Restored d17 project

55allis wrote: I was meaning if the cam time was off the distributor could be off too…

With the head off you can easily verify the cam timing without a degree wheel simply by putting the #1 piston at TDC, then look at the cam lobes. At the tail end of the exhaust stroke both lobes will be upward with the overlap split because the exhaust will be just closing and the intake will be just beginning to open.

If the cam timing is off enough to matter then it will be obvious to the naked eye.

This is probably not where the problem lies with this engine, but it is so easy to check that it is worth doing just so that you know it is correct.

DrAllis wrote: I wonder if he had the rocker arm stands upside down ?? Long side goes down to the cyl head.

I believe that would do it

TedN wrote: ... I wasn't aware of two different pedestal heights that SteveM mentioned, but I was able to find a picture on Facebook of a D17 engine, and it looks like the pedestal mounts are about 1/2" taller...

The only thing I have heard about regarding two different pedestal heights involves the early WD heads vs the later WD and the WD45 head; i.e. the 'Short' head and the 'Tall' head, which requires different pedestals.

According to three different online advertisements selling rocker pedestals for the D17 they measure 1.945" tall.

 I am on the edge of my seat (ok the couch) and the popcorn is almost gone! I need Dr Allis to tell me a little more about valve guide placement. No I am not a engine builder. No I know nothing about valve guides. (I have a machine shop do the head work on any engines I am working on which is not very many) But it sounds like if the guides are incorrectly installed this stops the valve movement and then can bend the pushrods on the other end of the rocker? I am a little confused but I am old and easily confused too. 

Humm This is like a who dunit murder mystery. Let's all take a trip to 55 Allis land stand around drink coffee or beer and noodle and lay hands on this awesome restoration.

Sorry for being sarcastic on the restoration thing. I do a little work every couple years on my own stuff. I make many mistakes. But I do not call any of these old tractor projects "restorations"! That word is for folks that have way more skills than I have. But I must say I was not impressed with the very first exterior picture of this finished restore D17. Sorry maybe my expectations are too high. And yes shiny paint does not mean it will run. I understand that. But if a customer is going to pay good money for 7 years of fiddling the details should be slightly better inside and out. Just my rambling 2 cents. Not trying to step on anyone's toes here. I hope this tractor can be completed for the owner and that they get many years of enjoyment with it. Makes me want to find the old D17 and fire it up!

Regards,

Chris and Cheryl

I just started another batch of popcorn.

I like the wrong head or wrong rocker arm combo idea for some reason? :) Maybe the butler did it!

I also wish Don Bradley was able to chime in on this engine situation too. RIP Don!

Just thought of another one for the team! Could the push rods have been purposely pre bent so that they made the valve train look like it functioned. Ok that idea is stranger than aliens building the pyramids!