Won't turn over unless clutch is engaged

[DavidBarkey]

I guess someone thought open was the new closed

[Harry]

I think it got bent somehow. After I fixed the switch so it turns over like it's supposed to, it cranked but wouldn't start. It had spark at the plug fuel at the carb but a compression test showed only 20 lbs. Crazy tractor chasing these bugs. I pulled the head off this morning and the heead gasket showed leakage. I was lucky to find one this morning and picked up a can of the copper head gasket sealant. Put it all back together using the torque sequence, waiting a little betwen torques. Fired up ran for awhile then shut it off and retorqed the head bolts. I'm wondering what I'll find next as I'm working the bugs out!

Keep the Peace
Harry

[Eugen]

@Harry, how did you check compression? The 444 has automatic compression release.

[JSinMO]

I think it got bent somehow. After I fixed the switch so it turns over like it's supposed to, it cranked but wouldn't start. It had spark at the plug fuel at the carb but a compression test showed only 20 lbs. Crazy tractor chasing these bugs. I pulled the head off this morning and the heead gasket showed leakage. I was lucky to find one this morning and picked up a can of the copper head gasket sealant. Put it all back together using the torque sequence, waiting a little betwen torques. Fired up ran for awhile then shut it off and retorqed the head bolts. I'm wondering what I'll find next as I'm working the bugs out!

Keep the Peace
Harry

I know it can be aggravating to chase down gremlins, but it sounds like you have it well on the way to being back in service. Might end up being a pretty good machine!