QuestionJohn,
I had the Craftman technician come out Monday 6-16-08 and he said my tractor engine had ceased because he can't turn it by hand.
He saw metal shavings in the engine but no broken parts.
The shavings he saw are probably from when I re-threaded the spark plug hole a week prior.
The Technician observed that the oil level has was low. I I could have done a better job in topping the oil.
A new engine for DLT3000, Eng model #31P777, type #0296-E1 is $1000.00.
Not sure if it is the starter because the engine turned by hand Sunday, but after I installed a new solenoid and battery, it cranked a bit when I turned the key, and the starter gear rose up into the gears of the engine and stayed there.
Is the starter gear supposed to come back down after the engine is stopped?
Any suggestions on where to go from here?
It now has a new battery, new solenoid, new spark plug, new fuel filter.
AnswerHello Again Ted:
I Assumed you had Removed the Cylinder Head when you Tapped the Spark Plug Hole. Never Should a Spark Plug Hole be Tapped Unless the Head is Off the Engine. The Starter Gear will Not Drop Down from the Starter Ring Until the Engine Starts. Have you Checked the Valve Clearance? 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. 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 Type Numbers (XXXX) 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
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
