422 Spyder insert disintegrated

[DHS]

A couple weeks ago, I noticed a loud clicking coming from the engine area of my 422. It sounded like the tappets were dancing on the pistons. After closer observation I noticed the Buna N Coupling insert in my spyder coupling between the engine and variable volume pump had disintegrated. I have an aluminum Lovejoy coupling style AL150 with a Buna N Coupling insert.

I could not find the insert locally so I ordered it from Grainger. I removed the four bolts mounting the engine and slid it back a few inches. I removed the remains of the old insert and installed the new insert.

I don’t recall reading about similar problems so I thought I would add this to our online database.

Dale

 

[Gravy]

That sounds about how the Lovejoy L series couplings I use with electric motors and pumps at work fail. Just a wear item I guess. It's good to know how it sounds in an engine driven application. Thanks for the info!

Dave

 

[RobS]

Could be excessive mis-alignment between the engine and the pump. The coupling is designed to accomodate some mis-alignment but early failure could be telling you something. A pair of dial indicators would tell all /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[DHS]

Rob,

I believe mis-alignment contributed to the failure. Three years ago I removed the engine to replace the charging coils and may not have had everything aligned perfectly. This time, I asked Terry at PT about alignment and he said to push the engine up tight and the alignment should be close. I measured the gaps between the two couplers and the all gaps are very close in measurement.

Thanks

Dale

 

[johara1]

i get it lined up the best i can by eye ,then spin the engine over with the plugs out.it will line it's self up /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif works for me. now just tighten the bolts without moving it.