Questioncrafstman riding mower with a 17.5 hp engine- b/s model #31c707, type 0230e1 04
Motor will not crank over fast enough to start.Starter seems to drag and bearly turns motor over. I have attempted to trouble shoot as noted -
- At first thought it may be the battery and replaced it. no change in cranking.
- can hear solenoid clicking
- bypassed safety switches, attempted to crank -same result
- attempted to bypass ignition switch by jumping from a car battery directly to solenoid and starter- still same result
only way I could get motor to crank quickly was by removing the sparkplug. At the same time I noticed no spark ( could have been when safety switcheds were bypassed)
- spark plug was moist from fuel.
the only thing I noticed out of place was that the as the clutch pedal was engaged (switch was in place) that I could make the starter bump over by moving the pedal in a certain position. But even doing so, the motor would bearly move as in a compression stroke but not spin quickly.
Is there any thing else that I can check or could it be the clutch safety switch is faulty and why would it still do it when switch was bypassed?
let me thank you ahead of time for any information you could pass on. I'm stumped.
johnny
AnswerHello Johnny:
You have 2 Problems here. 1- the Clutch Switch May have Broken Loose from it Mount or it is Bad. 2- The Valve Clearance Requires Resetting. 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 Sone Engines you can Us a Straightened Coat Hanger and Feel the Piston. Be Careful and Don't 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 (31c707) and Type Numbers (0230) 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
