Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): troy bilt riding mower will not start, twin cylinder engines, sheave pulley

Question
troy bilt riding mower Model 809 garden tractor model # 14ay809p063.When I turn the key the mower just clicks, once in a while it will try to turn over (just a quarter turn not a full rotation)but not start mostly just clicks.Is this a starter problem, it started last season but always turned over after a few try's,The battery is fully charged and I replaced both plugs and also the air filter.  Thanks Ray

Answer
Hello Ray:

>>This could be a Starter Problem, a Valve Adjustment Problem, or a Sticking Sheave/Pulley Problem.
>>I Suggest you Remove the Belts from the Engine Pulley and Try to Start the Engine. If the Starter is still Responding the Same, then
>>Set the Valve Clearances and if that Does Not Correct the Problem, then
>>Remove the Starter and have your Local Automotive Parts Retailer Load Test the Starter for you. Advance and NAPA are the 2 around here that Test Starters and Alternators for Free.
>>If the Starter Responds Correct;y, then
Check the Sheaves/Pulleys. You will need to Locate3 the Sheave/Pulley that is Binding/Frozen and Replace it.
You can View a Breakdown/IPL of this Unit at this Site Addy, http://www.buymtdonline.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Home_TroyBilt_10101_19502_... and Select Use Our Detailed Parts Finder. Then Enter the Model Numbers 14ay809p063.
>>You can Locate the Correct Specification (Bolt Torque, Valve Clearances, ect) for this Engine at this Site Addy; http://outdoorpowerinfo.com/engine_specs/ and Select your Engines OEM and the Specification Chart you Require.
>>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 (see chart) and the Exhaust to (see chart) 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***
>>I have had Better Performance Out of the Mowers and Less Burnt Valves Using these Settings. Be Sure the Piston is at TDC on the Compression Stroke.**
>>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.
>>On Some Engines you can Us a Straightened Coat Hanger and Feel the Piston.
>>Be Careful and Don't Jam the Wire in the Cylinder. Usually the Piston will Push the Wire Out of the Spark Plug Hole with No Problems.
>>If you Hit a Snag or this Does Not Correct the Problem,  I am 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 5 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. Comments and Ratings are Greatly Appreciated. Thanks.

Respectfully

John