Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Head gasket Craftsman Eager 1 6.75 HP, craftsman eager 1, craftsman lawn mower

Question
QUESTION: Hello , I have a 12 yr old Craftsman Lawn mower with the Eager 1 6.75 HP engine , it has never given me any problems until recently when the head gasket blew . I now have a replacement gasket and before i refit it i would like a bit of advice . Firstly how do i clean the carbon from the head and piston crown and also when refitting the gasket do i use a gasket sealant or is it just a compression joint ? When tightening the head bolts what is the correct sequence and torque setting . Sorry for all the questions i do not have a manual , i live in the UK and imported the mower back in '99 ! Thanks for your help !

ANSWER: I use a gasket scraper or putty knive to clean the carbon.  After scraping and blowing with compressed air I rotate the piston and spray carb cleaner in the cylinder to clean the cylinder.  Blow dry with compressed air.

No sealant on the head gasket, just install new gasket and torque.

Let me know if the links below cover you mower:

http://bsintek.basco.com/BriggsDocumentDisplay/default.aspx?filename=cdhkrJvLlSZ

http://www.smallenginesuppliers.com/html/engine-specs/tecumseh/Tecumseh_4-Cycle_

Eric

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: HI Eric

Thanks for the advice the links do not cover my engine , my mower is a push mower ( self propelled ) Model number 143.996704 Family WTPXS.2071BA  Displacement 207 and D.O.M 8335 K

Hope this helps as i would really like to know the torque settings and head tightening sequence

Thanks for the advice and ur time

Paul

Answer
Your engine is a Tecumseh VLV126-502525D.  

http://www.outdoordistributors.com/pdf/Tecumseh/CRAFTSMAN-MODEL-143.996704-PARTS

You have a basic L head engine.  You will find almost all L-head headbolts are torqued to 200 inch pounds.  Are you headbolts 5/16 inch?  Does a 1/2 inch socket fit the bolt head?

See page 82 for the torque sequence.  

Let me know if the links help.

Eric