QuestionI a have a B&S engine on a zero radius mower. Very difficult to start for the last 2 yrs. Usually have to jump it off. I replaced the battery and it still wont start. i look up starters, which are very costly. Is it likely that I need a new starter or just certain components in the starter.
AnswerHello Bobby:
>>I Used the 31E707-0129-E1 Engine for a Reference.
1->>Have you Checked the Alternator/Stator/Charging Coils and made Sure the Alternator/Stator/Charging Coils are Charging the Battery?
2->>Is this an OHV Engine? If Yes, then Set the Valve Clearances.
>>Usually when the Alternator/Stator/Charging Coils or the Valves Require Adjusting you will have the Problem you Described.
>>If by Chance the Starter is the Cause of the Starting Problem, then Usually you can Replace the Bushings and Brushes and the Starter will be as Good as New.
>>I DO NOT Suggest Rebuilding the Starter Until you are Sure the Valves are Correctly Set and the Alternator/Stator/Charging Coils are Charging the Battery Correctly. If you Jumped the Engine Using an Automobile and the Auto's Engine was Running During the Jump Process, then the Alternator/Stator/Charging Coil or the Voltage Regulator (if the Engine has one) is Now Trashed and Will have to be Replaced.
I Suggest you Set the Valve Clearance and then Check the Charging System. Then if Both of these are Good, Rebuild the Starter.
>>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 (first 4 digits Only). 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.
>>Go to this Site Addy; http://faqs.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/faqs.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=3438&p... and Use the Information and the Test Chart Links to Properly Determine the Charging System on your Engine and Correctly Test the Charging Sytem to Determine if it is Charging Properly. This Site Addy; http://www4.briggsandstratton.com/miscpdfs/RNT/alternator_id.pdf will Assit you in Determining you Systems Charging System.
>>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***
>>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.
>>Please, Do Not Hesitate, If you Hit a Snag, if I Missed Something 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. Thanks.
Good Luck
Respectfully
John
>>PS: I am Allowed to Answer 10 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
