QuestionQUESTION: Have replaced spark plug, battery. Believe the problem may be related to the compression release, but unable to locate on any available blowup. B&S nor Murray provide any support due to the age of the motor. My problem is identical to this persons problem:
http://en.allexperts.com/q/Small-Engines-Lawn-1746/New-starter-still-hard.htm
We have looked at the breakdown and want to attempt. Now we just need the detailed instructions that John mentioned. I see that he is no longer available for asking questions and was hoping you could help. Any information that you can provide at this point would be greatly appreciated.
ANSWER: What is the engine type and code number? I'm assuming you have a Murray riding mower. What is the model number of the tractor? The tractor model number is usually indicated on a sticker under the seat or the rear fenders.
I am also assuming that the starter does not turn the engine fast enough and you have replaced the battery and cleaned the battery cable connections and terminals with a wirebrush. Addtionally, the battery is fully charged.
Is the correct?
Please send the rest of the numbers so I can look up some information.
Eric
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QUESTION: Type 113e1 28v707
405002x8a
Yes, it is a Murray Select. Yes, the battery is brand new, and the connections and terminals are clean and well connected.
ANSWER: If anything, the valve gap tends to shrink over time so I doubt you have too much compression.
How does the starter turn the engine with the spark plug removed?
Have you removed the top engine sheet metal to see if any thing is binding causing too much friction?
Is the oil level correct?
Let me know.
Eric
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QUESTION: The engine would crank (turn over) slowly when assisted with hand on top. Btw, this is with a new, good, deep cycle battery jumped directly to it.
After some research, I bought a replacement starter as turning it by hand alone, it feels smooth, can hear/feel compression and oil looks good, level correct.
The starter will not pull the engine through the compression stroke by itself.
Facts:
New battery, spark plug, new starter.
Flywheel key not deformed.
I did purchase a manual:Manual for mower Briggs and Stratton Single cylinder L head (build after 1981)
Manual part number 270962-12/03
ANSWER: I believe your type number is 1113. Based on this information you have an L head engine. These engine rarely have any trouble with the compression release. Pull the head off the engine and check for excess carbon build up.
While your there, remove the valve breather and check the valve clearance.
How old is this engine? The first two digits in the code number indicate the year the engine was built.
Let me know the code number of the engine and if there is excess carbon in the head.
Eric
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QUESTION: 011108ze Engine Code Number
We pulled the head today and checked the clearances. They were .05 and .09. These numbers are in line with what the manual we purchased said. There was no excess carbon build up.
What would you recommend we check next?
AnswerStarters can be challenging to trouble-shoot without the special tools identified in the manual.
The manual does not really cover the compression release. Usually the compression release in ground on the cam shafts exhaust lobe.
I hate to replace parts when you don't know exactly what the problem is. The website below tells how to check the condition of battery cables.
http://www.aa1car.com/library/voltage_drop_testing.htm
I have had one cable over the years that was bad. I spent many hours, just like yourself, chasing down the problem.
Has starter ever been replaced or rebuilt?
Eric
