97 425 garden tractor no start

[Gittyup]

Could I go ahead and adjust the valves after installing the tappets, cam and push rods? The case would still be open where I can tell real easy if the piston is at TDC or would everything kind of fall out as I tried to turn the engine over by hand?

Adjusting valves is not done necessarily at TDC. You do the adjustments last, after everything is replaced, and you have loosely tighten rocker arms. Just make sure you see all valves moving as you rotate the crank, and it rotates freely. This tells you that all push rods and tappets are in place. You manual rotate the crank until space between rocker arm and push rod is open (loose). Adjust gap per spec. Rotate to next valve. Adjust. Repeat for both cylinders.

 

[weeder]

Adjusting valves is not done necessarily at TDC. You do the adjustments last, after everything is replaced, and you have loosely tighten rocker arms. Just make sure you see all valves moving as you rotate the crank, and it rotates freely. This tells you that all push rods and tappets are in place. You manual rotate the crank until space between rocker arm and push rod is open (loose). Adjust gap per spec. Rotate to next valve. Adjust. Repeat for both cylinders.

So as long as the valve is closed and the valve spring is not compressed I can go ahead and adjust the valves like you say even tho I might be a tad off on the piston being in the right position. And when there is a space between the rocker and the top of the valve stem correct? I hope I am reading your thread correctly? The manual calls for a gap of .10 is that correct on the valve lash?

 

[Gittyup]

So as long as the valve is closed and the valve spring is not compressed I can go ahead and adjust the valves like you say even tho I might be a tad off on the piston being in the right position. And when there is a space between the rocker and the top of the valve stem correct? I hope I am reading your thread correctly? The manual calls for a gap of .10 is that correct on the valve lash?

You got it!

 

[weeder]

Thanks so much Gittyup I am anxious to get this thing up and running. I hope I can Thanks again, weeder

 

[weeder]

Well I have most of everything installed and buttoned up hope to get the engine in the tractor this weekend. I have adjusted the valves as close as I can .010 and everything seems to turn over good by hand. I have about $400.00 in this so I hope everything goes okay. I have a little elect glitch which I will post later. Had a wire I didn't see by the frame covered up with grease and dirt I pulled into but there were 2 sets of wires there so I will have to try and check out the electrical schematic and see where it goes??????? Maybe some help from you guys will help a bunch Well wish me luck in getting it back where it belongs. Weeder

 

[tk tom]

Pretty much anywhere after TDC on the power stroke should be fine for adjusting valves. They will both be closed until the ex starts to open near the bottom. I always rotate the crank so the piston moves down in the bore slightly so I know its just past TDC. Has worked every time so far for me on all brands of engines.

 

[weeder]

Ok, ready to install the engine back into the tractor. What oil should I use and should I use a different oil since I am breaking in a new cam? Also how long to run the engine before changing oil on cam break in? I know a lot of silly questions but if you don't ask you will never know. What is a good spark plug to run on these engines? Just want your thoughts so thanks.

Weeder

 

[weeder]

YEA, WOO WOO it is running to the thanks of all you guys on here. So far no leaks no left over bolts just amazing. I will not put the front or sides on it until I make sure there is no leaks.

Thanks Guys

 

[beenthere]

:thumbsup: :thumbsup:

 

[weeder]

Well no leaks so far have the front end back on it NOW looks like the bendix in the starter is sticking or going bad just my luck. It sometimes wants to stay engaged after the engine starts. Can I fix this without pulling the engine again? It is on the side hopefully I can but I will let you guys chime in and give me some good ideas.