Digging deep into the Honda 24hp vtwin

[junker1]

I was on a job the other day when my honda went from a steady hum to deep growl, to a dead silence. I ended up busting the valve lifter assembly and bent a rod on one side. Now let me tell you, I HATE ENGINES, It is just one of those things i do not like to do. I always leave it to the pros. I mean i can change out my pump, fix my hoses and just about anything on the outside of the engine, but when it comes to the internals i leave it to the experienced people. The problem was that where i live there are no pro's so i had to do it myself. I was a little nervous in the begining, but got it completed. I ran it today for a few hours and not one issue. nice.

 

[Guy Blackmon]

Hey Steve, were you able to find out "why" the engine failed? Or better yet the cause of the valve lifter ass. failing? How many hrs. on the engine?

 

[flanbo]

I would have screwd it up, no doubt. No local small engine guys working out of their garages by you? Some of them are great with cost and turnaround time.

 

[Rance]

I do all my own work on everything. If I don't know how I simply look it up or make a phone call. Wont pay some one else to do what I can do myself, however that may change as I grow my business as I anticipate getting to busy to make my own repairs.

 

[junker1]

Hey Steve, were you able to find out "why" the engine failed? Or better yet the cause of the valve lifter ass. failing? How many hrs. on the engine?

I think just old. it has 7 hundred hours on it. though the rocker arms were loose.

 

[junker1]

I would have screwd it up, no doubt. No local small engine guys working out of their garages by you? Some of them are great with cost and turnaround time.

Screwing it up was definitly a concern. yes there are some small engine repair guys around me. I must assume you have never done business in maine lol, here everyone is on there own time with no concern of how fast you need it done. the earliest was one month out

 

[junker1]

the problem with me doing it is my extreme ADD/ADHD LOL but after its all said and done it runs better than before.

 

[Ralph Q]

There was a lot of talk of defective rods and having to adjust the valves right out of the gate, last year. Looks like you got one.

 

[junker1]

lucky me

 

[johnnyb]

Now that ya got that under your belt the next time you're in a pinch and have to do valves, pushrods or anything else, got some new knowledge and dexterity that will transfer to most mechanical applications. For me the accomplished feeling almost makes up for the inconvenience lol, glad it's running better than before Steve!

 

[Christopher]

Most of the small engines will last many thousands and thousands of hours.

There are a lot of youtube videos showing all kinds of cool things on small engines.

Between Russ, Paul, Jerry, and others here, most are a phone call away or posting it here or email them for future reference.

I have not tried adjusting the valves myself but will try that soon after getting new feeler gauges.

 

[junker1]

Now that ya got that under your belt the next time you're in a pinch and have to do valves, pushrods or anything else, got some new knowledge and dexterity that will transfer to most mechanical applications. For me the accomplished feeling almost makes up for the inconvenience lol, glad it's running better than before Steve!

yup same here.