QuestionQUESTION: I have a Briggs 23hp Vangaurd Horizontal shaft engine and I want to adjust/set the valves. I am pretty mechanical but I like to operate from some documentation. But I have not been able to find any on this engine.
I know that the setting are around 6 to 11 thousands but I an not sure if intake or exhaust. Can you help?
ANSWER: Hello Mark:
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. Send me the Model and Type or Spec Numbers Off the Engine, Please. With these I can Locate the Proper Manual and Better Assist you. If you Hit a Snag or this Does Not Correct the Problem, then 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 9pm EST (US). My New Day Starts then. Thanks.
Respectfully
John
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: John, I did what you said and no change. What the engine is doing is, when I turn the key it will start to roll over and stop, like it has too much compression. Then I let go of the key and hit it again, then the engine will roll over and start. Somtimes it will do this two or three times before it starts. I have replaced all the electical parts trying to fix this. The Model is 380477, Type 0048-E1, Code 00011311.
AnswerHello Again Mark:
You have to Make Sure the Cylinder that you are Setting the Valve Clearance On is at TDC when Setting the Clearance. For the Problem you Described, the Common Causes are; 1- The Valves are Out of Adjust and the Compression Release is Not Functioning Properly. Resetting the Valve Clearance Corrects the Problem. 2- The Starter has a BAD Spot in the Armature or Windings that Causes the Starter to Hang at a Certain Point in the Starters Operation. Replacing the Starter Corrects the Problem. 3- The Battery has a Weak/Bad Cell and Must be Replaced to Correct the Problem. Most Times if the Starter and Battery are Good and the Engine Oil Level is Correct, then the Valves are the Cause. On the OHV Engines the Valves are a Major Cause for the Problem you Described. You can View a Breakdown/IPL of this Engine at this Site Addy, http://www.outdoordistributors.com/ and Select the B. Then Select Briggs and Stratton. Then Select Don't have Part Numbers. Then Select the File # 38. Then Select the Folder # 380400. Hope this Helps. I am Here if You Require More Assistance. Let me Know What Happens, Please. Thanks.
Good Luck
Respectfully
John
