine you wanted....opposed, vanguard, kohler single, single flat head.... I am sure you can work something out...

Jeez, that thing has seen some action. I hate seeing permatex on stuff. Not that I don't use it myself, but just don't like to see it when I get an engine.

Off topic, but how come everyone always uses the blue stuff? I always use permatex black silicone. It's supposed to be maximum oil resistance. Is the blue stuff cheaper or just meant for something else?

Everyone likes blue.  LOL

It was an engine that was about to be tossed because it was unknown, didn't pay anything for it.  I just wanted to see if I could get it to work.

Yeah I always use the Permatex Ultra Black when I use silicone on things. Supposed to be resistant to every automotive fluid except gasoline.

Permatex Right Stuff is by far the best I've used but it's substantially higher in price.

Hmm... Be glad there is less than 100 days left this year.  I have some pretty awesome ideas, but the lack of some project $$.  Or I would jump in this year's B-O.  Get ready 2021!  Just need a few pieces of steel and some cheap tires! Collecting has begun!

I submitted my VOTE! Happy I didn't miss it!

@Detmurds! It's been a while!  Good to see you on.

I think I will be in here more. Looking forward to doing a build when I go to Michigan! Thanks Buddy!

@Detmurds off topic but how do you like your hood rack?