QuestionQUESTION: Hi,
I have a Murray 42" cut lawn tractor, circa 2002, with a 17.5HP Briggs & Stratton engine
Model: 313777
Type: 0135E1
When starting, the flywheel will rotate 2-3 times and then just "freeze up".
Battery is fully charged - starter motor is fine (tested it by removing it and starting as normal)
When I try to rotate the flywheel by-hand, it is extremely difficult. It seems "stuck" on something, but after about 1 turn, it loosens up.
I was chatting with BEN, but can't connect with him - the site says he is "Maxed out", whatever that means.
Tks for your time & assist. I'm not a mechanic by any stretch of the imagination.
ANSWER: Have you checked the valves and valve clearance?
Refer to the link below for inspecting the valves:
http://www.briggsandstratton.com/engines/support/frequently-asked-questions/Serv
I would start by removing the spark plug. Does the starter turn the engine with the spark plug removed?
Let me know.
Eric
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Yes, the engine turns fine with the spark plug removed.
AnswerThe engine turning over with the plug removed is a good thing. The next step I would do is check the valve clearance. Checking the valve clearance is pretty easy to do. Do you know how to find top-dead-center (TDC) on the compression stroke? If not, you can google and you tube on how to find Briggs and Stratton TDC. One tip I do is to remove the spark plug, remove the valve cover, rotate the engine by hand and follow the valves. The intake valve will open and then close as the piston comes up on the compression stroke. As the piston is coming up I insert a drinking straw into the spark plug hole and feel the piston as it reaches the top of the stroke (TDC). Turn the engine about 1/4 inch past TDC and then check the valve clearance with a feeler gauge. The 1/4 inch is not super critical but that's what the newer manuals tell you to do. The main point is to turn the engine just slightly past TDC.
Let me know if this helps.
Eric
