Outdoor Power Equipment (Lawn Mowers, Snow Blowers, Chain Saws and more) Discussions

I changed the points and gaped them to .020 , new coil and condenser. I didn"t mess with the timing left it as it was  I didn't  have any cause to think it was bad.  Plus I didn't have the required dial ind indicator (ie. .090 BTDC) . It hasen"t been started in a long time. Cleaned the carb very well, looked pretty clean to start with. Starts ok misses once an while , seems to be hunting a bit. whent up and down on the high speed needle valve it responds to that .  I figure a little glow is ok , but the muffler bolts backing out? I would think if the timing was off so far as to cause the muffler to glow that it just wouldn"t start. The only other thing I"ve run into to cause overheating is a lean condition, and I cleaned that carb pretty well. Is there a shade tree method to timing? Any advise? Thanks

Thee isn't any easier way that I know of  than the dial indicator method as described in the service manual. If you had the coil assemly off you should be able to see the marks from where the bolts were origionally, at least it would be close. Soak the carb in metal parts cleaner overnight and blow out with compressed air, it's probably still a little lean.

I think before you waste any more time, you get the timing right. I suspect that is the problem. Harbor Freight has cheap dial indicators that will work just fine for what you want to do. If you were manufacturing rocket engine parts, maybe you should go to Sears at least ;) But for the average home mechanic these guys are acceptable. An adjustable magnetic base is a great accessory.

http://order.harborfreight.com/EasyAsk/harborfreight/results.jsp?ts=Thu%20Jan%2012%2008:33:25%20PST%202006

If you live in a major city, there may be a Harbor Freight retail store near you.

John Davies

JohnEDavies wrote:
Shoot, the link didn't work. Go here and search for "dial indicator"

http://www.harborfreight.com/

John

richb,
Was there a muffler locking plate on the muffler at one time?  That keeps the bolts from backing out. Post your spec number so someone can look up a possible p/n.

Is there play between the throttle shaft and carb body? You'll never get the carb set right  if there's air getting around the throttle shaft.  It will keep running lean and "hunting".

 The Tec "dial indicator has an offset "foot" on it to allow contact with the piston,  and a threaded collar that screws into the spark plug hole. To use a typical dial indicator you will have to remove the head to take measurements. 

Take a close look at that carb and post that spec number and we'll see what other suggestions come up.