Hi all,
A few weeks ago my Sisis TrioRotorake packed up while verticutting. The engine slowed to a halt and would not start. The guy who looks after my equipment took a look and had to reseat the valve. When I got the machine back it started fine, ran for some 40 mins and conked out again. Eventually I got the engine restarted and running OK but as soon as I strated to verticut (and the baldes are set above the soil) the enginge strains and conks out.
1) Any ideas what the problem might be?
2) How can I chack the dogclutch is functioning properly?
3) Anybody a good and cheap (is this possible) replacement?
Phil
I had the same problem with my old trio rotorake (Briggs engine). The valve seat came loose. I refitted it and locked it in but it happened again. I also had problems with the clutch, so I bought a rotorake mk3 and the trio is still in the shed. I intended to repair it but never got round to it.
Eddie.
That little side-valve engine is known to loosen exhaust valve seats- when it overheats. Usually I find blocked cooling fins, flywheel screen or low oil to be the cause.
The valve clearances get reduced as the engine gets hotter and can give rise to this 'slowing to a halt' symptom.
Did your 'guy' check and adjust the valve clearances after resetting the seat?
Make sure your oil is clean and sump is full (To the top of the filler plug threads, on the edge of overflowing).
A Dog clutch is a binary operation. It's either engaged or not.
Shouldn't be a ned to replace engine if properly looked after. Many are running 20-30 years old. On the other hand, if abused they won't last 5 minutes like any engine.
GOGGA
Sumomosr
Thanks for the advice. Cleaned out all the fins and flywheel screen. Topped up the oil and seems to have done the trick with regard to the overheating.
However the machine still struggles when working hard. To my simple eye it doesn't seem to have enough guts to overcome moderate resistance from my rather dense grass.
Do you have any recommendations for a cheaper alternative to the Briggs engine ( I have just replaced the Briggs on my Greensman which turned out to be made in China and didn't even come with a manual!!!)
Phil
Well the genuine US made Briggs is possibly the best value - I don't know the prices over their any more. A Honda will be too expensive.
A Chonda will always have doubts although others seem to be happy with them. Horses for courses.
Briggs do have a manufacturing plant in China but it is US run and quality is assured.
You should be speaking with the supplier of the engine you bought. Not having a manual rings alarm bells to me. The manual is always in the box of a B&S engine.
GOGGA
I just reviewed your thread on seeking advice for new engine on the Greensman and I refer to my comment (about being cheap) in your other recent thread.
Here's what you wanted to do:
"I am thinking of a Honda GX100 or GX120"
which was to effectively underpower the machine by half. Even the crankshaft was too small for the application. I expect your decision to consider a GX100 was purely based on cost before considering the 'why does it have such a big engine in the first place?'
As I said in the other thread- Quality costs money. Stop looking at the £'s first.
GOGGA
I didn't buy a Honda I bought the more expensive Briggs. Don't understand your comments!
I'm saying if you bought the correct replacement engine and it's a genuine Briggs & Stratton it doesn't matter where it's made it has a warranty and your supplier should attend to the lack of power.
That it came with no manual raises a flag. Your recourse should be to the dealer.
What I also notice is that you always want to buy 'cheap' and sometimes there is not that option. Quality costs money.
The machine was satisfactory with the original engine for several years, A new, replacement, engine - same model, same spec - should perform satisfactorily. If not you need to investigate before slating the Chinese.
That you were prepared to buy a considerably smaller Honda than necessary tells me that you were budget conscious rather than focused on the work the engine has to do.
Who did you buy this engine from?
What is the Model, Type and Code number?
Can you post a pic?
GOGGA
My Trio rotorake engine expired last year and was beyond repair, my mechanic supplied and fitted me a genuine 5.5hp Briggs engine for £400, (not massive money) not surprisingly it's never missed a beat and I use it 3 or 4 times a week for verticutting and brushing, where it's worked very hard, why run the risk of a cheap one going again and being without a vital piece of kit and having to pay again. The problem is you may have looked after it properly but others in the past may have not, the oil being full is vital on these engines without oil pumps.
Thanks Andy
Do you have a model number for your new engine?
Phil
Q.E.D.
GOGGA
I don't have it to hand but we are at home today and I will have a look for you
Thank Andy
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Hi all,
I have now bought a 5.5 hp Briggs and Stratton 800 series and a new centrifugal clutch which I shall soon get fitted to the Rotorake. I shall keep you informed of my progress.
Phil
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