Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): starter having trouble turning over engine, twin cylinder engines, craftsman riding mower

Question
i have a 2004 craftsman riding mower with a 18.5 briggs@stratton engine motor# 31p7770348e1
mower # 917 273634. the starter is having trouble turning the motor over. i've replaced the battery twice. and just put a brand new starter on it. it will now crank again but it still has a spot in it where the starter will not turn it. you have to bump the key a few times to get it past that point and then it will crank. i know it's going to burn that starter up if i keep doing that. also found the electric clutch for the blades is shorted to ground, it had blew the fuse. i know i'm going to need a clutch but could this be part of the engine starting problem? the pulley for the blades is not turning when i am trying to start the motor. any help would be greatful thanks!!

Answer
Hello Craig:

Reset the Valves. 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. On Some Models you can Use a Stiff Wire or Pencil  and Place it in the Spark Plug Hole. Carefully Turn the Engine Until the Wire/Pencil Stops Moving Out of the Plug Hole. This will be TDC Also. 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. The Compression Release System Can Not Operate Properly and Causes the Engine to Have to Much Compression for the Starter. This is a Common Problem with the OHV Engines. 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 (31P777-0348). Then Double Click on the Model in the Results Area. Now you can Select the Section of the Engine you Wish to View. Hope this Helps. I am Here if You Require More Assistance. 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