popping like an old John Deere

12 years ago

When I tried to start my Craftsman 17 HP electric start it initially only cranked half a turn. When I hit the starter again it started but ran real rough and spit out gas from the muffler. It popped instead of running well. No power. I took off the head and it looks like the head gasket is ok. I have not removed the valves yet. I am pretty sure the carb was leaking gas into the cylinder. Draining the oil I found it very thin and smelling like old gas. I can rebuild the carb but want to make sure I did not bend the piston rod or twist the crank by pushing the piston up against that partly full cylinder . How do I check top dead center? Any thoughts if just doing the carb is enough? Have a new head gasket too that I will put on. Need torque specs for the head bolts since my manual does not specify that. Phil

Comments (4)

twelvegauge
12 years ago
To get an answer, folks will need to know EXACTLY what engine is in your machine - manufacturer and full engine model number. A Craftsman could anything from a Tecumseh to a Kawasaki, or several others.
rcbe
12 years ago
OP - and drain/replace crankcase oil very first thing. thinned oil by raw fuel will not lube engine - you will soon be replacing entire engine, imho.
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docphil
Original Author
12 years ago
My Engine is a Kohler single cylinder Model CV490S. Tractor was purchased new in 2003.
I drained the oil before I removed the cylinder head. I have now located a manual for the engine, but the trouble shooting area of the manual did not provide any help. Plan to put a fuel shut off valve before the filter also to make sure that fuel does not leak into cylinder again.
rcbe
12 years ago
this kohler serv manual will give you head torque specs and tightening sequence - may help with troubleshooting.

Here is a link that might be useful: serv manual