RD 16 setup

[brian]

There is no electric choke on this motor. I forgot to mention checking the ignition timing of this flywheel to make sure it is correct. I need to clean out the cylinders first so the flywheel will turn freely. At this point I don’t know if this will become a runner or parts donor. Thanks for your help.

[frankr]

I can tell you that the ignition timing is the same for all Big Twin series motors.

[brian]

Thanks Frank. I will check that one off the list. I would assume the crankshaft and flywheel taper is the same but I’ll check anyway if nothing more than to make sure the fit is good and the parts are not damaged. I can only wonder why the recoil is not with the motor. Maybe the flywheel height interfered or the owner didn’t want to fool with a recoil or it could have been broken and not replaced. The nut on the crankshaft looks about the right height though.

[ADAM GIBB]

Frank, Good to know about the timing, I knew it was the same for all of the 36 CU motors. Was not sure about the later ones.
Thanks

[brian]

I wish there was a cross reference of part numbers used on the RD series motors. I have discovered some changes in the line while reading the service manual.

[ADAM GIBB]

Brian,
I have been working on a list of changes in the RD series. I started it some time ago, but the summer is busy at work. I have the parts lists for the various model changes (Letter Suffixes) to pinpoint small changes.

[brian]

Flywheel was just about normal coming off, modern coils that need new plug wires, and a strong running starter all add to the possibility of getting this engine running. Next item is the cylinder head and a look at what was left behind by something.

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[brian]

The cylinder head fell off in my hand when I removed the last bolt. Nothing in the cylinders just some debris in the
Water jackets. Very light scoring that is not detectable.
Crankshaft still turns tightly inspite of all the lubricant I added. Next will be removal of powerhead to locate the cause of the binding.

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[ADAM GIBB]

It looks like there is some light rust on the cylinder walls. It may be worth opening up the crankcase to clean that up and make sure that there is no rust on the main bearing surfaces and free up the rings.

[brian]

Thank you Adam. Someone changed out the gearcase with an Evinrude one. This motor is a puzzle. I will have to check everything. When I pulled the pieces of insulation out of the top cylinder I wondered if the powerhead was beyond repair. The cylinder head coming off too easily convinced me to not take anything for granted with this motor.

[Author]

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