[Dlginc81]

I recently completed a rebuild of my P218 engine for my 318. With the help of an experienced friend as well as WFM members this was a great success and I have acquired a new love for this machine!

My question now is on proper carb and engine speed adjustment. When undergoing the rebuild I observed some rough "gouging" around the outside diameter near the piston faces. It was not too bad so I opted to go ahead and re-use these pistons. I was informed that this "gouging" is caused by running the engine too lean. Obviously now that I have invested the time and money I want to avoid any further damage.

I would be interested in knowing what the idle rpm's should be as well as the maximum rpm's. What do you look for to ensure the engine is not running too rich or too lean? I've read about using a vibration tachometer that mounts to the air breather for setting the rpm's, do these work well?

 

[metz99]

Dan, Harbor Freight has digital tach that comes
some sort of reflective tape, all you have to do is apply a small piece of tape to crank pulley and point tach at it and it will read rpm's.

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=66632

 

[scubaprokid]

Dan,

Check your email. I sent you some info on cable adjustment, carb. setting, and fuel pump check.

As I stated in the email, I highly recommend you invest in the complete service manual TM1590 (Tractor) & CTM2 (Onan Engine). You can get these from Deere or I found mine on that well known auction site.

Also, as Brian stated – you can also use a digital tach during the adjustment. I feel they are more accurate than the vibration tachs. I got mine at Graingers, but for much more $$$ than HF.

 

[Dlginc81]

Thanks Guys,

I used an induction pickup type tachometer to set the idle rpm's to about 1250 (as stated in the manual)and the max set to about 3400.

I was a little alarmed at first when I clamped the tachometer over the plug wire (right side of the engine next to the ground wire, voltage regulator, etc). The engine suddenly died. I restarted the engine and clamped the tach to the same plug wire...engine kept running but no rpm reading. I clamped it on the opposite wire and got about 1195 which seemed accurate. I then pulled the plug wire on the side that gave no reading and obseved it had definately been firing.

After all carb adjustments were made and engine was purring, I noticed the governor seemed to hunt at higher rpm's. I changed the position of the carb linkage to the governor lever and this problem seems to be cured.

Once I was sure it was again "running like a deere" I gave my year and a half old son a ride (it,s really his anyway). With his approval and my satisfaction I have to say...thanks again guys!