Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): engine is hard to turn over at times ETC!!!, twin cylinder engines, compression stroke

Question
Can You Help Me Please I Have A 17.5 HP B&S OHV I/C Engine Model # Is 31H777. I Have Never Adjusted The Valves Before So I Am Going To Try This . How Will I Know When The One Valve Is At TDC? & Then The Other One ? And What Should I Set It At. The Motor Will Start Sometimes & At Times When It Does It Sounds Like A Cherry Bomb Went Off From The Carb I Believe. I Just Put A Nes Plug In & A Inline Gas Shut Off. Please Explain This In Layman Terms Ok?

Answer
Hello Gary:

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. 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. 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