QuestionQUESTION: I have a Murray 40504x92 riding mower with a 12.5 HP Briggs & Stratton engine. When I try to start the mower, the starter can only turn the flywheel part way before teh flywheel locks-up. I thought the flywheel key pin might be sheared so I pulled the flywheel off. It wasn't. With the flywheel off, I turned the crankshaft by hand. It turned with resistance in spots until it finally got stuck. Now, continuing to turn it by hand, the crankshaft only turns 1/4 way before it gets stuck. Do you have any ideas? Thanks for your help!
ANSWER: Hello Tom:
Is this an OHV Engine? If it is, then the Valves May Require Adjusting. To Adjust 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. 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 Numbers Off the Engine, Please. With these I can Locate the Proper Manual and Better Assist you. Go to this Site Addy, http://www.smallenginepartswarehouse.com/parts.asp and Select Shop Online Parts Look Up. Then Select the Model Tab. Then Select the OEM (Murray) and Enter the Model Numbers. Then Double Click on your Model in the Results Area. Then Select the Section of the Mower 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
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QUESTION: The engine is a Briggs & Stratton Model 28V707 Type 1113-E1. I removed the head and pushed on the piston. The piston pushed in without the crankshaft moving. This must mean that the piston rod is broke. Fixing this is probablly above my skill level. How would I go about repairing this? Should I turn to a small engine repairman, or should I trash the mower?
AnswerHello Again Tom:
You are Correct. The Connecting Rod has Broken. To Me the Replacement is a Simple Job Once the Engine is On the Bench. I Just Hate Removing them From the Frames. LOL. If the Connecting Rod Broke at the Crankshaft, then a Short Block is the Next Alternative to a Complete Engine or Mower. If the Connecting Rod Broke and Did Not Damage the Connecting Rod, then Look at the Breakdown 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. Then Double Click on the Model in the Results Area. Now you can Select the Section of the Engine you Wish to View. If After Reviewing the Breakdown, you Feel you want to Attempt the Repair, then I can Assist you with Any Questions you May Have. You can Also Investigate the Cost of a Short Block. With a Short Block, you Use the Cylinder Head and All the External Components Off your Engine to Make a Complete Engine. You have a Warranty with the Short Block Also. For Short Block Prices; I Suggest you Check with your Local Small Engine Service Center and Compare their Prices with Outdoor Distributors @ 1-877-707-2787 for Prices on the Parts, Short Block or Complete Engine. Hope this Helps. I am Here if You Require More Assistance. Let me Know What Happens, Please. Thanks.
Good Luck
Respectfully
John
