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Bottom Pushrod not moving after installing new head gasket

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Hillside333
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2021/06/13 00:14:36 (permalink)
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Bottom Pushrod not moving after installing new head gasket

Hello, new to forum !
Unit Info
Husqvarna YTH 2042 Riding Mower
Purchased 2013 (About 8 years old)
Briggs and Stratton Engine model number is 331777 Single Cylinder
Problem: Bottom Pushrod not moving
Noticed a few weeks ago, engine started making white smoke. It got worse, but not obnoxious/
When the engine started, not a lot of smoke was visible, but after a couple of minutes it got worse, and especially under load when the mower was turned on.
As the mowing moved along, it made more smoke.
 
I figured it was the head gasket, and ordered the kit and took apart the head.
Made note of push rods and position and that the valves opened and closed when rotating the engine by hand.
Set engine to TDC Intake and
Removed the head and pushrods and cleaned the head and body and piston.
Attached the new head gasket and torqued the head to specs.
Inserted the pushrods and attached the rockers, lightly.
Turned the engine by hand and noticed the top rocker arm and pushrod moved like before but the bottom rocker arm and pushrod only moved very slightly for a few turns then stopped moving, put the top rocker moved as it should.
Tried to reposition the bottom pushrod many times. but could not get it to move.
 
What changed?
I have replaced head gaskets before and never had this problem.
How to I determine what is wrong and what caused it and how to correct it ?
I hope I don’t have to pull the engine and replace the cam !
 
Thanks in advance  !
Rick

4 Replies Related Threads

    AVB
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    Re: Bottom Pushrod not moving after installing new head gasket 2021/06/13 07:59:36 (permalink)
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    You got the push rod off the lifter (tappet). Take a flashlight and look down push galley and you probably will see that it is off. IT wouldn't be the first time for it to happen as I have done several times before I started using a light to make I get the rod in place.
    Hillside333
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    Re: Bottom Pushrod not moving after installing new head gasket 2021/06/13 09:02:10 (permalink)
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    OK Thanks...
    When it wouldn't move I tried numerous times to rotate the engine and re-insert the pushrod.
    I'll take a look after my morning coffee !
    AVB
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    Re: Bottom Pushrod not moving after installing new head gasket 2021/06/13 10:45:54 (permalink)
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    Hillside333
    OK Thanks...
    When it wouldn't move I tried numerous times to rotate the engine and re-insert the pushrod.
    I'll take a look after my morning coffee !

    Hope you as much as I need in the mornings. It take a pot before I get going good.
    Hillside333
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    Re: Bottom Pushrod not moving after installing new head gasket 2021/06/14 08:14:30 (permalink)
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    AVB
    Got it !
    Taken apart and got running in a little over an hour.
    Such a simple error on my part  !
    I was going to take it apart and check it out the other night,
    But decided to ask first
    Thanks for the brain Check!
    Rick
     
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