Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): 31h777 briggs & stratton single cly, twin cylinder engines, briggs stratton

Question
John,  I could not follow up as you suspected , & I have somewhat good new.
The engine finally started. I did 2 thing wrong I think. first i was looking at
the intake housing and matching it up with the top valve, wrong!!  as you
know it runs diagonally to the bottom valve. I should have looked at the
exhaust. & secondly I kept trying to start the engine before installing the
valve cover. I would assume that this was wrong, because It started eventually
after this was sealed. but after engine was hot  It would not start seemed like
either the starter was laboring on the compression stroke or the valves may
still need to be tweaked. I also seem to think too much fuel is still entering
the intake after trying to attempt to start. My plan is to have the started
checked first , the the valves, then the carb. what do you think. again thanks
for your calming & expert advice. Bill

Answer
Hi Bill:

Thanks for the Good Words. I am Glad I can be of Some Help. Check the Valve Clearance First. From your Description, it Sounds like the Compression Release is Not Operating Properly and Resetting the Valve Clearance will Correct this. **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.**  The OEM Suggest the Intake Valve Lash be Set at .004in and the Exhaust at .006in. 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