Ungoverned engine questions

[J.S.@SMS]

I have a few questions about an ungoverned gx200 clone.
1. Is it safe to run this engine without a missing lash cap on the exhaust valve?
2. Should I upgrade to a billet rod and flywheel?
3. Should I get a flywheel offset key if not getting a billet flywheel?
And 4. Should I upgrade the valve springs and if so the rest of the valve train?
Right now the engine is nearly disassembled and about to be rebuilt.
The biggest thing that i'm worried about is the lash cap missing. Could this cause the retainer to fall off and allow the valve to fall into the cylinder, wrecking the engine during the re-break in period and wasting 25 dollars of parts and the internals? The rest will come later.

 

[areams]

From my understanding, you are ok with an ungoverned engine in stock form. Once you change springs etc, you should have a billet rod as well as upgrade the flywheel.

Not sure on if just doing ungoverned and flywheel let if you need anything else but I would imagine you wouldn’t see toooooo much gain from just a flywheel key.

 

[J.S.@SMS]

The thing about timing advance keys is they don't increase power much instead they allow the engine to rev higher easier. But how about the missing lash cap?

 

[pRoFiT]

Depending on which clone. the governor removed completely should be fine. the springs are the next determining factor and valves will start to float at high rpm. which will limit top end. not normally a problem with the hondas or clones.

Lash cap....im not sure 100%. maybe someone else can chime in. The clones only have an exhaust side lash cap as far as i know and not on the intake? is that what you are seeing?

 

[J.S.@SMS]

That is sort of what i am seeing. The engine uses the intake retainer that does not need a lash cap. However I lost the lash cap for the exhaust retainer.

 

[pRoFiT]

Looks like your out $10 for a new one then. I don't know about running it without it. Lets see if someone else chimes in

 

[J.S.@SMS]

If I do need new ones, i'll probably just order a retainer kit ($21.36) and 18lb springs ($15.00).

 

[J.S.@SMS]

Just checked in a Honda GX200 assembly guide, and it said that without the "valve rotator" (aka lash cap) the exhaust valve might drop into the cylinder on startup. I might try making one out of some steel rods I have.

 

[mckutzy]

Try going to a lawnmower/rental shop... They'll have tillers, pressure washers, log splitters ect all typically with a Honda type engine...
Ask if they have a junk parts bin that you can look through..while your at it, why not ask if they have some jets and e-tubes you could get off of them aswell... Maybe grab a 6-pack or some other drinks to help grease the wheels...

 

[J.S.@SMS]

Thanks for the suggestion. Will definitely stop by a local rental shop soon. And I will see what other engine components they have.

 

[Snakeone]

Reading these post i too removed the governor from the i side of engine and noticed what seemed to be the bottom of the valves slide down, is this normal to just push hem back up or was there something holding them in place ? I did have the cam out while they slid down?