QuestionI have a Craftsman, Briggs and Stratton, 31p777-0348-e1. The rider has been running good for years. I keep oil changed, filters changed, fresh fuel. Used it last Thursday, went to start it Tuesday and no start. It cranks, but no start. I have gone through many videos and trouble shooting $$. I have replaced the magneto, sparkplug, air filter, fuel filter, and fuel pump and it has new fuel and still no start. it is getting spark. Last night I figured I would look at under the valve cover. Low and behold, smelled gas in oil that drained out, also, the intake push rod is bent....great... also noticed that battery is not drained and not holding charge...I watched a video on anti-fire solenoid, then looked at mine and noticed it was HOT without engine running. So after replacing and basically refurbishing many parts, would you say that I need to now replace the bent pushrod, adjust the rockers, (they were extremely loose), replace the solenoid, obviously drain out oil and replace with new and do you think the battery is toast. Because now it does not seem to hold a charge???
AnswerLet me know if the engine starts after replacing the push rod and adjusting the valves. If you need to find Top-Dead-Center or 1/4 inch past, just use a drinking straw or WD-40 straw inserted in the spark plug hole and you can feel the piston come up to TDC. Once at TDC, just mark the straw and measure a 1/4 inch above and then slightly rotate the engine to the 1/4 past TDC mark.
No need to remove the head unless absolutely necessary.
Eric
