basic engine tune-ups

[risto]

I had some issues with the Briggs & Stratton engine I've been working on, so I moved on to tuning up my HF 6.5 HP blue clone.

I did the basics: replace the oil, clean the spark plug, clean the air filter, etc. I wanted to run it completely free of obstruction so I removed the exhaust and the air filter system.

Wow, it was loud but wonderful. I lost my choke control in the process, but no big.

Anyway, while I cleaned the spark plug one last time and adjusted the index, I used a flat-head screwdriver to bend the spark gap a little bigger. This made a HUGE difference. I feel like I could start this thing with 1/4 the pull I usually do.

So the purpose of this thread:

Any real basic, free engine tune ups that you know about?

 

[Russ2251]

If secondary wire is radio resistance, change to copper core. If plug is resistance type, change to non resistance. Hotter spark is guaranteed.

 

[Jerryburger]

Hmmm... what gap did you end up with, Risto? Makes me want to go fiddle with mine! Also, I'm thinking on butchering the stock muffler off and welding up some sort of header to the flange/pipe that's left over. ...might be an idea?...

 

[oscaryu1]

Index the plug... Remove governor and low oil sensor...

 

[newrider3]

Is there any type of exhaust or filter on it? Run some kind of racing filter and at least a straight pipe, no filter is a good way to ruin the engine from all the grit it'll ingest, and you'll warp the exhaust valve running it without a pipe.

 

[risto]

i'm not riding it without the filter or exhaust.

I removed the low oil sensor already and I'm a bit hazy about removing the governor just yet.

I increased the spark plug gap by just a hair. Just enough so I could feel it bend out a tad.

 

[Russ2251]

Spark plug gap specs are set for general, all purpose, average uses. Gaps increase naturally over time anyway.
Getting a good reliable gap for different applications requires some trial and error tinkering.
Wider gaps are good for higher rpms but can misfire on lower speeds. Narrow gaps produce better low speed runs.
Best thing to determine gap is make it larger until engine just starts to misfire. Then just close it in small increments until it no longer misses. Should be good to go.

 

[newrider3]

Have you got a Dremel? Give the head and manifold a good port job.

 

[jr dragster T]

What are those links for?

 

[Russ2251]

What are those links for?

Appears to be a spammer.

 

[Jerryburger]

NIIIICE! You know, there just aren't enough of THEM on the world, huh? Oh- here's an extremely useful link for Do It Yourself Karters:
http://www.diygokarts.com/vb/index.php

 

[risto]

stop spamming jerryassburger!!!

haha :wink2:

 

[kibble]

Jerry, one more crack like that and you're outta here! :arf: BTW I took care of the other stuff that was spam.

 

[Jerryburger]

Ooops. I'm in the DogHouse then! ...better not read the "Seating Valves" entry I put in.
I can't stand spammers. Way to get 'im, Kibble!

 

[Russ2251]

BTW I took care of the other stuff that was spam.

Mr. Kibble is clearly up to his new tasks. However, I'm still stymied about the meaning of his avatar.

 

[kibble]

Mr. Kibble is clearly up to his new tasks. However, I'm still stymied about the meaning of his avatar.

Not much different than yours, it's just a logo.