Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): timing a briggs and stratton 12.5 motor, engine model type, head valve engine

Question
Hi, I have the head apart so i can see the piston move up and down and the valves move. I need to time this because it wont start unless jumped and the battery isnt bad. So how do i get to the cam shaft and time it correctly?

Tim

Answer
What is the engine model, type and code number?  I don't think timing is the problem as it is mechanically set by the camshaft and crankshaft gear.  I've never seen a camshaft "jump" timing unless the carmshaft complete broke.  In this case you have to pretty much rebuild the engine.

However, you may need to set the valve gap if the engine is an over-head valve engine.  Either way I need the engine model, type and code to look up your engine specs.  Or, you can just visit this link:

http://engines.myfaqcenter.com/Answer.aspx?p_faqid=3441&body_0$tbKeyword=valve clearance

Eric