The Forestry Forum

General Forestry => Sawmills and Milling => Topic started by: Steve Carson on February 11, 2020, 02:03:09 PM

Title: LT 15 Hard start
Post by: Steve Carson on February 11, 2020, 02:03:09 PM
So I did an oil change and ended up over filling the oil back in. I didn't realize this until it started smoking way more then it ever has before. I ran it for maybe two minuets before cutting it off and draining the extra out. After it was back to the right level and cleaning the spark plugs I tried cranking it up again. It would turn over for a little bit without firing off and then it just stopped and sounds like one of the gears has a chunk of metal stuck in it. It wont turn over at all and there is just a large thud when you try and crank it. Its electric start battery is all but new and was turning it over with plenty of power.

Is it locked up? How do I know if I'v just thrown away $1200 on an oil change? 
Title: Re: LT 15 Hard start
Post by: donbj on February 11, 2020, 02:26:35 PM
Will it turn over with the spark plug out?
Title: Re: LT 15 Hard start
Post by: donbj on February 11, 2020, 02:48:05 PM
Cylinder loaded with oil?
Title: Re: LT 15 Hard start
Post by: Steve Carson on February 11, 2020, 03:25:30 PM
Haven't tried it without the spark plugs yet but will tonight. 
Title: Re: LT 15 Hard start
Post by: donbj on February 11, 2020, 03:39:20 PM
With the plugs out it will be easy to turn by hand. Try that instead of the starter for safety sake of the motor.
Title: Re: LT 15 Hard start
Post by: WV TreeTopper on February 11, 2020, 07:08:18 PM
Vapor lock or hydro lock maybe...?
Title: Re: LT 15 Hard start
Post by: luap on February 12, 2020, 07:22:11 PM
I am not familiar with what engine is on a lt15 so is it 2 cyl, briggs, Kohler? HP? The oil overfill may not be related but internal clunking may be a failure of something else. How many approx. hrs on motor? Some newer motors use a plastic gear on the governor that could be a failure point.