McCormick 1.5hp 1921

[Tom Herd]

Two questions - concerns. First; it runs fine on battery and coil, but won't run on magneto (I do get spark). What I noticed was the timing. The two marks on the exhaust cam driver cover when extended as a straight line (flywheel in IGN position) do not intersect with the magneto shaft as described in the instructions. My guess is the previous owner missed a tooth when it was apart - perhaps. How accurate does it have to be? And if it has to be right on (logically it does) then I guess I will have to tear it all down and reset the internal gears.

Second question; the fuel pump works, but barely. The book mentions packing - where and what do I use if I disassemble it for repair?

[John Hammink]

Tom, you almost answered your own Q's. Yes it's importend that the notch on the armature match the notch at the bushing. When the crank gear and cam gear are in line, the easiest way is to remove the magneto and place it back the good way. Take the top half of the governor side bearing away and with the help of an electric torch you can see the marks on the gears ( if they exist, some haven't ).

For packing, I always use the threads of a household floor mop, some old fashion soap and it works for years. Check the balls in the pump, when they are brass they will be egg shaped. New steel or stainless will do the job.

[Tom Herd]

Thanks for the tip. After the show, in 2 weeks, I will have to get into it and correct the minor problems.