Author Topic: Finally got time to get my LT1 running after over a year  (Read 1609 times)

artful dodger

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Finally got time to get my LT1 running after over a year
« on: August 26, 2023, 10:36:21 PM »
I bought this engine over a year ago at a huge swap meet here in Indiana USA.  Was complete but set up for remote fuel tank as it was on a traffic arrow sign trailer.  I finally found my test tank, off a small Kohler gas/petrol engine.  So I rigged it up and low and behold she fired right up.  Send run after this she was even more stable on rpm.  She does have variable throttle control.  Now I need a proper Lister engine mounted fuel tank complete with cap and all under tank fittings in place.  Any help with that one?  I have been striking out everywhere.  I have paypal at the ready.   Here is the short video of her running. 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5uEyAkYDc5o

artful dodger

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Re: Finally got time to get my LT1 running after over a year
« Reply #1 on: August 27, 2023, 02:20:15 AM »
What needs to be done to put crank start on this LT1.  The cam output shaft is just a plain keyed shaft, nothing to engage with a crank handle.  Is it a total cam shaft change or is there a stub shaft that bolts on to the cam once this outer cover is removed?   

cobbadog

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Re: Finally got time to get my LT1 running after over a year
« Reply #2 on: August 27, 2023, 07:04:47 AM »
Is there any teeth for a starter motor on th flywheel? I am not sure if an electric start is suitable for cam shaft only crankshaft.
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artful dodger

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Re: Finally got time to get my LT1 running after over a year
« Reply #3 on: August 27, 2023, 01:55:01 PM »
My build is factory electric start.  That is how they were built by Lister for the flashing arrow board trailers in the USA.  It would be nice if there was a part I could add to the keyed camshaft to allow crank starting if the battery is flat.  Right now the missing engine mounted fuel tank is my focus to find.  Striking out thus far on that.  Way more engines that available fuel tanks. 

dax021

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Re: Finally got time to get my LT1 running after over a year
« Reply #4 on: August 27, 2023, 09:24:14 PM »
I'm not quite getting you.  The Lister crank handle is designed to engage with the keyway on the cam shaft.  No additional catches or lugs necessary

artful dodger

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Re: Finally got time to get my LT1 running after over a year
« Reply #5 on: August 27, 2023, 11:13:56 PM »
I have a plain keyed shaft on the cam, but I also have electric start as that was standard for the arrow board engines. I want to be able to crank start the engine if the battery is flat.   Here is a pic of the crankshaft.

broncodriver99

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Re: Finally got time to get my LT1 running after over a year
« Reply #6 on: August 28, 2023, 01:13:35 AM »
What is the diameter of the camshaft? Lister made starting handles with a pawl that engages into the keyway. It wasn't until later that they went to the modern type "safety handle".

Here is a link to some examples. https://www.stationaryengineparts.com/Starting-handles/

Just need the correct diameter for your camshaft and you can reverse the pawl for whatever rotation your engine is.

artful dodger

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Re: Finally got time to get my LT1 running after over a year
« Reply #7 on: August 28, 2023, 03:09:38 AM »
I will have to measure tomorrow in the daytime.   I wish the Petter AA1 diesels were as easy to find stateside as the AC1 and Lister LT1.  Its a bit smaller and would work even better.  Most Petter AC1's over here are fixed throttle, so more hard to find parts to make them variable throttle. My LT1 is variable throttle, just needs a cable set up on it with a return spring, wont be hard to fab that part up for what I plan to have done with the engine.    Hopefully a complete fuel tank turns up, need that as soon as possible.   

38ac

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Re: Finally got time to get my LT1 running after over a year
« Reply #8 on: August 28, 2023, 11:16:30 AM »
I think there was two types of hand starting arrangements on the LT engine. If you have a keyed shaft extension on the camshaft then all you need is the handle that broncodriver has mentioned. However if your camshaft extension is covered with a shroud  you need a different hand crank that I believe is called the safety crank, or similar name. Hopefully a person more versed in the LT series will respond.
« Last Edit: August 28, 2023, 11:18:02 AM by 38ac »
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artful dodger

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Re: Finally got time to get my LT1 running after over a year
« Reply #9 on: August 28, 2023, 01:57:23 PM »
My cam shaft does not have a shroud, its just an open keyed shaft, 3/4 diameter.
« Last Edit: August 28, 2023, 02:01:45 PM by artful dodger »

dax021

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Re: Finally got time to get my LT1 running after over a year
« Reply #10 on: August 28, 2023, 03:52:58 PM »
Exactly the same as my SR2, and that's where the Lister crank handle engages.  It doesn't need a shroud