My "new" 35 HP Lark...1957?? with pics!

[coolguy147]

Re: My "new" 35 HP Lark...1957?? with pics!

it is very easy and just do a few simple tests see if the motor is worth repairing and not putting big bucks in.


first off i would check compression. numbers should be about even

then check spark

check gear oil

if all check out well then move ahead to replacing the water impeller and pump

 

[Mas]

Re: My "new" 35 HP Lark...1957?? with pics!

Compression numbers:

Using the drill motor method.....

95 psi top cylinder
100 psi bottom cylinder...yippee!

With these numbers I'm still hanging around. Once the motor get running & decarb, those numbers should only improve.

I still need to pull the flywheel and check over the ignition. No obvious spark.

I did properly install the correct shift pivot pin in the LU. I was able to do so without disassembling the LU...which will come soon once the motor is running. The LU does not shift into reverse. It could be a linkage issue...but I'm not sure. It could be a rust issue!

I pressure checked the LU. The LU held 12 psi for about 5 min. I did notice some small bubbles by the rear seal...but not enough to change the psi over 5 minutes. I filled the LU with lube even though I'm concerned that it's rusted up. It certainly will not hurt!

Is a frozen starter beyond help? Any tricks?

The genny spins free. Is there an easy way to check the genny for proper working without a regulator using a multimeter?

That's all for now..more later!

Mas

 

[1946Zephyr]

Re: My "new" 35 HP Lark...1957?? with pics!

Dump some fresh fuel mix down the carb and flush the innards out and your compression will improve.

 

[jbjennings]

Re: My "new" 35 HP Lark...1957?? with pics!

I don't think there's any reason you can't take the starter apart and fix it. They're unbelievably simple. Soak it with something, take the bolts out and pull the armature assembly out after you work at it to free it up. I can get some pics up tomorrow of the insides of one so you'll know how it's put together and have a better understanding of how to get it apart if you'd like.
Good luck,
JBJ

 

[jpriak]

Re: My "new" 35 HP Lark...1957?? with pics!

That is awesome, I love finding stuff like that. Hope the project goes good for ya.

 

[tmcalavy]

Re: My "new" 35 HP Lark...1957?? with pics!

I never rebuild old starters, just toss them into a pile for parts. Replacements aren't hard to find or especially pricey. Guess I don't have the electrical "touch."

 

[Mas]

Re: My "new" 35 HP Lark...1957?? with pics!

I don't think there's any reason you can't take the starter apart and fix it. They're unbelievably simple. Soak it with something, take the bolts out and pull the armature assembly out after you work at it to free it up. I can get some pics up tomorrow of the insides of one so you'll know how it's put together and have a better understanding of how to get it apart if you'd like.
Good luck,
JBJ

Thanks, I would love the pics. I'll try to get my starter working until I can find a good replacement on the cheap. The starter is pretty stuck...Murphy's Law may come into play here!

Mas

 

[Mas]

Re: My "new" 35 HP Lark...1957?? with pics!

Oh...what should I use to soak to avoid melting the varnish on the wire windings? Or, what should I avoid?

mas

 

[Ricardo Furioso]

Re: My "new" 35 HP Lark...1957?? with pics!

It's a beautiful old beast.
Can you tell me what "PB" stands for?

 

[samo_ott]

Re: My "new" 35 HP Lark...1957?? with pics!

I didn't go far back but are they referring to PB Blaster? No idea what the PB is, just the trade name of the stuff...

 

[Ricardo Furioso]

Re: My "new" 35 HP Lark...1957?? with pics!

I didn't go far back but are they referring to PB Blaster? No idea what the PB is, just the trade name of the stuff...

It said:
After a good cleaning, I brought it in the shop to get some lube in the cylinders. I pulled the plugs...no rust but brown/black. This gave me some hope! After letting it sit for an hour with some PB, I gave the flywheel a good twist and the motor spun as free as a bird.

What is PB? Must be good stuff.
rich

 

[samo_ott]

Re: My "new" 35 HP Lark...1957?? with pics!

I never rebuild old starters, just toss them into a pile for parts. Replacements aren't hard to find or especially pricey. Guess I don't have the electrical "touch."

Starters are usually pretty easy to get running. Assuming you can get it apart. You have nothing to lose by trying. I can usually have em apart, sanded and back together and running in half an hour. Usually you just need to sand the contacts. But if it's seized it might be beyond salvageable. Mine have always spun freely.

 

[Bill 1970]

Re: My "new" 35 HP Lark...1957?? with pics!

You have one hell of a motor there! I own a 57 lark but I stripped off the electric start, simply because I didnt have the remote electrical box, and added a tiller. It makes a 14ft lund really fly! lol Keep us posted.

 

[Willyclay]

Re: My "new" 35 HP Lark...1957?? with pics!

I filled the LU with lube even though I'm concerned that it's rusted up. It certainly will not hurt! Mas

Good move on the lower unit! I believe you are correct that it is rusted since it sat in a barrel full of water for some unknown length of time.

Great news on the compression. These great old motors do not die easily, they have to be murdered. Good luck!

 

[fletcher123]

Re: My "new" 35 HP Lark...1957?? with pics!

Hi mas, Have you ever used mystery oil? That stuff works good for rusted, seized things. It doesn't come in a spray bottle I don't think just pourable. I've used it for un seizing rusted pistons for small engines and soaking rusted parts. Just throw parts in a bucket of it and let it sit over night Or piston in motor put a teaspoon or so on top of piston over night and tap with wooden dowel.

 

[JB]

Re: My "new" 35 HP Lark...1957?? with pics!

We Mods hate it when people dig up old, dead threads and hijack them. Just do the research and leave them be.