L2850 won't start, v1702 engine

[thepumpguysc]

Just check & adjust the vales before condemning the engine..
incorrectly adjust valves will have a big factor in compression readings.

 

[napabavarian]

I didn't do a proper check, but I had the valve cover off and all springs that weren't depressed were loose including the 2 on the lowest compression cylinder.

Are valve seats a common problem on these?

 

[thepumpguysc]

Not to my knowledge.. BUT cracked heads due to over heating.. YES.
They WILL NOT tolerate any heat..

 

[napabavarian]

Not to my knowledge.. BUT cracked heads due to over heating.. YES.
They WILL NOT tolerate any heat..

Would a cracked head push exhaust out the intake?

 

[thepumpguysc]

anything is possible..
Take a dollar bill & hold it over the muffler exhaust stack on a running engine, at idle.
IF the bill sucks in & blows out, you have valve/head problems..
IF it just blows away from the stack, your back at square 1..
but my money is on sucking back in..{valves}

 

[napabavarian]

If only it ran! Like the king said, off with yer head!

anything is possible..
Take a dollar bill & hold it over the muffler exhaust stack on a running engine, at idle.
IF the bill sucks in & blows out, you have valve/head problems..
IF it just blows away from the stack, your back at square 1..
but my money is on sucking back in..{valves}

 

[napabavarian]

Head is off, I poured some leftover mmo in the suspect cylinder and sure enough it starts seeping past the valve.

Is there any good way to identify cracks without taking it to a machine shop? They are spendy here.

 

[napabavarian]

Perhaps I should ask where they cracking so I can look there

 

[davedj1]

I think I would take it to a machine shop and have them magnaflux it. I wonder if your valves just needed adjusting? Look around the valve and seats.

 

[napabavarian]

I ordered a valve spring tool so I'll remove them when I get a chance, being a top exhaust I wondered if some water got in there and pitted the valves? I'll know soon.