Tecumseh HH120 Connecting Rod Won't Release

[wolfden793]

Hello All,

Just working on a Tecumseh HH120 engine out of a Sears SS12 and got the nuts off the connecting rod but it just won't come apart no matter what I do. Never seen one do this before. I don't want to damage anything as I'm parting out the engine. Any suggestions? It's aluminum so fairly fragile. Thanks!

Jim

 

[flyerdan]

Maybe with the piston at BDC, tap on it with a dowel and soft mallet to see it it will separate from the cap that way. There might be something in the manual that will help.

 

[wolfden793]

Hi Dan,

Good idea, thanks for the suggestion! I did try this, but it just split the dowel in two, but it wasn't a very large diameter piece, so will try something larger. Never saw a rod not come apart easily in all the engines I've torn down. An odd duck for sure. Thanks too, for the manual link. There was nothing that mentioned what to do in this situation, but I bookmarked it for future reference. Thanks again!

Jim

 

[tomplum]

Can you thread the nuts on flush and tap the center of the retaining bolts upward a bit at a time? Not lots of room, but I'd guess once you get it to move it will be much easier.

 

[wolfden793]

Good Morning Tom,

Thanks for the great suggestion! I'll give it a go this afternoon. Yeah, not lots of room, but should be enough to get to it. Thanks again!

Jim

 

[flyerdan]

I think that the rod bolt are a loose press fit in, and tapping them will just drive them out of the rod, but it won't hurt to get them out of the way.
Does the engine turn freely? Like you, I've never seen one this stubborn that hadn't spun the bearing and welded itself to the crank.

 

[wolfden793]

Hi Again Dan,

Thanks for your continued support. Going to the shop this PM to see if tapping is going to be the answer, which I think is the best bet. Just have to position the bolts in just the right position. The crank turns freely so don't think its' seized. Thanks again and I'll post again when we have it free!

Jim

 

[wolfden793]

Hi Everyone!

Great news! I did what Tom suggested and put the nuts back on flush, tapped one of the bolts and a gap appeared in no time! The other side just fell apart on its' own. No damage (except the nut I tapped on is toast) but they would both need to be replaced before re-install anyway. Rod in fine shape, piston not so much. Scratches on the side and plenty of carbon on top. Cleaned it on top and some pitting was present. Not sure if serviceable, but I'll probably sell together and let the buyer decide. Crank also in good shape with clean journal. Thanks again everyone for your time and great suggestions. Back to the shop!

Jim

 

[radios1]

it's good you are selling it for parts, I just throw out any Tecumseh engines I come across!.. they are cheaply made, not worth fretting over!..

 

[wolfden793]

Hi!

Thanks for your note. Well, I think the older ones are pretty good engines and they seem to be in demand. I've sold some complete engines that were great runners. My favorites are the "Snow King" series for snowblowers as I have one now and have had two others (all have been Ariens) and they last a long time. Unfortunately, with Tecumseh out of business, parts are getting harder and harder to find. Good market out there for used, though.