Monark Silver King engine rebuild. Please help

[MikeKiesler]

Hello, I found your site while search for some information on my Saw. As the title says, I have a 1957 Silver King saw. http://www.acresinternet.com/cscc.ns...a?OpenDocumentThis link was some of the info I found. I would like to try and get this saw running because it was my grandpa's and my idea was to maybe give it to my dad. I am not a expert by any means on small engine repair, but I am familiar with whats going inside the motor and what makes the saw work. The problem is that it has set in a barn since 1984 and the pull start would not pull. After asking some of my gearhead friends they thought that something was stuck in the engine, probably the piston. So far, I have torn into the motor and found that the rings had "corroded?" and where cracked in places. The piston and the cylinder wall look to be in ok shape as well as the crank. My grandpa kept the original books that came with the saw and even the sales recipt. I have all the part#s for this saw, but they don't seem to work at the local lawn repair places. A local machine shop qouted me 125$ to make some rings but I just can't afford spending that on rings alone. I know there are some other things worn on the saw that need replaced too and I'm not going to get carried away as I might as well just get a new one. I dug some and found that the actual motor was a Power Products AH-47 and that power products merged or was boughtout by Tecumseh in the late 50's. Apparently this motor was used on multiple brands of saws and some go-karts. I know Tecumseh is still around so my question is, is there some part# crossover for Power Products or is there parts avalible for a AH-47. I Havent gone any futher into the motor yet because I didnt see the point if there are no rings, however, aside for some major cleaning, tracing out some gaskets and tuning up, the saw appears to in good shape. My local parts places basically say that without a part# there is nothing they can do but sell me a new saw! This was all before I found out that there might be hope with Tecumseh parts. I have not tried to ask the local parts places about tecumseh crossovers yet. Might try again this weekend. Another question, what to you guys think about this short story I've typed here? This is mean looking old saw and I would much rather have it running, but I don't want to cross the $ point where I could have just bought a new one.
Thanks for reading, Mike K

[Arlie Levy]

Is there any way you can measure the cylinder diameter, ring grove width and how deep the grove is in the piston. also how many rings are there. I have a lot of new old stock rings. If you get me that info I might be able to help you. If you would like to talk direct my phone# is 608-756-0806 after 6:00 pm or cell 751-3540 during the day.

[Ed Radtke]

If Arlie cant help on the rings I may have a set.The engine will need new crank seals also.If I can help just email me.

[MoRo]

Giving the above ring measurements to a Techumseh dealer might yield a set right off the shelf.

Pull the crank seals and take 'em along too. He might have something that matches up.

Not trying to take biz away from Stakkers, just making suggestions.

[Mac Leod]

What about coming up with an AV or AH 47 barrel/ piston setup, then swaping the whole top end out. can you post a picture of the saws engine, I have many power products engines and there are a few variations of parts but I may be able to help you out.

Mac Leod

[MikeKiesler]

Thanks for all your info, guys. I found that Hastings piston ring still makes the rings for a ah-47 and I hope,,,, to order them tomorrow. I, myself don't have a way "tools" to measure the rings correctly, my fault, I know. If hastings doesnt work out I think my buddy knows how to measure them and I'll give you guys with the extra rings a shout. I am working on trying to get the flywheel and the clutch off to see the condition of the crank seals but so far they are stuck on the shaft good. The parts breakdown shows that they just slide right off. I believe I can get a small puller for the flywheel, but the clutch might be more of a challenge. thanks for your help again.

[MikeKiesler]

Originally Posted by Mac Leod

What about coming up with an AV or AH 47 barrel/ piston setup, then swaping the whole top end out. can you post a picture of the saws engine, I have many power products engines and there are a few variations of parts but I may be able to help you out.

Mac Leod

I think I can turn pictures on my wifes camera into intenet pictures. What kind of pictures would you like? Right now the saw is in pieces and has what I guess is 30 years of oiled saw dust covering most of the engine/everything. I have taken care not to let any of that mess fall down into the engine. Next time I do something like this I will probably clean everything off the outside first Live and learn I guess. As for barrel piston setup, that sounds like its over my head. I thought the new rings and honing would do the trick?