Prepper

Wow Ben... thanks for the comprehensive explanation. Thanks for taking the time, as you will have saved many the time and frustration in getting the engine timed correctly.

Yes, the grease mark is actually a point in the cast of the head. I was just confused because I couldn't see a customary dimple mark in the cam gear itself. I did pull off the head today because I saw one of the cam lobes appear to be severely worn. When I pulled the cam out sure enough the exhaust lobe was severely worn. I couldn't see a way to get the rocker arms out, they appear to be unserviceable. I'm ordering a completely new head. Although my original post was about a no start condition, I doubt a worn exhaust lobe would keep it from starting.

I'm working with a 2015 MSU-500. Basic symptoms are it cranks well, but will not fire. It has spark, and it has fuel spraying out of the injector (and spraying starting fluid into the throttle body and plug hole makes no difference). It has compression. I bought it not running, and no other information was available. It has 775 miles on it and 127 hours. It looks to be in very good shape. Previous owner replaced fuel pump, ECU, coil, plug, and the fuse/relay box that mounts on the firewall, then gave up. My questions relate to cam/valve timing, considering the symptoms and diagnostics so far. My thinking was the woodruff key sheared off and the crank spun, making it out of time. My question is, by the pictures attached does anyone have an opinion as to the cam/valve timing being correct? In the crankshaft picture you can see a timing mark visible. In the camshaft picture I have arrows directed towards what I think are timing marks (which appear to be exactly 180 degrees from one another). However, the long arrow in what appears to be bolt configuration in line with the piston/rod line. Here is a puzzling note... in the position you see in the pictures... I have valve lash on both the intake and exhaust. I think it's at TDC, given the visible crank timing mark and valve lash on both valves. Any thoughts ? Does this appear to be in proper valve time ? Have I missed anything simple ? Thanks in advance for your input.

Hello All... (2015 MSU 500) Well, I finally got a chance to start the diagnostic on the machine. I have found: 1) has spark, 2) has fuel, fuel pump working (and injector is spraying), 3) has compression. Cranks (at a good speed), but will not start. Sounds like it wants to start, fires every once in a while, and the use of starting fluid makes no change. Not sure if the valve timing is correct. Does anyone know (or know of a good place to find) how the timing marks should be aligned for TDC ? There are 2-dimples on the camshaft (opposite of one another), and currently they appear to be in line pointing to the crank at I think what is TDC (i.e. in line with the piston, rod, and crank). I can't find an inspection window to see any crank timing marks. Also, I have what I believe to be some fault indicators displaying on the dash info display. They are as follows: 201, blinks 4 times, 202, blinks 4 times, 352, blinks 5 times, 336, blinks 5 times, and 37, blinks 5 times. Anyone know where I can find what they may be indicating ? The ECM looks brand new, and the fuse/relay box was replaced by me (previous owner destroyed it trying to get it open). The unit has only 775 miles on it, and 127 hours. It's in good shape, with what I believe all original tires and equipment (although it's missing a passenger seat). Any thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks... Larry

Thanks. I need a passenger side seat also. Been watching Marketplace but nothing yet. I guess I'll have to bite the bullet and buy a new one. Won't do that until I get it running.

Thanks. Someone has already hung several new parts on it, to no avail. That's how I got it. I can't get it to the shop for another couple of days due to the snow storm, but hopefully by the end of the week.

Hello All... Just bought a 2014 Massimo 500 UTV. It;s not running at the moment, but hopefully will soon. I need a seat for it also (passenger side, if it makes any difference.) It is a crank-but no start situation. Just now starting to read the boards for solutions. Apparently these models are well known for this issue. If anyone has any suggestions, please feel free to chime in, it would be greatly appreciated. Thanks