Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Oily Spark plug, overhead valve engines, briggs and stratton

Question
QUESTION: I have a Craftsman LT 1000 mower with a CRAFTSMAN I/C 17.5 HP OHV (BRIGGS & STRATTON)motor. It has been starting and running fine until the other day. I went to start it and it would not start. I am getting fuel and it will try to start after the very first trun and then nothing. I pulled the spark plu out and it is saturated in oil not gas I'm sure by the smell and feel. I think the problem is that the plug is getting saturated and won;t fire. The oil is just above the add mark. What could be causing oil to saturate the plug? Thanks.

ANSWER: Hello Doug:

>>Send me the Model and Type or Spec Numbers Off the Engine, Please. With these I can Locate the Proper Manual and Better Assist you. The Model Numbers May be Stamped Into the Blower Housing (metal engine cover) Above the Spark Plug or the Muffler. Many horizontal shaft, overhead valve engines have these numbers stamped into the OHV rocker cover. However, on certain overhead valve powered generators, the equipment manufacturer installs a decorative chrome rocker cover OVER the Briggs cover. If your engine has a decorative cover, it may be necessary to remove it in order to locate the Model, Type, and Code. If this is a Briggs and Stratton  Engine, then you can Also Use this Site Addy; http://www.briggsandstratton.com/maint_repair/BS_modeltypecode.pdf for Assistance in Locating the Model, Type and Code Numbers of a Briggs and Stratton Engine.
>>Usually the cause for a Fouled Plug can be as Simple as Slightly Overfilling the Crankcase with Oil, the Crankcase Vent Not Operating Correctly and Requires Cleaning and Replacing or a Broken/Stuck Oil Ring.
>>Thanks.

Respectfully

John

>>PS: I am Allowed to Answer 3 Questions a Day. If you See I am Maxxed Out, then Try Submitting your Question at or Just After 8pm EST (US). My New Day Starts then. Follow Up Questions are Accepted at Anytime. Comments and Ratings are Greatly Appreciated. Thanks.

Respectfully

John

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

QUESTION: MODEL   31C707
TYPE   0230E1 OR 7
CODE   031121ZE


Answer
Hello Again Doug:

>>You can View a Breakdown/IPL of this Engine at this Site Addy, http://www.smallenginepartswarehouse.com/parts.asp and Select the Shop Online Parts Look Up. Then Select the Model Tab. Then Select the OEM and Enter the Model (5 or 6 Digits) and Type Numbers. Example: XXXXXX-XXXX. Then Double Click on the Model in the Results Area. Select Sectional Index. Now you can Select the Section of the Engine you Wish to View.
>>Check the Valve Clearances.
>>The Following is a Basic File I made for Setting the Valve Clearances. Any Input is Appreciated.
>>**I Do Not Use the Setting Called for by the OEMs. I have Found that the Following Works Best.
>>Remove the Valve Cover (on the Dead Cylinder for Twin Cylinder Engines).
>>Check the Push Tubes and make Sure they are Not Bent.
>>Set the Cylinder you are Setting the Valves on to Top Dead Center on the Compression Stroke When Setting the Valve Clearance. Now Loosen the Valve Adjuster Lock and  Using a Blade Style Feeler Gauge, Set the Intake Valve Clearance to .004in -.006in and the Exhaust to .006in - .008in. Loosen and Tighten the Rocker Arm and the Feeler Gauge is Placed Between the Rocker Arm and the Valve Top where the Rocker Arm Pushes on the Valve.
>>***BE SURE TO TIGHTEN THE ADJUSTER LOCK AFTER YOU HAVE THE PROPER VALVE CLEARANCE***
>>If you Remove the Valve Cover and then Turn the Engine by Hand, you can Watch the Intake Valve Movement. When the Intake Valve Closes, the Piston will Just Starting the Compression/Power Stroke.
>>Position the Piston so it is Completely at the Top of the Cylinder and then Set the Valve Clearances.
>>As Always, If you Hit a Snag or this Does Not Correct the Problem,  I Hope to be Here if You Require More Assistance. Hope this Helps. Let me Know What Happens, Please. May the All Mighty Bless You and Yours. Be Safe and Happy. Thanks.

Good Luck

Respectfully

John

PS: I am Allowed to Answer 3 Questions a Day. If you See I am Maxxed Out, then Try Submitting your Question at or Just After 8pm EST (US). My New Day Starts then. All Follow up Questions are Accepted at Any Time. Comments and Ratings are Greatly Appreciated. Thanks.

Respectfully

John