Posted by Will (in MI) on Monday, May 16, 2005 at 10:39PM :
For those there, you know I came to a sliding sudden stop on Saturday nearing the end of the first mornings trail. Having given her "hell" more than one to get up the first hill, it was more than the old girl must have been able to take.
I power washed as much of the crud off as I could this afternoon after work, and while it dripped dry I cut the grass and ate dinner.
Then I slid under her and pulled the oil pan off. Well there were no loose parts, or any visible damage and she was cleaner than I ever expected. All the rod ends had some play, but not near as loose as I'd expected. Could not see any damage or anything else.
So I pulled off the clutch and flywheel cover, and all looked goo there. Tried to get a socket on the crank and see if I could move it but no room, so I worked the flywheel a little (very little). The crank moved the slight amount all the to the front main, so it doesn't look like I spun a main bearing or anything.
Next thought was, could I have lost the timing chain and locked it up that way? Well if you have never looked at the front of a PW or M37, you can't get to the timing chain with out removing the front engine mount.
So I decided to check the starter. Man how in the world do you get the top inner starter bolt out the easy way? Well after getting it out, wouldn't you know it the starter is fine and not causing the problem.
So I'm convinced it's the timing chain/gears. Any others with any ideas?
There was no noise or indications of a problem except for what I thought was a fuel delivery issue on the hill before she stooped, as I had to pump the peddle to keep her running. Oil pressure was on the low side but when she is warm and not at a decent speed it's always on the low side.
Any suggestions on my timing chain idea, or hints on how to bet get to it?
Thanks,
Will
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