John Deere D Timing problem

[KEStambaugh]

Hi all, just got a 37 D last week (I'll post a pick later) and possibly the governor idler gear (the gear between the crank and governor) is out of time. I think it is about a tooth off because i can't advance the timing enough. With the mag fully forward, the impulse trips with the Impulse mark on the flywheel about an 1 - 1 1/2" above the crankcase mark. The previous owner said that when he purchased the tractor the gear was missing, when he replaced it he had probs getting it timed right. Right now, the only way to start it is to pull start it. It starts in about 3 feet. When hand cranking it fires every time, but since the piston is already going down it can't keep itself running. I checked the operator's and service manual SM 2000, but they only talk about servicing the bushing. Sorry for being wordy, but wanted to give all the info that i knew. Thanks in advance.

[Craig A]

When you remove an end cover you SHOULD be able to lift the governor shaft enough for the teeth to clear. THINK OUT and MARK the direction you need to go!.......

[Ken Majeski]

On Most John Deeres the Slot in the Magneto coupling should be Horizontal when the L H Impluse mark lines up on the flywheel... If you have the Top gear 1/2 half turn off no matter what you do it won't line up right... So if things don't seem right try turning the upper gear 1/2 turn.

Also take the magneto off before you mess with the gears... I've seen a few one eared mags around because people tightened the bolts when the slot didn't line up..

[Gary K]

Click on the Johnny Popper website link below, as they might have some more information for you.

http://johnnypopper.com/

Gary K

[Forrest A]

Don't mess with the intermediate gear! Lifting the gov. case is a good suggestion but you will want to re-seal it or you will have an oily mess later. The old gaskets leak once disturbed. Also if you mess with the gasket under the gov. case and it gets damaged you will need to measure the old gasket thickness and install a new gasket the same thickness to keep the gear lash the same. If the fan shaft is disconnected as well make sure the spring loaded bearing in the water pipe is seated straight or otherwise the bearing will be ruined the first time it is run. Best bet for timing is use Ken'e suggestion for ligning things up. Just a heads up so you don't find out the hard way.

[jerry merta]

you said mag. tipped forward, that would be retarding ,the gov. shaft turns clockwise facing the mag. drive, so tip mag. counter clockwise to advance. good luck.

[Jim Tremble]

From The Book---Before you start messing with the gears, try what the book says. See photo.

If you can not enlarge the photo, to read, let me know and I will resend it.

Jim