QuestionHI JOHN
TROYBUILT PONY MODEL 31C707, TYPE 0154E1, CODE 040806ZA. 17.5 HORSEPOWER, BRIGGS AND STRATTON.YEAR 2004.
WONT ALWAYS START NEW BATTERY.STARTER BINDS IN FLYWHEEL AND WONT SPIN ENGINE. REMOVE SPARK PLUG SPINS FAST AND FREE. INSTALL SPARK PLUG STARTER BINDS IN FLYWHEEL, BACK OFF COMPRESION BY HAND AND STARTER SPINS TILL COMP GETS TIGHT AGAIN. DO YOU THINK STARTER IS BAD OR NEEDS VALVES ADJUSTED. I REMOVED STARTE HOOKED IT UP TO CABLES AND IT SPINS FINE. STARTER DOES SMELL BURNT.
THANKS PLEASE HELP
AnswerHello Doug:
>>This is a Common Problem with the OHV Engines they are Building these Days.
The Valve Clearances have to be Set so the Compression Release can Operate Properly.
>>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).
>>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.
>>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: 31C707-0154-E1. 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.
>>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
