My 2008 propane Dixie won't start. It's getting spark, compression, and I smell fuel. I pulled flywheel to check key and can't tell if it is designed this way or if it's getting ready to shear. Engine is a GTV760 and according to parts manual it takes part number 082774 (4x19d) which is pictured as an ordinary half moon key with no offset.
Is this an offset woodruff key?
- Thread starter Ghost1
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That does look like an offset key to me but I don't think they used those....so, not sure to be honest. Hopefully someone will chime in with more experience.
That does look like an offset key to me but I don't think they used those....so, not sure to be honest. Hopefully someone will chime in with more experience.
NOPE. That is a damaged key that should be straight. It is also the reason that the engine won't start.
Buy the correct key and it will run fine.
Buy the correct key and it will run fine.
You can often get a set of replacements at Harbor Freight Tools. Cut and file to size.
That key doesnt look damaged, it looks like an offset. The manufacturer of the unit may specify different timing, do a deeper dive into this before replacing the key with a straight one.
Well if that keyway got machined in the wrong location on the crank and you have hundreds if not thousands of bad cranks you have to come up with a creative solution for a cheap fix to save all those bad crankshafts. Hence the offset key. I've seen a few things done with bad parts over the years. That crank key look like it was made that way to me perhaps for a reason and not damaged.
I think it is normal to run more advance on propane engines than gasoline. If there is not an offset key, then I think there would be a special ignition module.
What is the actual model number of the engine? Jack's small engines lists 4 different GTV760's that call for the 082774, and a 5th GTV760 "OLD" (as they list it) that calls for a 062774 woodruff key that's NLA. Perhaps yours, being an '08, is the "old" version of the engine that takes the alternate part?
The discontinued 062774 Woodruff key crosses over to a G082774 Woodruff key which is not offset.
From what I read offsetting the key alters the timing +- 7 degrees depending on orientation of the key which would make sense if propane fueled requires different timing settings.
That little bit of advance shouldn't be the cause of not starting. Propane has a high octane rating but lower BTU content so the timing is likely advanced a bit to help reduce the power loss from the gaseous fuel. Maybe shut off the propane supply, and try starting it with a small gasoline prime.
I can't thank everyone enough for helping me keep this mower running. As far as any numbers on engine, I can find none. The original tag had nothing but engine size. There's no model/type numbers anywhere like on other engine manufactures. I've attached pics of key and just from looking, it seems to me that it's made with an offset. I did try to drizzle small amount of two cycle mix in one of the cylinders and didn't even get a pop even though it does have spark and compression. I reached out to Generac hoping to get some info with no response.
That is 100% an offset key and probably not an issue or the no start problem. Did you check the spark at the plugs electrode or just the wire? If at the wire try another plug and give it a whiff of starting fluid.
That is an offset key, engine may not have came that way, someone in the past may have "hot rodded" it a little. There are tons of tri-fuel generators out there now that don't alter timing when switching fuel.
That key isn't the reason for a no start condition.
That key isn't the reason for a no start condition.
JTK
$100 Site Donor 2025
As Trav mentioned above, give a good shot of starting fluid in the carburetor to see if it fires. You say it's got good spark, good compression and the key way isn't the issue. This would point to a fueling issue.
The fuel filter or regulator might be restricted.
CleanSump
Site Donor 2026
Offset keys are to adjust clocking or timing of something driven on a shaft is all. Most likely a production change to the magnetic trigger in this case. They were common for advancing camshafts by clocking the timing gears back in the good old days.
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