Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): cid ignition, valve spring compressor, breather vent

Question
i have an older 5hp tecumseh engine that i am currently taking appart and cleaning it all up. when i pull the starter the engine gets stuck, and i found that it is the magnet on the flywheel jamming with the other part of the starter that it passes to create electricity for the spark, is there a way to adjust this, if so how do you do that.
also is there an easy way to take valve springs out
thanks

Answer
Hello Evan:

The Coil is Set by Loosening the 2 Mounting Bolts and Using a Piece of Cardboard (I use the Side Panel from a Pepsi or Mt Dew 24 Pk). Cut the Cardboard 3" X 6". Place the Cardboard Between the Coil and the Flywheel and Allow the Magnets to Pull the Coil to the Flywheel. Tighten the Coil Mounting Bolts and then Pull the Cardboard while you Turn the Flywheel and Remove the cardboard. The Coil Gap is Now Set. The Following is a General Instruction File for Setting the Valve Clearance on Non OHV Engines. **Remove the Carburetor and the Crankcase Breather/Vent (# 8-1) and the Valve (Stem) Cover (# 8-2) so you have Access to the Valve Stems, Springs and Keepers. Set 1 Cylinder to TDC on the Compression Stroke. Using a Blade Style Feeler Gauge, Check the Clearances. The Intake should be .004in - .006in and Exhaust .007in - .009in. If the Feeler Gauge will Not Slide Between the Valve Tip and the Tappet, then you Must Reset the Clearances. **You Will Require a Small Engine Valve Spring Compressor to Remove the Springs and Keepers from the Valve Stems.** Some Engines Use a Valve Keeper that is like Automotive Keepers (2 Cone Shaped Keepers that Set in the Valve Retainer/Rotocoil Assembly)and the Other Style is a Slotted Retainer that is Moved (once the Valve Spring is Compressed) to the Larger Opening in the Retainer and the Retainer Slips Over the Valve Stem Tip for the Valve to be Removed. Remove the Heads. Set 1 Cylinder so the Piston is at TDC on the Compression Stroke And Check the Clearances Between the Valve Stem Tip and the Tappet. The Clearances are as Follows: Intake Valve Clearance is .004in - .006in and the Exhaust is .007in - .009in. You have to Lightly Grind the Valve Stem Tip and Place the Valve Back Into the Engine (you can Hold the Valve Seated by Hand) and Check the Clearance Until you Reach the Required Clearances. Once the Valve Clearances are Reached, Re-Install the Valves on that Cylinder and Turn the Other Cylinder to TDC on the Compression Stroke and Set that Cylinders Valve Clearances.  Once that Cylinder is Set, then Re-Assemble the Engine.** 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. You can View a Breakdown/IPL of this Engine at this Site Addy, http://www.outdoordistributors.com/ and Select the T. Then Select Tecumseh. Then Select Don't have Part Numbers. Then Enter the Model Numbers. Then Select your Model and Download the File for Online Viewing. 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