Lister LR1 Starting problem

[steve c]

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

[millman56]

Steve,  It might sound stupid but make sure your`e cranking it in the right direction as you may have the starting handle pawl set for opposite rotation, look at the flyheel end and the rotation is the same way as the snail shell shape cowling winds out.  The flywheel  has no effect on the timing.

Mark.

[dieselgman]

Did you remove the pump since the last time it had successfully run? If not, then timing should be within range. Otherwise just start with a .035" shim pack and check it against flywheel markings for spill-point setting. These will generally start up even with timing quite a ways out of spec. I would first follow the recommendation made by Mark regarding proper rotation, then try some extra lubrication in the top-end via inlet ports... the temporary boost in compression might be enough to get her going.

dieselgman

[millman56]

 Steve,   just reading a bit more thoroughly you say " with the excess fuel lever down " as you look at the excess fuel lever the excess position is counter clockwise stop is clockwise and the anti overload or run position is about half way, this position is controlled by a  pawl on the casing engaging with the lever, the stop position on some engines is held by a spring steel pawl.

Mark.

[steve c]

Thanks for your sugestions reguarding non running lister LR 1 i would like to comfirm the following

1/ Engine rotation engine is standard revolution crankshaft turns clockwise  flywheel also turns clockwise (engine cowl correct) i saw the being  engine started a few years ago

2/ Excess fuel lever rotated anticlockwise pulled out then located under pawl

3/ checked fuel pump shims reading 36 thou not tried oil in cylinder yet
 
4/ New rings fitted  top ring end gap 20 thou/ compression rings 12 thou/ old Oil control rings rings 40 thou

With new rings fitted the compression still seems low   Tappet clerance set on TDC as per instruction book valves have been re ground an do not leak and a new injector gasket and cylinder head gasket and shims have been fitted will try oil down inlet manifold this weekend to see if this helps
many thanks for all your sugestions

Steve C

[dieselgman]

Bump height?  What is your head clearance?

dieselgman

[steve c]

Hi
The bump clearance is 26 thou  used lead wire and micrometer to check
Steve c

[steve c]

Hi
 Sorry for any comfusion i used the term bump clearance instead of cylinder head clearance

Steve c