Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Engine hard to turn over and start, poulan pro lawn tractor, briggs stratton

Question
I have a Poulan Pro lawn tractor with a Briggs & Stratton 18.0hp engine model# 31M777-0234-E1. The engine is very hard to start. The starter will not turn the engine through the compression stroke even when hooked to a car battery with jumper cables. The engine spins freely with the spark plug out and no compression. Do you have any suggestions as to what may be causing this problem?

Answer
hi robert

yes

try adjusting  the valves  , place piston @ tdc compression stroke
then rotate the piston down the bore  1/4 inch  ( or 6.35 mm )
at this point  set inlet valve clearance to 0.003"  and exhaust to 0.005"
make sure you have a good earth and that botth push rods are straight

the inlet valve is the bottom one  as viewd from the front of engine  and has alloy push rod  and exhuast is top valve and has steel push rod  

give it a try and let me know


cheers paul