Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Briggs & Stratton Engine Problem, twin cylinder engines, briggs stratton engine

Question
My Craftsman 15.5 HP riding mower had a plastic flywheel ring that broke and I hadn't used it for years.  I finally got around to  replacing the ring and it worked fine 3 times then bam - in the middle of mowing the engine sounded terrible. It began to backfire out the muffler and it lost almost all its power. I stopped it almost immediately and checked what I could see but then I couldn't restart it.  After it cooled down, I could restart it but it still sounds poor and it has very limited power. It could move but barely then it stalled. Since I recently replaced the flywheel gear, I thought that maybe the flywheel key poped out and the gear slipped.  I checked and this looks fine.  Also, I can feel the compression when I turn the flywheel.  Any ideas of what I should be looking for?  The tractor model is 917.259340 and the engine is a B&S model 28N707 type 0173-01

Answer
Hello Joe:

From your Description it Sounds like the Valves Require Adjusting and you May Require a New Push Tube. The Following is a Basic File I mad for this Procedure. 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 .004in -.006in and the Exhaust to .007in - .009in. Be Sure tor Tighten the Adjuster Locks After Finishing Adjusting Each Valve. 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 at this Site Addy; http://www.briggsandstratton.com/maint_repair/manual_and_more/doclist.aspx?categ... and Enter the Model Numbers (28N707) and the First 4 Type Numbers (0173) in the Appropriate Boxes and Click GO. Then Select Download PDF. 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

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Respectfully

John