QuestionQUESTION: i just got a craftsman 42" 19.5 hp and it wont start.
it broke down last year and the guy just left it sitting in the front yard.
917.270824 manual shows 917.270823 so take your pick.
engine 461707, type 0145e1, NC 498542
even when jumping with the truck cant turn over, the fly wheel stops when the magnet hits the coil.
i read it might be the valves?
i sprayed carb cleaner down the intake no combustion.
has spark weak tho. i disconnected the ground out for the coil.
i dont see any way to set the valves.
i took one head off just as the piston is getting to the top "of the exhaust stroke" the exhaust valve is still 1mm from being closed ,the intake valve opens should it open this soon?
also, the dip stick is missing and i noticed oil spiting out of the tube, just a little tho.
fyi i did change the oil. new plugs. new gas.
if you think its the valves can you tell me how to adjust them?
thanks.
ANSWER: Hello Patrick:
You can View a Breakdown/IPL of this Engine at this Site Addy, http://www.smallenginepartswarehouse.com/parts.asp and Select the Shop Online Parts Look Up. Then Select the Model Tab. Then Select the OEM and Enter the Model (5 or 6 Digits) and Type Numbers (first 4 digits Only). Example: 461707-0145. Then Double Click on the Model in the Results Area. Select Sectional Index. Now you can Select the Section of the Engine you Wish to View. 1- You have the L-Head Engine, Not the OHV Engine. Check the Flywheel Key before you Try Setting the Valves. A Damaged Flywheel Key will Cause the Problem you Described on the L-Head Engine. If the Flywheel Key is Good, then Let me Know and I will Send you the Complete Instructions for Setting the L-Head Valve Clearance. For Checking the Flywheel Key; ***Remove the Blower Housing (metal engine cover). Remove the Flywheel Nut or Starter Cup (Depends on the Model). Now Attach a Steering Wheel Puller to the Flywheel Using the Threaded Holes in the Flywheel. Tighten the Puller. Now Hit the Puller with a Hammer. Repeat this Procedure Until the Flywheel Pops Up or can be Lifted Off the Crankshaft. On Some Models you Can Not Use a Puller and Must Use a Pry Bar and a Pipe Cap that is Slightly Larger than the Crankshaft. Place the Pipe Cap Over the Crankshaft to Protect it. Place the Pry Bar Under the Thick Section of the Flywheel and Pull Up Against the Flywheel. **BE CAREFUL DO NOT PUT A HOLE IN THE BLOCK UNDER THE FLYWHEEL** Now Hit the Pipe Cap that is on the Crankshaft (covered with the Pipe Cap). Repeat the Procedure Until the Flywheel can be Lifted Off the Crankshaft. *** 2- To Reset the Valve Clearance. Remove All the Metal Covers that you Need to to have Access to the Cylinder Head/s. Remove the Carburetor and the Crankcase Breather/Vent and the Valve Cover so you have Access to the Valve Stems, Springs and Keepers. Set 1 Cylinder to TDC on the Compression Stroke. Using a Blade Style Feeler Gauge, Check the Clearances. The Intake should be .004in - .006in and Exhaust .007in - .009in. If the Feeler Gauge will Not Slide Between the Valve Tip and the Tappet, then you Must Reset the Clearances. **You Will Require a Small Engine Valve Spring Compressor to Remove the Springs and Keepers from the Valve Stems.** Some Engines Use a Valve Keeper that is like Automotive Keepers (2 Cone Shaped Keepers that Set in the Valve Retainer/Rotocoil Assembly)and the Other Style is a Slotted Retainer that is Moved (once the Valve Spring is Compressed) to the Larger Opening in the Retainer and the Retainer Slips Over the Valve Stem Tip for the Valve to be Removed. Remove the Heads. Set 1 Cylinder so the Piston is at TDC on the Compression Stroke And Check the Clearances Between the Valve Stem Tip and the Tappet. The Clearances are as Follows: Intake Valve Clearance is .004in - .006in and the Exhaust is .007in - .009in. You have to Lightly Grind the Valve Stem Tip and Place the Valve Back Into the Engine (you can Hold the Valve Seated by Hand) and Check the Clearance Until you Reach the Required Clearances. Once the Valve Clearances are Reached, Re-Install the Valves on that Cylinder and Turn the Other Cylinder to TDC on the Compression Stroke and Set that Cylinders Valve Clearances. Once that Cylinder is Set, then Re-Assemble the Engine. 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
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: ya i already checked the woodruff key it was good.
so a feeler gauge should fit between the valve and the "push rod" under the 1.5" x 3" covers?
there is no gap.
ANSWER: Hello Again Patrick:
Yes, Set 1 Cylinder so the Piston is at Top Dead Center on the Compression Stroke. There Should be the Clearances I Listed in the Previous E-Mail. If there is No Clearance, then the Valve Tips Must be Ground to the Proper Clearance. Grind a SMALL AMOUNT at a Time. Then Repeat the Process for the Other Cylinder. Set the Other Cylinder, ect. 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
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: i got the valves adj.
it just doesnt want to turn over.
could it be the starter?
ill jump it with my truck and the starter cant turn it sometimes.
if i pull the plugs out it turns it ok.
i might try a diff. battery.
the battery turned my 11hp over fine.
i just dont know what im missing.
even if the sparks not strong enough it still should turn over.
any clue what im missing
AnswerHi Patrick:
If you Set the Valves Correctly (with the Cylinders Set at TDC on the Compression Stroke), then the Starter May be Dragging. The Starter May have Been Damaged Due to the Valves being Out of Adjustment. I have had this Happen Several Times. Usually the Customer has Already Changed the Starter (thinking that was the Problem) before they Bring it to the Shop and All we have to Do is Set the Valves to Correct the Starting Problem. You have Already Eliminated the Flywheel Key as the Cause. 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
