bobcat 732 engine problem

chrisdvorak · Jul 28, 2014

I have a bobcat 732 skid steer that wont start. the engine is a ford 4cyl 1.6l gas. I did a compression check on it when I first got it and found that no 1 and 2 cylinders were very low 3 and 4 were normal after pulling head found 2 burnt exhaust valves. I replaced and lapped all valves and installed a new head gasket after getting it all back together and adjusting the valves I got it to start and run ok for about 5 mins at which point I noticed that the engine was getting very hot. I shut it down and removed the thermostat thinking that may be the problem, but after I let it cool down it would start then die after a few more tries it wont start at all. I have checked fuel, had the carb apart 3 times and have seen nothing out of the ordinary, it has good spark and air filter is not blocked. everything seems to be in time, I had the front cover off and looked at the timing chain which is tight and the hash marks line up. I am running out of ideas any input would be appreciated. FYI its the same engine as a 1980 ford fiesta.

-thanks

DJ54 · Jul 29, 2014

Assuming it did not overheat before doing the valve job, is there any chance the new head gasket was installed backwards/upside down, closing off some ports??

Not familiar with that engine, but is there a fuel shut off solenoid on the carb.?? Could be sticking. Checked for wet plugs after trying to start..?? Is it a manual choke, or automatic..?? Manual, or electric fuel pump..??

chrisdvorak · Jul 29, 2014

when I got the machine it was not running so Im not sure if it was running warm before or not the head gasket is in correctly as the studs only line up one way. there is no solenoid on the carb, all manual the fuel pump is electric and supplies plenty of fuel. the plugs are wet. Im thinking the distributor timing may be off? anyone know if this needs to be set at TDC or 12 degrees?

-thanks

flyerdan · Jul 29, 2014

If it's the same Ford engine that they used in the 722 then it's 12 BTC I've got the Ford parts of the manual and tech specs in .pdf if you'd like them.

chrisdvorak · Aug 1, 2014

I have adjusted the points again at 12 BTC with still no luck seems like I'm missing something but don't know what to try next?

RPW · Aug 2, 2014

All I can say maybe the valves are adjusted to tight. Check compression again. On mine (which I need a new carburetor) it also runs hot but I believe mine is because the radiator has many bent fins. Also pull the carburetor bowl and check for water.

Good luck.

chrisdvorak · Aug 3, 2014

Thanks RPW I will check compression again. I am just thinking out loud here but when I had the head off to put in the new valves I had to remove the intake manifold, the gasket got slightly damaged in the removal but instead of replacing it I just reinstalled the old one without thinking too much about it. could this damaged gasket be causing a fuel starvation issue because it was sucking air? maybe that would explain the engine getting too hot when it was running due to a lean mixture? Also, am I right in assuming the valves are to be adjusted at TDC and the distributor timing and points are done at 12BTC

chrisdvorak · Aug 4, 2014

anyone know the symptoms of a bad intake manifold gasket?

flyerdan · Aug 5, 2014

Usually they will start and idle with an intake leak, but since it's running so lean will die out when you open the throttle. The test for a leak is to play an unlit propane torch or o/a torch over the top of the manifold, if there is a leak it will suck in the gas and increase rpm.

chrisdvorak · Aug 9, 2014

well I went ahead and replaced the intake manifold gasket yesterday but was not able to try to start it up as the starter failed. now have to wait another week for a starter. when it rains it pours