425 Robin Engine Problem

[Piedmont3]

My 425 Robin Engine won't start.
I cleaned the carburater, I Changed the spark plugs, I Drained and refilled the gas tank, I changed the oil,(it was only 2 weeks old).
I Give up. I am going to take it to the local mower shop that is a Robin dealer/servicer.
I am going to have to winch it up on my trailer to get it there. I know there are only 3 things I have to do to tow/winch it on the trailer.
a. release brakes; and
b. open tow valve that is located on the variable displacement pump.
c. figure out how to get the front arm up so it won't hang on everything as I tow/winch it.

only 1 problem....
I Can't find the Tow Valve to release it?

Please help.
Any and all would be greatly appreciated.

 

[3238dpw]

First try taking the air filter off and spraying a 1 to 2 second burst of carberator cleaner into the thraot of the carb (Take the air filter off first). Then try to start it. If it runs for a second then stops you then have a fuel problem. If it doesn't start it could be and most likely is an issue with spark.

What was it doing when it quit running?

 

[Piedmont3]

It turns over fine. It sounds like one cylinder is not working correctly. The spark plugs are both getting fire. The fuel flow is good. It is making a sound like one of the cylinders is not compressing correctly, or is maybe grinding or something. I have been working on it for 3 weeks. I parked it one evening, and went out to start it the next day and it has not started/moved since then. I just need to know where the tow valve is so I can open it to get/pull it on the trailer.

 

[washita]

compression test?

 

[washita]

check your valve lash, 200 hrs on my engine, one broken rocker arm the other cracked (bad Stamping of rocker arms) tow valve, check on bottom side of pump mine is on the bottom I will rotate mine 180 degrees if I ever get around to taking the pumps loose:thumbsup:

 

[Clumber]

The folowing threads may be helpful:

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/power-trac/109046-tow-bypass-valve-limitations-pt.html

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/power-trac/115402-425-bypass-valve-issue.html

 

[Piedmont3]

Thanks Clumber,
I found those 2 threads in a search, but the link did not work for me. The page appears but with errors and I can't see any of the document. Can anyone post a picture of the pump and tellme which nut I need to loosen?

 

[BAGTIC]

I had a similar problem with my 425 last year. The valve had come loose and was free floating. Reattaching it fixed everything.

 

[Piedmont3]

I had to finally go buy a winch to be able to get it on the trailer.
I finally got my PT loaded on the trailer and taken to a mechanic.
He took it apart and found that 2 bolts internal to the engine that are supposed to be stuck in place with lock tite, had come loose. He put the bolts back and lock tited them in. It runs great now ! I am sorry I haven't been back on here since asking for the help but life has turned a little sideways with the tornadoes at my house. I have had my little green tractor out helping people find their belongings and clean their slabs up to get ready for rebuilding.

 

[ponytug]

Good luck with the rebuilding. After the devastation, rebuilding is so hard on so many different levels. I am sure that people are very appreciative of your assistance.

I'm glad to hear that nothing was severely damaged in your PT, or your home.

All the best,

Peter