Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Craftsman DLT-3000 riding mower w/ B&S 18.5 Intek Engin, twin cylinder engines, craftsman dlt 3000

Question
John, I have had this mower for just 2 years now, and I went to use it for the first time this year yesterday, and after 10 minutes it started sputtering and backfiring out the carb, and then it died. It wont crank over now and seems to be tied up almost. It did try to start once or twice, but it had no power at full throttle and then eventually died back out. When I turn the key all it does is click and whine. its like it cant overcome the compression. It is fully charged and full of fresh gas and full on oil. You answered another persons question with a similar problem on this same mower back in November of 2007. I'm very disappointed with this mower the quality is sub par at best, but I need to get cutting, and 2 1/2 acres is a lot of grass to cut with 25 year old push mower! I hope you can help. The B&S engine is family # 5BSXS.5012VP 276016. Its the 18.5HP OHV IntekPus. The mower is Craftsman DLT3000, Mod# 917.275820 Serial #082505C017340.

Answer
Hello Marc:

Check and Reset the Valve Clearances. **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.**   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 (31P777) and Type Numbers (0296) in the Appropriate Boxes and Click GO. Then Select Download PDF. To View a Breakdown of this Unit Go to this Site Addy, http://www.searspartsdirect.com/partsdirect/index.action and Enter the Model Numbers (917.275820) and Click Search. From this Page you can View Diagrams and Parts Lists for you Equipment Using the "View Sub Components" Section. 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