Have i got a blown head gasket and project help please?

[Coca Kohler]

I have a husqvarna lt100 which I bought as a project and I got it running after cleaning the carb and fixing some wires. But when it runs it smokes a bit even after start up and it is hard to start. I tried adjusting air:fuel ratio but still no stop in smoke. Yesterday I took the engine housing/cover of to repaint them and when I tried to start it it kept popping from the top of the cylinder head, between the head and the engine block. It was a bit like this before but I didn't notice it that bad. A few of the pops were more like bangs which were very loud which I presume was the fuel igniting and releasing the power out of the head gasket instead of the piston. It has a bit of oil built up around the head gasket but I like to be sure it is that. I'm only 16 so I'm not really an expert on engines yet but hopefully one day. My dad is a truck mechanic and I told him what the symptoms and he said it sounds like a bad head gasket but he doesn't have time to look at it. When I got it I found it full of about 2 litres of watered oil but would that of done damage to any of the engine? The engine codes are Model 254707 type 0140-01 code 9303110. Also what would the torque settings be for the head gasket. I have got a torque wrench which I was given but I am unsure on how to use it properly. Thanks for any help.

 

[Rivets]

This manual may help you.

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/12502267/B&S Service Manuals/01_270962SingleCylinderLHead.pdf

 

[Ifixdit]

This manual may help you.

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/12502267/B&S Service Manuals/01_270962SingleCylinderLHead.pdf

First of all, 16 and interested in small engines....WAY TO GO!! Before you know it you'll be the old guy on a forum answering everyone elses questions. Loud popping is most likely a valve issue. Pull the valve cover and use the manual in the thread above to make sure the valves are set within proper tolerance. If they are, pull the spark plug and rotate the engine by hand and make sure both are properly opening and closing. If one of them isn't, you'll need to pull the engine and replace the cam. Keep us posted and good luck!!

 

[DaveTN]

If it's losing enough compression to blow through between the head and block, it should run rough and weak, most likely not at all. Wouldn't hurt to torque down the head bolts in case any are loose. That would help compression some. More than likely what the last mechanic said about valves either sticking or not seating causing that popping sound is likely.
Also wouldn't hurt to check the flywheel key and make sure it isn't crimped which would throw it out of time and make it hard to start.

 

[Coca Kohler]

Hi thanks for the response. I've been interested in all vehicles since I was about 3 or so when I used to follow my dad helping and watching him fix cars. The husqvarna is my 2nd project and my first was a 1985 MTD which I use to cut the grass for us and 2 of the neighbours. I will add a photo of it. One headlight got broke a few weeks back but nevermind.
And, I tightened the cylinder head down more and it seems to run a bit better. My dad said to check the valves also so i will take the cover of tomorrow and check them. I checked the flywheel key today and I found that the key was sheared so we bought one of eBay. But what is the best way to tell if the valves are bad and need a new valve seat and what gap in mm's should they be.

 

[Rivets]

Valve clearance in mm should be in the manual I posted.

 

[Coca Kohler]

Hi thanks. I read the manual and got the gaps for the valves and the torque settings. Hopefully the head gasket should be delivered tomorrow. Then ill have to persuade my dad to get me another haha.