[JD40]

I carefully wrapped the rope around the pulley and with a world of confidence pulled the end of it. The pulley didn't move. So I tried again it still didn't move. I thought that by some wild chance the engine was seized up. I removed the head and everything was fine. So I need help is there a compression release on a model L or is there just a certain way to pull on the rope? Please help.
JD40

 

[DJ in WV]

Sorry to hear that.

No compression release on these old gems, unless you consider the occasional stuck exhaust valve a compression release.

It sounds to me like either the rings are siezed to the cylinder or there is a problem in the crankcase.

It should turn over pretty easily.

Let us know what you find or post some more if you need help.

 

[JD40]

Does anybody know the torquing sequence for the head on the engine? I have no clue who made the engne because there is no stamp or anything.
JD40

 

[sixbales]

You say that you removed the head and everything was fine? But you can't turn it over with a starting rope? Sounds like the piston may be frozen in the cylinder.

Spray some engine oil through the spark plug hole. Let it soak for a while. Can you get a pipe wrench (or large vice grips on) on anything that connects to the crankshaft? Maybe the start pulley base or the drive pulley on the other side of the engine? Try turning it with a pipe wrench (gently, don't want to damage anything). If you can get a little bit of movement, try alternating direction to get it moving - back and forth.

The above may sound a bit brutal, but my chainsaw seized up (3 times) on me while cutting big/hard oak trees into firewood several years ago. I worked it loose each time out and it's still running good today.

 

[JD40]

Thanks I'll give that a shot.
JD40

 

[JD40]

Hey I got it moving between you guys and my neighbor we go her to roll over!!! It required a ratchet and socket and some lubricant but now it turns over nice.

 

[JD40]

Also when I was trying to get it loose I had the spark plug out so I wouldn't be mistakeing compression for a problem.When I put the plug in I cranked it over and it was so incredabley tight. When the exhaust valve opened it was such a releif!

 

[sixbales]

You probably have excessive oil remaining inside the cylinder, which was approaching hydraulic lock conditions. To remove excess oil, pull the spark plug and use the starter rope to spin it over as fast as possible and blow out the oil.

Take care that the rope doesn't hit you in the eye when pulling!!

 

[rscurtis]

Also be sure that you position the engine so that you get about 1-1/2 revolutions before you hit the compression stroke. You may want to practice with the plug wire disconnected and grounded. These machines were built before modern amenities such as compression release, and of course, before the CPSC was even thought of.

 

[JD40]

Sixbales,
Don't worry I wore goggles!

RSCurtis,
That sounds about right but I'll check!

 

[Ingersoll444]

Also be sure that you position the engine so that you get about 1-1/2 revolutions before you hit the compression stroke. You may want to practice with the plug wire disconnected and grounded. These machines were built before modern amenities such as compression release, and of course, before the CPSC was even thought of.

Ya... thats the key right there. What you do it bring it up to compression, then wrap the strap, and then turn the pully BACK to the back side of the past compression stroke. Gives you some "Spin time" before it hits the compression stroke. Helps keep your arms connected to the rest of your body.

 

[JD40]

Ingersoll444,
That is right when you hit the compression stroke your arms get a little longer

 

[HydroHarold]

Ingersoll444,
That is right when you hit the compression stroke your arms get a little longer

Oh, and be sure to report back next winter!:ROF The L's flywheel strap stud is positioned so that when you are ready to wind the strap, turn the flywheel backwards until you feel compression, the stud should be at the 12 o'clock position. THEN wind the strap and pull. They give you one and 3/4 turns before the actual work begins.:ROF

Starting a Gravely by hand is where the term "follow through" really began. It did not begin in Scotland with "golf".

 

[Bluntweapon]

If it gives you to much trouble one way to turn it over is to park it the top of a steep hill and kick it from the high side. This will not improve its performance but it can be satisfying to watch it bounce.