QuestionQUESTION: I have a 5 year old Craftsman Tractor with a 26hp V Twin OHV engine. While mowing I noticed a loss of power. I shut down engine immediately. It then would not start. I removed the valve covers, found 3 bent push rods and 1 broken one, exaust valve aluminum rod. A piece of the rod went into the crankcase. I removed the engine, sump and retrieved the piece. Upon inspecting the cylinder heads I discovered the valve retainer bushing on the broken rod had been pushed out of the head about 1/4 inch. I tapped this back into place. Assuming that particular exhaust valve seized and caused all of this mayhem...should I have a complete valve job done? Is this something DIY can handle? What else should be done while the engine is disassembled? Will the retainer bushing stay in place now that it has been compromised? Why did all 4 push rods bend when the one seized? Thanks for your time, I certainly appreciate all of the knowledge and advice you give out here on this forum!
ANSWER: Hello Jason:
Send me the Model and Type or Spec Numbers Off the Engine or the Mower Model Numbers, Please. With these I can Locate the Proper Manual and Better Assist you. The Engine Model Numbers May be Stamped Into the Blower Housing (metal engine cover) Above the Spark Plug. Also, I Would like to Check for a Recall on this Engine. The OHV Engines are having Valve Adjuster Problems and this May have been the Cause of the Push Tube and Retainer Problem. The Valve Clearance Slowly Loosens and then you have All the Push Tubes Jump Out of the Rocker Arm Seat or Bend and Break. It is Not than Unusal for this to Happen. I have Seen it a Lot since the OHV came Onto the Market. Thanks.
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
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: The mower is a Craftsman Model# 917.276071. The engine is a #446777-0244-E1. I have ordered new gaskets and push rods from Searspartsdirect.com and will receive them in a few days. I plan to clean all of the parts, reinstall and pray. As you suggested in another question, should I use thread locker on the valve adjustment screws? Do you have any tips on checking/setting the timing for this model once everything is back together?
Thanks,
Jason
AnswerHello Again Jason:
Yes, you should Use the Thread Locker. 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 (Both Rocker Arms will have Play in them when the Engine is at TDC) 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 Use a Straightened Coat Hanger and Feel the Piston inside the Cylinder as it Moves. Be Careful and Do Not Jam the Wire in the Cylinder. Usually the Piston will Push tech 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
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
