Mistake removing the governor

[Goat]

well I was thinking. Why not just leave the engine on the kart which I did. Jacked up the left side and proceeded to take off the chain, clutch, and side cover. But then while removing the governor shaft that goes through the front case I accidently pulled out the cam and the lifters fell out. Took some thinking and self humiliation but I came up with a plan. Took out the spark plug and looking with a brite flashlight rotated the engine to top dead center. Put some Vaseline on the lifter rods and stuck them back up where they belonged. The Vaseline held them up. Lined up the marks and put the cam back in. My advice would be to lay the engine on the starter side so gravity keeps the cam in place. We live and learn. Took it for a spin with wide open throttle. Better speed and acceleration for sure. I will gps it tomorrow.

 

[Kelly Wood]

Points for you admitting it. I'll give you that.

Yep, always do it on the side, if even tilted to keep it all in place when doing that.

 

[itsid]

... But then while removing the governor shaft that goes through the front case I accidently pulled out the cam and the lifters fell out. Took some thinking and self humiliation but I came up with a plan. Took out the spark plug and looking with a brite flashlight rotated the engine to top dead center.
...

Uhm.. just one question

why take the spark plug out??

TDC is very easy to find with the crankcase open
I mean honestly.. you cannot move the piston without moving the conrod and thus turning the crank ...
so if the crank is TDC as will the piston.

'sid

 

[OzFab]

Congratulations, you got very lucky; unfortunately, this is not a foolproof method of refitting push rods & lifters...

 

[bob58o]

Congratulations, you got very lucky; unfortunately, this is not a foolproof method of refitting push rods & lifters...

I tried this way once. Never opened the valve cover. I didn't know any better. That engine got returned to HF.

 

[David Ham]

was this the flathead Tecumseh? if so, theres no valve cover...

 

[Goat]

was this the flathead Tecumseh? if so, theres no valve cover...

Yes, the flathead.

---------- Post added at 08:12 AM ---------- Previous post was at 08:09 AM ----------

Uhm.. just one question

why take the spark plug out??

TDC is very easy to find with the crankcase open
I mean honestly.. you cannot move the piston without moving the conrod and thus turning the crank ...
so if the crank is TDC as will the piston.

'sid

I think it is more accurate to actually see the piston reach top dead center. Both valves were closed so compression makes it very difficult to turn the crankshaft with the spark plug in. With the side cover off and no support on that side of the crankshaft, trying to turn it with compression could damage the bearing on the flywheel side.

 

[itsid]

I don't see how it can be more accurate since there's a fixed connection between the two,
but I agree on the pressure release at least
I think I'd just pushed one lifter in to do the same
(to let it go and air lock the piston in place once TDC is met)
but removing or at least undoing the spark plug is more convenient for sure.
for actual piston position it doesn't make any difference..

In fact it's likely MORE precise to look from below than from above, since you can watch the conrod passing the apex ..
But afterall, since that's not even a full tooth on the cogwheel it doesn't make a difference for reinstalling the camshaft.

'sid

 

[PaulK]

This happened to me and I haven't put it back together yet.
Dumb question, but what's the concern?
what are you trying to avoid? Readjusting the lash?

I'm a beginner so I'm sure the answer should be obvious to me but it's not.

Thanks,
-Paul

 

[mckutzy]

On a flathead, they gauge off of the valve itself... And yes... Ohv(clones ect.) they have a rocker...