Engine died. Pull start won't pull!

This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate
links, including eBay, Amazon, and others.
Hey,

Ok, so first off, you cant bend a rod using your pull starter if its flooded, no way. As Rob would guess, its probably a lean seize, not so much as a carb lean, but lean as in not enough oil in the fuel ratio more or less. Air cooled engines need GOOD oil that will withstand, heat and heavy loads under high RPM operation.. The only oil I use is Redline Synthetic for Kart Engines, used in my bikes, lawn equip and RC . The Rep I talked to said it will handle 15k rpm plus runs no problem, since I have been using it I have had no issues in the middle of summer with my air cooled engines.

As stated also, check obvious things, like whatever is bolted to the rotating assembly. Check coil, pullstarter assembly. Make sure it moves freely when removed from the engine. Take out the spark plug and see if the crank will spin, if not, there is most likely a Piston siezure. It is more likely the piston siezed over the rod bearings and crank bearings, as you will usually hear bearings going out.. The piston will expand alot quicker then the steel components and will fail soon before if it ran lean.
 
U won't hear the crank bearings goin trust me lol and redcat even told me when it happened to me that they have heard of the crank bearings goin right off the bat.when mine went I didn't hear anything,the truck would run for a minute then die until u couldn't pull it over anymore,anyway my point is its not a hard thing to check if its not one of the other issues really.
 
Okay I removed the plug and attempted to pull the pull starter. It still wouldn't turn so the flooded engine idea is out.

I have removed the pull starter and it will turn freely separate from the flywheel so that is not the issue.

I checked the flywheel and it will not turn. I have removed the exhaust and can see the top of the piston.

Not sure what to look at next. :(
 
Sounds like you need to pull the head. It sounds seized.

Pull the engine out. If you can't spin it its shot. When you pull the head. Look for scratches on the piston and cylinder. You should be able to fix it with a head kit.
 
Last edited:
First here is a pic of my dirty martini with jalapeño stuffed olives. Next I'm looking at this engine and am wondering what I take off next. Sounds like the driver gear assembly (is this what it is called)? I can check the clutch this way? You know the white plastic cover over the gears...View attachment 6227

ImageUploadedByTapatalk HD1366858712.628795.webp

ImageUploadedByTapatalk HD1366858712.628795.webp

/monthly_2013_04/583c60681fa26_ImageUploadedByTapatalkHD1366858712.628795.jpg.522c3ba25cb29de9c9d8b4d6a714afa6.jpg
 
U would have to take the motor out to see the clutch.take the 3 bolts out that go into the motor through the white gear cover then take the 2 screws on the bottom of the chassis.a tip is once u get the screws out of the gear case cover I put the bolts back in the holes and put the spacers back on them because when u goto put the motor in I found it to be a bugger tryin to get them on with the motor already in
 
The engine is held in by 2 screws under the flywheel cover, and three bolts on the gear plate.
 
Okay have entire engine out. About to take off the head. RCDAD the 8K clutch I ordered from you came today. Good timing!View attachment 6236View attachment 6237No clue why my pics are all upside down.

ImageUploadedByTapatalk HD1366862825.045247.webp

ImageUploadedByTapatalk HD1366862887.444571.webp

ImageUploadedByTapatalk HD1366862825.045247.webp

ImageUploadedByTapatalk HD1366862887.444571.webp

/monthly_2013_04/583c606824a65_ImageUploadedByTapatalkHD1366862825.045247.jpg.669006df08e30876915b74906a0514ab.jpg

/monthly_2013_04/583c606826f0f_ImageUploadedByTapatalkHD1366862887.444571.jpg.3aca49b3ca70387c2e822c2799f59d06.jpg
 
So head is off. That piston is stuck in the head alright. So...how do I get it unstuck lol? So I need a new head kit and piston?View attachment 6238View attachment 6239Better pic.
3atyqupe.jpg


ImageUploadedByTapatalk HD1366863546.614556.webp

ImageUploadedByTapatalk HD1366863620.178523.webp

ImageUploadedByTapatalk HD1366863546.614556.webp

ImageUploadedByTapatalk HD1366863620.178523.webp

/monthly_2013_04/583c606827efa_ImageUploadedByTapatalkHD1366863546.614556.jpg.f3cb4653c7f1e4b20ff915d49cddea16.jpg

/monthly_2013_04/583c606828e9e_ImageUploadedByTapatalkHD1366863620.178523.jpg.6d79196c0c560d7e4548f71081a71a0d.jpg
 
I hear what RampageMt is saying, however on a broken in engine this is not common. There is ALOT of friction on the pistion, mainly the rings. Also, there is alot more lubrication in the crank case as the fuel and exhaust charge lubricate the bearings, mains, lower rod and pin. The pistons are usually always the culprit as they are the most vulnerable.
 
The +2mm crank is what makes the 29 a 30.5cc. Your stock engine has a +2mm crank.

If its in your budget, OBR is also a good option.
 
Back
Top