Compression Release

[Mooncarter]

Originally Posted by CP241

first, I'd pull the rocker cover and see if there are nuts on top of the rocker arms to adjust valve lash. Most have HLA's and adjust automatically, but I HAVE had FE350's that have manual adjustments.

Also possible a HLA collapsed, which would not lend itself well to running either.

If I were closer I'd be happy to look at it for him. If it happened that suddenly, theres a good chance it is something simple. Did you or he check compression? Make sure to hold the throttle wide open by hand at the carb itself. The pedal may not do it. If the throttle isnt open all the way, it cant suck in enough air, which means less.air to compress and the number will be low.

Thanks CP. I have not seen the cart. This man is a friend of my late father. He is a legendary motor builder/mechanic/engineer. He called and asked me if they had compression releases because it could have failed on a fine running motor to cause the low compression situation. He is no youngster and does not want to remove the engine, he would rather just get another one. I will pass along what you have shared. Thank you!

[CP241]

Good luck!

If it went from a good running engine to low compression instantly like that, I have a hard time believing its catastrophic. Hopefully its something simple

[Mooncarter]

Originally Posted by CP241

Good luck!

If it went from a good running engine to low compression instantly like that, I have a hard time believing its catastrophic. Hopefully its something simple

That's what I'm thinking.

[Fairtax4me]

If it tried to chuck a rod through the side, or the rivets on the cam wheel sheared off, it could have easily gone from “good running” to dead in an instant.
Plenty of things that can go wrong or result in a random failure.

[Mooncarter]

Originally Posted by Fairtax4me

If it tried to chuck a rod through the side, or the rivets on the cam wheel sheared off, it could have easily gone from “good running” to dead in an instant.
Plenty of things that can go wrong or result in a random failure.

Yes. And I have had that happen. But I just think it is sort of rare to turn off a smooth running engine and come back to it a while later with a major internal problem. But yes, $hit happens.