[antlerdancer]

I am new to this forum and look forward to enjoying it alot. I do have a question to begin with. I am currently working on a friends craftsman mower, that he has hit somthing very hard with. In the past he had the flywheel key replaced. After dis-assembly, I found that the key was intact but mis-shaped abit. I installed a New key but it still acts like it is out of time. Is it possible that he might have spun the cam or other internal parts.

 

[antlerdancer]

I should have added that it is a techumsa mdl#143.996704. 6.75 H.p.

 

[Austen]

Welcome to the site!

It sounds like after whatever he hit, it may have tweaked the crankshaft slightly.

 

[Mark777]

Welcome to MLMF, antlerdancer!

After you replaced the shear key...did it run, or try and run? Does it backfire through the carburetor?

If you have a dial indicator you might try and see if the flywheel has run-out. You can do this with a cordless (or corded) hand drill and socket to fit the flywheel bolt. If the dial indicator has more that .015"-.020"- then Austen may be correct and your friend might have bent the crankshaft enough to permanently disturb the timing...

 

[antlerdancer]

Thanks for the replys. I checked the crank with my homemade dial indicator (a nail and a magnet) and it appears to be true. What I did find is that there is 3/32in. of play in the flywheel due to a widend keyway in the flywheel.Am I correct to assume that this is the culprit? Is there a way to advance or retard the timing with this,or is it a lost cause and needs to be replaced. Again,THANKS for the help.

 

[Mark777]

I think you're right about too much play. I'm thinking, other than remove and replace the flywheel and guessing the best spot, you might be much better off finding a good replacement flywheel.

The flywheel is on a I.D. taper, right?

 

[antlerdancer]

Thanks,Mark,for your input.After talking to the owner of said machine,and looking at the condition of the deck,the owner decided to scrap the machine. Looks like I have some more spare parts. Thank again.