Wisconsin VH4D Has Me Baffled

TimWafer · Apr 7, 2010

It’s been a frustrating afternoon. I just finished rebuilding a Wisconsin VH4D in my Skid Steer. I’ve rebuilt one before so it’s not my first time with this particular engine.
Bored it out, new pistons, rings, valves, seats, guides, bearings, bushings, and the whole shebang.
Got it put back in the skid steer this afternoon but cannot get it to fire up. I’ve got compression (about 75lbs on each cylinder right now but the rings probably haven’t seated since it hasn’t run yet). I have a Pertronix ignition in it that was working before the rebuild. I initially had a problem with it but now seem to have a nice hot spark. I have checked, rechecked and re-rechecked the timing and it seems to be spot on. Taken the carb back off (which I also just rebuilt) and cant see anything wrong there either. I even tried a couple shots of ether while cranking with no results. It will occasionally pop but will not start. When examining the plugs only the # 1 cylinder shows any sign of ever firing.
What am I missing here? I’ve got a headache now and cant think anymore!
Tim

Anonymous-0 · Apr 7, 2010

I wouldn't put ether to it. Is the fuel pump working? I had a trencher at my place with a VH4D that would only run sometimes because the fuel pump was acting up. It was an electric fuel pump that had been put on after. I had a water pump with a VG4D that would only idle because the points needed a little filing. Is the air filter plugged? Sometimes a new engine needs a little more air right off the bat and once run is fine. Dave

Anonymous-0 · Apr 7, 2010

I would check out the fuel pump like it has been advised. If that isn't the problem, double check the timing to ensure that it's not 180 out and your on the exhaust instead of the intake stroke. Not real experienced, but, like you have worked a couple of Wisconsin air cooled engines. They are some long running, dependable engines, but can cause some headaches also.

Anonymous-0 · Apr 7, 2010

was # 1 plug the one you check for spark? if so try all of them good luck.

Gene Dotson · Apr 7, 2010

Tim;

Remove the spark plugs and put 2 or 3 aquirts of oil in each cylinder to help seal the rings. See if that works. It worked on my Case LA for the first start after rebuilding... Gene

trucker 40 · Apr 7, 2010

Well,if you have gas and compression and fire it should run.Maybe you have it timed on the exhaust stroke.I dont know if thats possible on that engine,but if its not hitting even on ether something is wrong.Sometimes plugs can get gas fouled easy.You might try seeing if they are sparking or try a different plug and see if it starts hitting.I know I have thought I had the timing just right on a rebuilt motor and it was 180 out or maybe just a tooth off,but either way it wouldnt run.

Russ from MN · Apr 7, 2010

Exactly! I acquired an old Wisconsin a few years ago and I could not get it started. finally put some oil in the spark plug holes and it fired right up! It was suggested by someone on this site that when you are going to store them to start them, rev them up to 3/4 throttle, and squirt oil in the intake till it dies! then it will start in the spring.

teddy52food · Apr 7, 2010

I think it is out of time. Pull all the plugs & lay them on the engine with the wires attached. Turn on the ign & have someone turn it over slow by hand. Don't use the starter. Hold your finger on a plug hole & feel the compression & it should spark at the end of the compression stroke. Do this on all 4 cylinders.If it isn't right, switch wires until it is. DId you change the camshaft? There is a difference in cams from the old odd fire vf4 & the new vh4d but I think they will both fit. If it is the wrong cam, you can get it to run on 2 but not on 4.

BlaineF · Apr 8, 2010

Sounds like it's firing when there is no compression.Check maybe that the spark plug wires are in the correct order.Maybe look at distributor see if it's off 180 or off a tooth.If you got fuel, compression and spark it should start.It's just not all happening at the correct time.I need to rebuild the VH4D engine in my 610 Bobcat.Just wondering where you bought your engine parts? Looking for a place to buy engine kit.Anyways good luck.BlaineF(WA)

TimWafer · Apr 8, 2010

Bingo! You got it.
I laid awake in bed last night trying to figure out what I was missing. Finally dawned on me about 1AM to check the firing order again. That made perfect sense as to why only #1 plug showed signs of firing. I know it was correct when I had it out on the bench but I did have to remove the wires to clear a big hydraulic hose when I slid it back into the machine. Thought I just pulled them off for a minute and put them right back on in the same sequence. Apparently not! DUH!!
I was so hung up on believing I timed the distributor wrong somehow that it just didn’t occur to me. I verified this morning that # 2,3,4 were in the wrong sequence. Didn’t have time to try it again as I had all the plugs out but am sure that’s the problem. Will try it tonight when I get home. Funny how the simplest things can trip you up sometimes. Thanks for everyone’s input!
Tim

PS I had the machinist get most of the major parts for me as he had a better price than I found. I did get the exhaust valves and piston pin bushings myself online from a couple different places. Just looked for the best deal.

Wisconsin VH4D Has Me Baffled

TimWafer

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Anonymous-0

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Anonymous-0

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Anonymous-0

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Gene Dotson

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trucker 40

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Russ from MN

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teddy52food

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BlaineF

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TimWafer

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