I have aquired a Templar Tiller rotavator with a 3.5hp Honda pull start engine. The engine appeared to be seized, but after removing the pull start mechanism & pouring WD40 down the plug hole, with a socket and wrench the engine turns over up and down to top dead centre but not beyond. Sticks at TDC. Any idea what the problem might be? Thanks - Paul

Paul, April 2009

Hello John,
I have had another look at the engine, and it is OHV.
I have removed the rocker cover, the pushrods & rocker arms are very loose, you can easily remove them from the rocker arm ball socket. Is it possible for one or both of the valves to be stuck open?

Paul, April 2009

If the Honda is an overhead valve engine (OHV) there is a chance that the piston, as it rises, is clouting the stuck open valve. Just a thought!

John, April 2009