Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Deere Riding Mower Wont Start, twin cylinder engines, compression stroke

Question
Hello – I have been fighting my Deere riding mower for more than a week and it is time to ask for help.  It is a GT-275 with a Kawasaki 17HP engine (FC540).  The problem is that it will crank, try to start, backfire through the carb and then will crank but not try to start again for several hours.  So far I have replaced the spark plug, checked for spark (have spark), checked for compression (have compression) and checked for pinched fuel lines.  I also put some fuel in the carb, but it didn’t seem to matter either.

I noticed that the fuel filter was less than ½ full of fuel, so wondering if that was the problem, swapped that out and still have that same issue.  Only ½ full, so not sure if that is part of the issue, but doubt it since fuel in the carb doesn’t help start it.

I am at the end of the things I can think of myself.  Any and all help pointing me in the right direction is much appreciated!!!


Answer
Hello Anson:

Have you Checked the Valve Clearances? If the Valve Clearances are Not Correct then you will have the Problem you Described. 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 Locks and Set the Intake Valve Clearance to .005in -.007in and the Exhaust to .006in - .008in. 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.** On Some Engines you can Us a Straightened Coat Hanger and Feel the Piston. Be Careful and Dont 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 the Engine and Mower at this Site Addy, http://jdpc.deere.com/jdpc/servlet/com.deere.u90490.partscatalog.view.servlets.H... and Enter the Model Numbers and Click Find. Then Select your Model from the Search Results Area. Then Select the Sectional File. Then Select the Section of the Mower you Wish to View Online. You can View a Breakdown of the Engine at this Site Addy; http://www.buykawpower.com/kmcb2c/main.jsp and Select View Parts Catalog. 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. 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. Thanks.

Respectfully

John