2003 Honda BF8 No Compression

[kmckoy]

I was given this engine and I am trying to get it running. The camshaft driven pulley was not spinning the cam when I got it so I welded it back together so that it will now spin the camshaft, but I still have no compression even though I now know the valves should be opening and closing (not sure if they actually are). I get zero compression on my gauge for either cylinder, I set the timing according to a manual found online. I am wondering if the camshaft driven pulley was not in the correct spot when I welded the inner liner to the pulley? The pulley only goes on the camshaft in one spot with a woodruff key. Any ideas on what to do next?

 

[racerone]

When pully broke the valves stopped moving.----Pistons likely hit valves and bent them.----Remove valve cover to inspect.---Likely lots of valve clearance as valves might be stuck open now.----Easy fix to replace bent valves I think.-----But that be my opinion !

 

[kmckoy]

I opened the valve cover and pulled the starter, the cam spins and each valve spring moves up and down. Would I visually be able to tell if the valves are actually moving up and down or would I just notice the springs moving? I didn’t see any large valve clearance issues ie. not a lot of slop.
The one thing I did notice when the cam driven pulley timing mark and the timing mark on the head line up I have quite a bit of resistance when pulling the starter, but only when the timing marks line up when first pulling. If I pull the starter hard enough to spin around a few times it will spin past the timing marks with no noticeable resistance.
Any thoughts? Is it a valve issue?

 

[MattFL]

When you welded the sprocket to the cam, were you carefully to line it up properly?

Also if you have access to air (and ideally a leak down tester, but not critical now), put the piston at TDC compression stroke (all valves appear to be closed) and put the air in the spark plug hole. Use something that seals the hole well so air isn't coming back out the spark plug hole. With the throttle wide open, listen to the intake, the exhaust and the crank case. The air will be coming out somewhere and you will hear it. That will give you a hint as to what's going on. i.e. if the air is coming out the intake or exhaust, then the associated valve is open (or bent and not sealing properly). If it's coming out the crank case then you've likely got a piston problem.

 

[kmckoy]

Long time since I have done anything with this engine. Today I took it apart and found 2 bent valves and 1 stuck valve. I believe it was the two intake valves and 1 exhaust valve that was sticking (see pictures). I assume that this was my issue causing no compression in either cylinder? I am going to order new valves and gaskets, do I need to replace springs or anything else? I am guessing no since they still look fine to me.

So replace valves and put everything back together and check for compression after that, if good try running it? Anything else I should be doing to make sure it’s good to go?

 

[racerone]

No surprise to me that valves were bent.

 

[km1125]

Did you ever address Matt's question... "When you welded the sprocket to the cam, were you carefully to line it up properly?"

If you aren't 100% sure that the cam gear is in the OEM orientation relative to the cam lobes you're going to have a heck of a time getting the valve timing right. Hopefully you were able to line it up with some clues to indicate that it's in the right place.

But, having said that... then yes if you replace those valves you should be in good shape. The springs are probably just fine.

 

[kmckoy]

Km1125 no I am not positive I welded it in the correct position. I had everything set up for the correct timing and marked it, but had to go to my work to weld it. When I put it back together it lined up to where I think the timing marks are supposed to be. I have gotten some pictures of how to set the timing for this engine but my camshaft pulley doesn’t have a mark for where to set the timing in relation to the engine.

Is there a way to tell if my timing is correct by just spinning it by hand that won’t bend the new valves I put in or is it try to set it and pull and hope it starts?

 

[racerone]

The camshaft pulley has a timing mark.-----Find it or find a good used pulley on e-bay.

 

[kmckoy]

I have looked online for a replacement pulley and have only found a few that are rusted. Has anyone had luck buying parts like that? Also does anyone know of places that sell used outboard parts? I talked with my work related boat mechanic and he informed me about Green Bay prop and sea way marine any others out there similar.

Just waiting on parts now before putting it back together .

 

[racerone]

Your location ?

 

[kmckoy]

Montana

 

[racerone]

Find------ twin cities outboard parts.------Looks like they have one at $64.99----Nice picture to compare yours to.

 

[kmckoy]

Thanks! I haven’t seen that when I looked on eBay

 

[kmckoy]

I am looking at my camshaft pulley and it looks like I am missing what looks like a brush on one of the “arms” on the bottom of the pulley. Look at the pictures you can see a black “brush” by the end of the pencil in one picture and the spot it should go on the other. What are these and what do they do? Do I need to replace the missing one?

 

[MattFL]

Without more context, that looks like it could be the compression release mechanism. Depending on how it works, a missing part might be your problem. It's impossible to say from here with the info given so far.