Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): valve adjustment, compression stroke, exhaust stroke

Question
i have a 18 hp v-twin briggs 405777 . my question is after the exhaust stroke ,the piston comes up to top dead center , is it at that point where i set the valve lash

Answer
Check out this site:

http://www.briggsandstratton.com/engines/support/frequently-asked-questions/Engi

The directions actually state to check the valve clearances 1/4 inch past TDC on the compression stroke.  The 1/4 inch in not critical, in fact, the old procedure just called for TDC on the compression stroke but I follow the new directions since the engineers probably have a good reason for the procedure.

Eric