Attex Superchief

[awisewon]

Just bought a 76 Attex SC the seller said they just had the top end rebuild new pistons rings 20 over but couldn't get it to start so they gave up on it and sold it. I used to be preety good but due to many strokes I am not as sharpe as I used to be, any hoot it appears on the flywheel side assuming its the No:1 cylinder 80psi, on No: 90psi a little more when throttle held open. Engine refuses to even try to start even with fuel or starting fluid down the piston plug holes. gets fire to coils and plugs but when hand turned no spark and no fire at points it seem, seems i recall its been awhile i should get some spark at points when opened with screwdriver but nothing on this one and they have been cleaned good. Opened up the carb to see why maybe not getting fuel just to check once reinstalled its shooting fuel out sides at choke area strange never saw this happen before in all my years reopened lowered floats just a tad still same thing. Was wondering which lowest cost engines might fit in this Attex such as snowmobile, brigs, and other engines from other 6 wheelers that would just fit in using the current engine clutch am on a vary strict budget so have to go the cheapest routes. Due to disabilities and the mountain area I live this is going to be my mains source of transportation to get out with the kids and family because my walking ability is vary limited and no longer drive a car and the kids want to fish, hike and go camping and hunting and such. I do want to get the g50b 484cc running again but if its going to be costly I'd rather buy a good new or used engine for now that can be installed with ease. I understand these Briggs sideshaft engines work are their any certain specs need or extra parts needed is the shaft just a standard size so the 484cc clutch just fits right on and engine just mounts in frame would be greatful for all the help I can get rightnow Thanks Awisewon.

[hydromike]

Hi Awiseone...

First off, the lower compression may be due to the rings not being seat appropriately after the rebuild. If they never got it running, the rings haven't had a chance to find their new home between the piston and cylinder wall. Let's get your engine firing first, then we'll worry about your compression, if it doesn't fix itself.

So, you're getting at least SOME spark at the spark plugs. If it's a visbile spark, that should be enough to at least get a pop. You really won't be able to see a spark at the points by turning the engine by hand. If you COULD turn the engine over fast enough (without the pull starter) it's hard as heck to see into the flywheel hole at the exact moment it fires. The only thing I can imagine is that the timing may be WAY off. But, if they only did a top end rebuild, the previous owner shouldn't have had to change the timing at all. If you're not getting ANY reaction from the plugs when you pour a bit of gas in the spark plug holes, you may want to try a new set of plugs.

If this is going to be a slow-motion trail machine to take the kids fishing/hiking, etc., a thumpy four stroke might be an option for you. You may be able to find a used Briggs Vanguard engine around 16 or 18hp that would fit the bill well. You will need other modifications including updated the clutches (drive and driven clutch)for the four stroke engine, though.

If you've already cleaned the points, try a new set of plugs; they tend to be finicky even if they're showing spark...
Good luck!

[jpswift1]

This is the Superchief that was on the West Virginia Craigslist, isn't it?

[awisewon]

will try new plugs

thanks for the help will try a new set of plugs, Also this thing seems to be squirting fuel from the Carb top near the choke after I opened it up to see if it was clogged found nothing wrong so just put carb back together and it was doing the squirt fuel thing never seen this before ever. The reason it was not getting fuel I found was the had the lines connect wrong at the fuel pump the one connected to the engine to pump so now that right. I lowered the floats a tad to see if that would stop the fuel squirting out the top sides near choke but its still doing that. Also to answer the question was the Attex bought in WV yes it was, didn't seem like such a bad deal even if I had to do the top end all over or even replace the engine. I hope I got a good deal on it nobody knew what year it was I found the numbers on the frame by the rear wheel after looking up post here and it appears this is a rare find a 1976, besides the family use hope it was a good investment and hope to keep in in good shape to resell later hopefully at a good profit Its been a good while that I messed with engines and hate to admit just not as quick or as good as I once was but a lot of things have been coming back to me. Will get new plugs and see what happens from there and well let you lmow and thanks for the help.

[awisewon]

Also if i went with the Brigs VG engines 16 or 18hp I am pretty sure I can get one cheaper new than what Richards sells them for however
I don't think I can get the drive or clutches you spoke of does Richards sell what I'll need apart from the engines? Also what other modifications
will be needed to switch the engines out. I do want to get this original engine running and in good shape to enjoy the full speed and power
of the Attex myself without family at times plus when I resell later I'd like this Attex to be put back to all original to bring the higher sale price
and so someone else can enjoy it all original and in near mint shape which it is currently save minor things and being dirty from grease after its
been being worked on by Past owners and self now. I was told this was a barn find by the past owner who only ran it awhile before the rings blew
by looking at the chains and gears there don't seem to be a lot of wear so I suspect most of its damage came from misuse or ill use and from sitting
such a long time plus he said he was running 20 to 1 gas/oil seems a good number of folks here say 30 to 40 to 1 gas/oil. Anyway I welcome all
the help I can Muster here and greatly thank all for any help this is being like a crash course for me or refresher course never had one of these ought to be fun.

[awisewon]

Hum did the new plugs still not starting seems I got the carb fixed by accident gonna check timing and point settings again to.
Would love a full list of the different engines besides the Beiggs&S that would fit in this SC and what parts to make the fit and
crossover are needed.

[awisewon]

Well have got it started twice now but it would not stay running and only started after full charge on bat. both times ran rough 2nd time had fuel come out exhaust pipe, rechecked and set float tang to level carb upside down but still wont start. Thinking maybe point gap is a tad off or timing a tad off. Also wondered about sheer pin or moon key as many call it maybe its worn where can I buy a new one for this engine. setting floats stopped the gas leaking through top it seems more a timing issue now and that sheer pin then the question is best top end break-in method. Gonna look to buy sheer pin or moon key whatever name its called match one up hopefully and get another new set of plugs see what happens. If points are off its not much or it never would have started and if the moon key was not the issue it should have restarted after it cut out but it wouldn't restart until you pull the flywheel reset it. It also could be not getting it on tight enough and the flywheel spins out of time. Will try to make the flywheel tighter before hitting store for moon key see what happens but this one looks worn and more so on the top flat edge at one end which i face that end out. Any help can sure be used here love to get this thing running see what actually works and what don't and just what I have here.