Export thread

FR691V Sudden Power Loss Overnight

#1

R

Rondoman

My Dixie Chopper ZEE 2 is 7 years old and has never given me even a hint of a problem; but after a sudden cold snap the other night, it began to have a power loss after about 15 minutes. I replaced the plugs (never thought that was the problem) and then both the fuel filter and the air filter. That did not help at all, so I replaced the fuel pump next with no improvement. I noticed though that the clear fuel filter has very little fuel in it as though the new pump is not working. I have found no line obstructions nor air leaks nor any evidence of rubber deterioration. Since I was desperate, I went ahead and ordered a new carb. There is no misfiring at all, just obvious loss of fuel to the engine. A relative said that it probably is the fuel sensor on the carb. Am I headed in the right direction or still just swatting at no-see-'ems and hoping I finally solve the problem?


#2

B

bertsmobile1

Suden power loss is running on one cylinder
Either a magneto failure or a valve failure
Check you have spark on both cylindrs
For this I use 2 red in line spark testers so I can see the red flashes / glow outside in day light.

Fovalves, pull the rocker covers off and check the valve lash and doubl e check the pushrods are in place and that the single mounting bolt has not come loose.


#3

R

Rondoman

bertsmobile1 said:
Suden power loss is running on one cylinder
Either a magneto failure or a valve failure
Check you have spark on both cylindrs
For this I use 2 red in line spark testers so I can see the red flashes / glow outside in day light.

Fovalves, pull the rocker covers off and check the valve lash and doubl e check the pushrods are in place and that the single mounting bolt has not come loose.
Click to expand...


#4

R

Rondoman

It is not pumping gas to the fuel pump. The fuel filter is less than 1/3 full. I detected no misfire. The problem became so acute that I could not even start the engine. That is why I started replacing the easy stuff. Man, I hope it is not an internal engine problem. I cannot afford a mechanic, and I have no place to work on it.


#5

cpurvis

cpurvis

My Kawasaki powered Husky MZ52 never fills its clear fuel filter. I don't understand why not; but it doesn't and it runs fine.

I suspect you have a bent pushrod.


#6

R

Rondoman

At least that does not require head removal.


#7

R

Rondoman

Rondoman said:
At least that does not require head removal.
Click to expand...
Left side lower rocker arm was very loose (looking from back of engine) and threw a pushrod and bent it. That caused the upper pushrod to throw and bend due to impact. Looks like a QA issue, but after 7 years, who knows? That is not one of those things you ever expect. I will need to examine both rocker arms carefully also for damage. Onward through the fog.


#8

B

bertsmobile1

Valvw lash should be checked on the first service , to pick up QC mistakes then at around 200 hr intervals .
Experienced techs can tell when the valves are out by the way & sounds of the engine cranking but I still check them at the recommended intervals.


#9

R

Rondoman

Live and learn.


#10

cpurvis

cpurvis

Rondoman said:
Left side lower rocker arm was very loose (looking from back of engine) and threw a pushrod and bent it. That caused the upper pushrod to throw and bend due to impact. Looks like a QA issue, but after 7 years, who knows? That is not one of those things you ever expect. I will need to examine both rocker arms carefully also for damage. Onward through the fog.
Click to expand...
It could be a QA issue but if you haven't kept the cylinders and heads free of grass clippings and other debris, it might be an overheating issue which has allowed the valve guide to migrate out of the head. Then the rocker arm collides with the valve guide and the pushrod bends. It's not unusual for this to happen if the cylinder and head cleaning gets neglected.


#11

7394

7394

Yep..


#12

R

Rondoman

Even worse problem than I thought. When the rocker arm support worked loose and let the pushrod go into orbit, the impact broke the lower end of the camshaft. I have a replacement camshaft but no place to do a partial disassembly to install it. If I can find such a place, I am guessing that both rocker arms with rods must be removed and the alignment marks on the driveshaft and camshaft matched. This is new territory, but I have had to do similar work on a car back when my hair was black and I had a lot more of it.


#13

7394

7394

Hang in there, you will get it sorted..


#14

B

bertsmobile1

Rondoman said:
Even worse problem than I thought. When the rocker arm support worked loose and let the pushrod go into orbit, the impact broke the lower end of the camshaft. I have a replacement camshaft but no place to do a partial disassembly to install it. If I can find such a place, I am guessing that both rocker arms with rods must be removed and the alignment marks on the driveshaft and camshaft matched. This is new territory, but I have had to do similar work on a car back when my hair was black and I had a lot more of it.
Click to expand...
Check the head carefully
Usually when that happens the rocker mount shifts and takes out the locating pip in the head .
I now repair them by grinding the surface flat & fitting grub screw then peening the thread so if does no back out .
For the want os an extra 0,0001 oz of aluminium they could have made it a tab rather than a pip & his would not happen.


#15

R

Rondoman

I have suspected that there is collateral damage such as deforming the rod supporting bowl on the rocker arm a bit. I also figured I would need to peen the threads on the bracket retaining screw. My problem is that there is no way I am going to be able to fix this without good lighting and a clean work table. All I have now is a muddy barn floor and winter coming on. I did have a pushrod destroy a piston head on another mower, definitely not a repair job for superglue and JB weld. LOL


#16

Scrubcadet10

Scrubcadet10

Rondoman said:
I have suspected that there is collateral damage such as deforming the rod supporting bowl on the rocker arm a bit. I also figured I would need to peen the threads on the bracket retaining screw. My problem is that there is no way I am going to be able to fix this without good lighting and a clean work table. All I have now is a muddy barn floor and winter coming on. I did have a pushrod destroy a piston head on another mower, definitely not a repair job for superglue and JB weld. LOL
Click to expand...

Folding Work Table

Our heavy-duty classic just got even better. This ever-popular, highly versatile work station now comes with extra features. It still has a lightweight frame so you can fold and carry it with ease, and it's sturdy enough to support a 450kg load. It has a
www.keter.com www.keter.com
one of these works well, folds away taking up very little space. I have one.


Footer Links 1

Top