Hi
I have recently acquired a Lister LR1 750 rpm 1.5 bhp and I am having difficulty starting it. The engine turns over freely using a starting handle with the decompression lever engaged, but when I increase speed and disengage the decompresion lever to start the engine, the high compression causes the engine to suddenly stop rotating.

I have carried out the following tasks:
- Set inlet and exhaust valve clearences as per manual
- Cylinder head clearance (bump clearence) as per manual
- Fuel pump shims set as per manual

I would be greatful for any suggestions or ideas for the cause of this problem.

Thanks,

Steve

Hi
Success at last Finlay got the LR1 running today fitted new valve guides & re ground valves  need to slightly  adjust timing but once started engine ran fine
a big thanks to all forum members for your advise which kept me going when all i wanted to do was scrap the bl***y thing
once again thanks hope i can be of help to other forum members in the future
Re guards

Steven(very happy) Chambers
PS sorry about previous post pressed wrong button

Hi
Still no luck starting Lister LR1 checked and set the following
1 /Rotation correct
2/Valve clearance set as per hand book on TDC on compression stroke
3/Cylinder head clearance checked ok
4 /New top end gaskets/ seals  all replaced
5/ Valves reground no leaks
6/ Fuel system bled
7/ New ring fitted end gap ok
 On turning engine over placed hand over inlet manifold very little suction  placed hand over exhaust manifold  i get strong suction   & blow out, Tried rotating engine  opposite direction  and get the same result both valves are free not sticking inlet manifold is clear of obstructions
any suggestions greatfully received

Steve

Hi i have just obtained a Lister LR1 3.5 hp 750 rpm  but cant get the engine to run  the engine has good compression as i have replaced rings and ring end gap is within limits
set bump clearance to 25 thou  checked and reset valve clearance to 6 thou inlet 8 thou exhaust as per workshop manual  Also bled the fuel system  the fuel injector has also been serviced. the fuel pump has not been touched as the engine was running a few years ago i can hear injector working when turning  the engine over,   When i tried to start the engine  place the excess fuel lever in correct position downwards and decompression lever towards flywheel end and turn engine over briskly  pull decompression lever  back, the engine fires once and some times kicks back, also exhaust smoke comes out of inlet manifold i think may be the timing is out would be greatfull for any advise offered PS when i removed the flywheel  the key was sheread off
both keyways were undamaged replaced with new key could this be causing  the problem
Many thanks
Steve c