Thread: Heeelllppp!!!

Ok heres the problem, I replaced the kick shaft and the gaskets in the engine. Just lately i was in the position to do some real kicking to run it through the motion of starting. It seems that about 1 out of ten kicks it works ok the other times it kicks all the way through with NO RESISTANCE at all. When it does kick it pops with good compression. Ive checked the clutch (it is an H model) and it seems to be working propewrly. One note you should know, there is NO oil in the engine at this time. ( i didnt think that would have anything to do with it. Thanks for any help. Dean

It's the clutch. Did you soak the clutch plates in oil before installing the motor? Put oil in it, and adjust the clutch so it kicks over every time.

Ill try that, the plates did have oil on them when installed. Not sure how to adjust the clutch. I took the cable off completely when i tried to kick it just in case it was engaging. thanks.

Hi.There are 2 adjustments...one is under the little round cover on the clutch side.Run down the adjuster on the clutch cable to give a good deal of cable free play.loosen the lock nut on the side cover and turn in the screw clockwise until resistance is felt,then back off 1/8 to a 1/4 turn to the left..tighten the locknut and adjust the cable free play. 10 to 20mm or 0.4-0.8 in. of movement before tension is noted.Good question Dean!My machine slips every so often.Its been a couple years since i changed the plates and friction on mine.71 H model also.The kicker doesnt slip on the shaft and the clutch doesnt slip while accelerating.I do take into consideration she is 36 yers old and everything cant be perfect.LOL.

Thanks OLD Thats the info i needed. I have the Shop manual but havent cracked it open yet. Im getting the new tires tubes and side grab handle tomorrow. I should actaully have her on the ground tomorrow night. I need to order a switch and key. I tried to find one on Ebay but for what the idiots were paying i could get a new one from Dratv. Also no spark when i do kick it over, but since it doesnt have a switch hooked up that makes sence. Oh yeah i need an exhaust pipe too (the last big ticket item). HAPPY NEW YEAR ! Dean

There's another possibility...the friction spring located on the starter gear. If it's not engaging properly, or is off the gear, the kickstart mechanism will engage erratically. Quick test: move the kickstarter slowly, then try it again moving the lever quickly. If if engages more consistently with quick motion, the spring is the problem (inertia doing the work instead of the spring). Do the testing by hand, you just want to compare the way the starter engages, not necessarily kick the engine over at this point.

Check the clutch first, that's a lot easier and there's less than no point in splitting the cases needlessly.

Thanks. i'll check it out this weekend.OLD.