
Bolens 1053 Won't Start
#1
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Posted September 16, 2012 - 09:00 AM
Only things I can think of are either low compression or weak coil. Going to try putting a little oil in the cylinder through the spark plug hole and see if compression comes up. Looking for suggestions.
Thanks,
#2
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Posted September 16, 2012 - 09:02 AM
Are you sure the engine is timed properly?
- GTTinkerer said thank you
#3
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Posted September 16, 2012 - 09:12 AM
Edited by GTTinkerer, September 16, 2012 - 09:12 AM.
#4
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Posted September 16, 2012 - 09:15 AM
These engines were furnished with a compression release so there's really no way to get an accurate reading. I would say you have good compression if you are getting 65.
Are you sure the engine is timed properly?
I haven't checked the timing. The tractor has the hydraulic pump and it will have to be pulled off before I can get to the points cover. Pump is froze up so it will need to be pulled to be fixed anyway. I'll check the timing before I pull the head to mic the cylinder just in case.
I sure am glad he decided to have me fix it instead of selling it to me though.
Edited by GTTinkerer, September 16, 2012 - 09:18 AM.
#5
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Posted September 16, 2012 - 10:01 AM
- GTTinkerer said thank you
#6
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Posted September 16, 2012 - 10:36 AM
i would check with a in line spark tester as that when compression builds it requires more voltage to jump the gap it might be a simple points sanding or a new spark lead
Thanks for the suggestions. I have been using an inline tester and used it to by-pass the plug wire so pretty sure it isn't the problem. As far as the points I by-passed them by jumping the points side of the coil with no improvement in spark quality.
Checked the timing by the book and can't get it to fire on the timing mark. Best it will do is about 5* (half and inch) before it should fire. Pulled the points and they are burnt pretty badly, only thing I can figure on the timing is the stationary side if the points may be burnt down to the point that they can't be adjusted to specs.. Also the jumper strip is coming apart. I'll order a new set of points, condenser and jumper strip. Going to find Daniel's coil post and order a new 12 volt coil for it if the points and adjustment doesn't help.
Thanks for the suggestions and send more if you have them.
#7
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Posted September 16, 2012 - 01:27 PM
- GTTinkerer said thank you
#8
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Posted September 16, 2012 - 07:03 PM
- GTTinkerer said thank you
#9
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Posted September 16, 2012 - 07:18 PM
#10
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Posted September 19, 2012 - 12:25 PM
Tried starting the engine and it is still only hitting once in awhile but not enough to keep it running even with a shot of starting fluid. Checked the compression again and it is at about 70 PSI. About ready to take it to a pond and see if it will float. But instead ordered a new Champion D21 spark plug which won't be here until tomorrow morning.
I think I'll go out and make sure the flywheel key is not sheared since it seems like the engine maybe firing a little early and kicking back every once in awhile. But the the point gap when wide open is right though.
Did Tecumseh built the Wisconsin engines?
#11
Guest_rat88_*
Posted September 19, 2012 - 12:37 PM
A worn points plunger will give you trouble too.
Edited by rat88, September 19, 2012 - 12:39 PM.
- GTTinkerer said thank you
#12
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Posted September 19, 2012 - 02:59 PM
Edited by GTTinkerer, September 19, 2012 - 03:09 PM.
#13
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Posted September 19, 2012 - 05:23 PM
If you are getting a strong spark while cranking, but it's not running, I would then pull the head to check for valves seating and valve timing.
I have seen a few Wisconsins with a broken camshaft that do some crazy things.
I know you have a lot of experience with small engines, so I know you are not overlooking anything obvious!
- Bolens 1000 and GTTinkerer have said thanks
#14
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Posted September 20, 2012 - 06:34 PM
Talked with the owner today and he said he had the same problem when he tried to start it a couple of years ago. Would have been nice to know a couple of weeks ago.
#15
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Posted October 02, 2012 - 12:35 PM
This morning I removed the starter belt and wrapped a rope around the pulley and gave her a yank and it fired up and after adjusting the carb ran fine. Looked at the starter/generator and saw that the pulley was only about 2" in diameter so I pulled a three inch pulley off another starter/generator, swapped them out and presto she fired up. Called the owner and it turns out he switched starter/generators when the initial problems started awhile back. My only issue is why the engine and starter/generator are all the same color though but perhaps he only changed the pulley..
I guess I can go to bed now since I already learned my something new for today.
Thanks again for all the earlier replies.
Edited by GTTinkerer, October 02, 2012 - 12:38 PM.