basspond

I've tried to remember to come back and report a follow up. It's all good! The engine runs just like it did right after I got it all fixed. Everything work like it's supposed to. Zero smoke, as much power as it did when it was knew (will run the same top end speed), and purrs like a cat at idle.

It sort of worked out because it took me a week or two to order, receive, and install the Timing Chain, Clutch and Clutch bearing. Therefore, I didn't feel any pressure to rush. I called them and asked how they do it and he said they machine the head out very slightly larger and drive them in. I don't know if he meant "press" or "drive". To me, drive means with a hammer and maybe a soft spool block. I didn't want to pry into his trade secrets too much.

They don't give you an estimate up front because they don't know how much work they'll have to do. However, he said they "try to be as reasonable as possible". I think they were extremely reasonable. Like I mentioned, it took several weeks to get it done (they had to order the valve seats). So, be prepared to likely have a little wait. They sound like good people on the phone and do great work. Christian's Automotive Machine 2672 S. Harper Corinth, Mississippi 38834 662-287-4500 I spoke with Dan.

Final followup on this repair. A car mechanic I know, said he knew of a machine shop in Mississippi that probably could replace the valve seats. I shipped it to them and although it took 4 weeks, it came back in essentially new condition with new valve seats, valves seated onto those seat, and pristine clean. It was ready to bolt on. Best part was total for labor and parts was only $77 (+$20 for return shipping). If it's not against forum rules, I will post their name for anyone else needing it. While I had it apart, I replace the timing chain, one-way bearing, and the clutch plates. Got it all back together this weekend and everything fixed. No more kicking out of gear going down hills, no more rattle when I let of the throttle, and it purrs at idle like a Honda is supposed to. Let me know if I can post their name.

Awesome. That's what I needed to know. Many thanks!

I found the problem. A half inch piece of the valve seat broke off and was sitting slightly embedded in the head. The little flakes flipped right off and I ground the indentions smooth. The piston had no damage. The push rods looked good. Now I've got to figure out what to do about the valve seat(s). Can I replace the valve seat or would it be better to just buy a new/used head? (or do I send it to someone who does that?). I'm guessing if I get new valve seat(s), I'll need to get new valves? In the meantime, I'm going to replace the cam chain since it looks like the tensioner is fully extended. Can I get the tensioner to retract back or do I need to replace that? I was hoping to avoid pulling the cylinder. BTW, after I pulled the head and I got the piston to TDC, all the marks line up like they're supposed. So, you were right in questioning if it ever really jumped time. Now seeing what the problem was, it makes since that the engine just shut off. I appreciate your time and advice.

Thanks for the thought. I'll pull the head tonight and find out what's going on up there. It had been kicking out of gear and freewheeling down hills when I let off the gas and I needed to pull the front cover anyway to get to and test the one way bearing. It will turn both directions so, I've got a new one ordered. While I've got it stripped down, I want to fix everything that might need fixing. I'll update with what I find out with the valves, rockers, and push rods. Thanks.

Not running at all. It died suddenly while I was cruising up my driveway (maybe going 3 mph). When I try to restart, the motor turned over but, would not start and I have a noticeable clanking noise as the starter spins the engine. I pulled the front cover off and can line the indicator mark on the timing gear with the mark on the case but, over on the Flywheel the "T" is about an inch below the mark. I can't turn the flywheel 360 degrees in either direction and can't get the "T" up to the mark on the side of the bell housing. Something is stopping it. I assumed a valve might be hitting the piston as it near TDC. Another thought is something broke up top (the same things you mentioned). I was going to take the head off tonight to look at the valves if somebody suggested that could still be the problem. I open to all thoughts or a process of elimination.

My 04 Foreman appears to have jumped time. The timing chain feels tight so, I'm not sure how it jumped time. The tensioner does look like it is probably be fully extended. I trying to decide my next step. So, does a fully extended automatic timing chain tensioner have to be replaced or can it be reset? Even though the timing chain does not appear to be loose, should I assume I need to replace both the chain and the tensioner? Thanks