Lister Engine Forum

How to / DIY => Engines => Topic started by: Boxelder on July 14, 2018, 03:27:17 PM

Title: LT1A no start
Post by: Boxelder on July 14, 2018, 03:27:17 PM
So I picked up a couple of LT1A's and four Lombardini 6LD260's from an ad on Craigslist.  I'm embarrassed to say how much trouble I went to and how far I traveled to pick them up.  I spent WAY more on the rental minivan and hotel room than I did on the engines...  But here we are.

The two LT1's are built in '85 and '86.  The '85 is in MUCH better shape than the '86.  The '85 cranked, but no fire.  First things first, I checked the injector pump.  It was seized up with rust.  So after a bath in Purple Power and a thorough brass bristle brushing, it now works like a champ.  There is fuel squirting out the end of the line to the injector, but outside of a couple of brief firings the very first time it was reassembled (maybe a second or two of actual running - just to give one hope and then have it torn away!) it's acting as if it's getting no fuel.  It acts as though it wants to run, but maybe the injector is gummed up?

This leads to my question - how to remove an injector?  This is Diesel 101, I realize.  But as much wrenching as I've done, I've never had to remove an injector.  The manual makes it seem as though it can only be done with a specialized tool.  Before starting to crank around on the thing, I figured I should post the question here.

After removing the allen head 6mm bolt hold-down, the injector has a flat on the end.  Does this unscrew, or is it a press fit?  I already bought the Harbor Freight injector puller kit, but if I can get it out without using it, well it's $38 back in my wallet.

Thanks in advance for any advice and ideas.
Title: Re: LT1A no start
Post by: guest23837 on July 15, 2018, 08:16:25 AM
I would check the valves the exhaust valve is often gummed up with carbon and not closing properly
Title: Re: LT1A no start
Post by: Boxelder on July 15, 2018, 11:17:06 AM
That's certainly on my list of things to do.  It also brings up more questions.

When you remove the head, do you absolutely need to replace the head gasket, or can you re-use the original if it remains intact?  I know some head gaskets are "crush" and some are plain, but I'm not sure which type these LT1's are.

Is there a preferred supplier of Lister parts in the U.S.?  I don't mind spending the money for international shipping, but the lag time would be interminable.  I've searched online for gasket sets, and they all ship from the U.K. to the U.S.

I did contact Lister-Petter directly and of course they have the parts, but I'm afraid to ask what they want for them.  I've played this game before with Monarch Lathe Co. and was shocked at their NOS prices.

This is the best option I've found so far:

https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_nkw=Lister%20LT1%20gasket&ssPageName=GSTL

What do you think, is this the best source for a gasket set in the U.S.?
Title: Re: LT1A no start
Post by: guest23837 on July 15, 2018, 12:11:56 PM
Gman of this site sells most things Lister in the US. He would be my first port of call if I lived in the states, he's a nice guy too and very helpful. You should be able to reuse the metal head gasket if it's not too badly distorted
Title: Re: LT1A no start
Post by: guest23837 on July 15, 2018, 12:13:14 PM
http://listerengine.com/smf/index.php?action=profile;u=477
Title: Re: LT1A no start
Post by: Boxelder on July 15, 2018, 02:25:25 PM
Excellent, thanks!
Title: Re: LT1A no start
Post by: Boxelder on July 17, 2018, 12:33:56 PM
So I stole the injector off of the other LT1 and tested it.  To my great surprise, it atomized perfectly.  I then reassembled the first one and installed the "new" injector.  The engine fired right off!  It runs cleanly, with no knocking sounds.  Let's just say I'm very, very happy with my first Lister diesel.

In the process of discovery, I ended up answering my own questions.  The injectors press out, not screw out.  It's interesting to me why injectors are pressed in while spark plugs screw in.  Just a different philosophy, I suppose?  To my mind they occupy about the same space.  I realize one provides fuel while the other ignites it, but it does make me do that sound in my head that Tim the Tool Man Taylor used to make when he was surprised.
Title: Re: LT1A no start
Post by: guest23837 on July 17, 2018, 12:47:03 PM
That first firing that first puff of diesel smoke has to be up there with your first experience with a young female in the back of a car!
Title: Re: LT1A no start
Post by: guest23837 on July 17, 2018, 01:17:12 PM
That first firing that first puff of diesel smoke has to be up there with your first experience with a young female in the back of a car!

Your experience with Diesel engines and Young females Must have been a lot different to mine because I know which one I'd take and it wouldn't be the engine!   ;D
That kinda narrows the decision down some!

The actual satisfaction is what I meant, mind you at this stage of my life young females wouldn't dream of getting in the back of a car with me
Title: Re: LT1A no start
Post by: Boxelder on July 17, 2018, 05:47:13 PM
It was good, John. But not that good.