My el backfired the other day and will not start I think it might be due to timing.

Here is my problem my el turns over then stops the turns again. El is the a free running engine so I think my valves will be bent. what is the chance they r ok?? And if not is it cheaper just to whack another engine in or fix mine? Anyone know the round about price for the cheaper option done by a mechanic ?

Thanks heap for any advice

Check the dizzy, betting on stuffed aux shaft.

yer sound like it. was the gear that runs off the timing chain.
i ended up putting a new engine in $1650 later

anyway of stopping it happening as it sound like a common problem?

Aux shaft does take a hit when there are excessive revs or an oil pressure spike I think. The best way I can put it is that its a known potential issue