Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Mower starter repair/replacement, twin cylinder engines, briggs and stratton

Question
I have a Cub Cadet LT1018 riding mower with a Briggs and Stratton 18.5 HP OHV engine (model 31Q777). It's about 3 years old. It seems as if the engine starter is not turning fast enough to crank engine. It seemed to work OK at the beginning of last season, but has gotten a little more sluggish as the season progressed. I've replaced the battery. I've even tried to jump start the engine using my truck, but the mower engine turns slowly but still won't crank. Do I need to replace the starter? If so, can you tell me how to remove the starter motor and replace it with a new one? Any advice on where I could find some simple instructions on this procedure? Inexpensive shop manuals maybe...(I'm quite the novice and "all thumbs", but I want to do this myself. ... kind of stuborn too.) Any assistance would be appreciated.

Answer
Hello David:

If the Vehicle was Running when you Jumped the Mower, then you May have to Replace the Stator/Alternator or Voltage Regulator (if this Model has One). The Problem you Described has Become a Common Problem for all the Engine OEMs. The Valve Clearance Requires Resetting. **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) 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 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: 31Q777-XXXX. Then Double Click on the Model in the Results Area. Now you can Select the Section of the Engine you Wish to View. 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