Lambda won't start problem #432 (valve gear).

[davidwheeler]

I left Old Boot ticking over and went to get something and when I returned she had stopped and would not start again.  Spark OK.  Seemed to have compression on the handle.  Had been running a bit retarded so I redid the timing - still no go.   Eventually decided to check spark timing on No 1 cylinder and took out the plug to find compression - but it was not there!  Took off the cam cover, all looked well, skew gears engaging etc but then noticed the nut on the vertical shaft with split pin engaged turning as I turned over the engine - but not the gear itself.    Nut tight but the vernier pin had sheared.   This must be a first time as such pins are not available from the Consortium unlike the taper pin that sheared in France on the way home from Italy last time.    I replaced it with a piece of 6mm drill stock and proper compression is restored but she still will not go!   I suspect spark timing is 180 degrees out but by that time it was too cold!

[Dikappa]

Did you want to do some snow driving David?

[davidwheeler]

Alas, no snow here yet.    I got her to go and she is currently in the workshop while I remove the slack from the horizontal drive (to the mag/dynamo).

[davidwheeler]

I fired her up the other day and she ran feebly for a few seconds and then stopped and would not start.   There are three things needed, compression - oresent and correct, spark - ditto and petrol - present in the carb, but will it burn?    In the float chamber it looked cloudy and brown - as it did in the petrol pump tank and the main tank!   Ten litres of foul stuff drained and replaced with new and how well she goes!   Misfire gone and up hills in top again.
Now Sheila will not start, having been sitting all winter.   Good job I have still some petrol in cans.

[Dikappa]

Let us hope that in the near future synthetic fuel becomes affordable....would save us all from a lot of problems.  Quite a few of my moped and motorcycle friends already made the switch.