Re: Timing Chain wear allowance

Posted by DavidPackard On 2020/6/30 19:41:39

No1Packardman

So last November it ran after a fuel pump change, and then disassembled to repair the head. Recently the cam chain was replaced, and it won't start. Anything else changed/repaired? One other thing you quoted a dwell measurement, isn't that a measurement while the engine is running, was that from last November? Right now is the basic ignition timing correct?

Unless you've already confirmed the cam timing using the shop manual procedure I think I would do that next, but with lifters that have bled-down I'm not sure whether you can get the published results.

I know it's a crutch. But if it were mine I would prime the engine with a product marketed under the name 'Starter Fluid' . . . for an engine, not a charcoal barbeque.

War story from my past:
Some 50 years ago I was starting an iron head Sportster, with tons of compression, but an equal amount of cam shafts duration and overlap. Over the winter the engine was completely disassembled, and, considering it was a magneto equipped kick start engine, I was concerned that the first start might be difficult. The iron head was not known as one easy to start. With a soda straw through the carb I put a few inches of lacquer thinner in each inlet port. After two slow kicks, without the benefit of ignition, to distribute the thinner, I went for broke on the third kick. It started first time. I attributed the ease of start on the use of a starting fluid that was considerably more volatile than gasoline.

I think if you use a prudent amount of commercially available starter fluid you won't do any damage to the engine. The hazards are; too much fluid is not recommended, and the possibility of a 'back fire' is elevated. Proceed with care and don't look down the throat of the carburetor. Have your fire extinguisher at the ready. A squirt or two while the engine is cranking should get it to fire, and switch over to gasoline from the carburetor.

Comments from other forum users are solicited.

dp