Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Briggs inteck 20 hp John Deere, overhead valve engines, southern drawl

Question
This engine has given me trouble for about one year. It had two bent push rods, due to stuck valves and heavy carbon deposits- what caused it I could never determine. Last week it started running on one cylinder and backfiring. I cleaned the crap out of the tank and the carb, replaced the fuel lines, fuel and air filters, readjusted the valves to .004" intake,  .008" on the exhaust. Now it sounds like a diesel without the smoke. What can I do? There are no carb adjustments. Plugs are new. Can anyone help? Sorry about Southern drawl.


Answer
Hello Billy:

LOL. No Worries about the Southern Drawl. I have the Southern Drawl also. From your Description it Sounds like the Exhaust Valve Clearance May Require a Slightly Closer Clearance. I Suggest you Try .006in for the Exhaust Valve Clearance. Some of the Briggs Model Engines have a .004in CLearance for Both Valves. I have Found the the Exhaust Clearance is Better for those Engine Models if Set at .006in. Instead of at .004in. You can View a Breakdown/IPL of the Engine at this Site Addy; http://www.briggsandstratton.com/maint_repair/manual_and_more/doclist.aspx?categ... and Enter the Model Numbers (XXXXXX) and the First 4 Type Numbers (XXXX) in the Appropriate Boxes and Click GO. Then Select Download PDF. Send me the Model and Type or Spec Numbers Off the Engine, Please. With these I can Locate the Proper Manual and Better Assist you. The Model Numbers May be Stamped Into the Blower Housing (metal engine cover) Above the Spark Plug. Many horizontal shaft, overhead valve engines have these numbers stamped into the OHV rocker cover. However, on certain overhead valve powered generators, the equipment manufacturer installs a decorative chrome rocker cover OVER the Briggs cover. If your engine has a decorative cover, it may be necessary to remove it in order to locate the Model, Type, and Code. You can Also Use this Site Addy; http://www.briggsandstratton.com/maint_repair/BS_modeltypecode.pdf for Assistance in Locating the Model, Type and Code Numbers of the Engine. 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