Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): b&s valve setting, twin cylinder engines, horizontal shaft

Question
have a b&s intek model 121602 engine. need valve setting. also is the bottom valve the intake? hard start hot checked clearance and it was .020 on both valves. thinking this is way to much. thank you for your consideratin of question.   gary

Answer
Hello Gary:

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 .008in - .010in. I have had Better Performance Out of the Mowers and Less Burnt Valves Using these Settings. On the  Horizontal Shaft Engines of this Model the Valve Clearance is Set at .005in for Both Valves. 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 and Type Numbers (first 4 digits Only). Then Double Click on the Model in the Results Area. Now you can Select the Section of the Engine you Wish to View. The Breakdown Shows the Exhaust Valve as Being on Top. However, to be Sure of Which Valve is Which; The Exhaust Valve is Smaller than the Intake Valve and the Exhaust Valve will have a Brownish Color to it. You can Also See Which Valve is Which from the Ports in the Head. The Intake and Exhaust Port Line Up with the Valve that they Serve. 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. 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