Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): 20 hp v-twin Briggs & Stratton, twin cylinder engines, briggs stratton

Question
Hello John Sr. I was given a riding mower MTD 20 hp, 46 inch, starter was missing, installed one from 11 hp briggs riding mower, seems to work but too slow to crank MTD mower,was told it was proper starter, could it be something with the valve adjustments causing the drag, with plugs removed spins really fast ( flywheel )what about jump starting with car battery? Thanks for your help.model#13AU694H062, serial # 1F189C20018, 407777 ENGINE model, 0124 e1 engine type

Answer
Hello John:

On this Model Engine it Can be the Valve Adjustment. 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 .003in -.005in and the Exhaust to .008in - .010in. I have had Better Performance Out of the Mowers and Less Burnt Valves Using these Settings. 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 Numbers 407777-0124. Then Double Click on the Model in the Results Area. Now you can Select the Section of the Engine you Wish to View. If you Jump Start the Engine; DO NOT HAVE THE VEHICLE RUNNING THAT YOU ARE JUMPING FROM. The Alternator on the Vehicle will Overload the Small Stator on the Mower and Burn it Out. Use Just the Battery of the Vehicle. You can Charge the Battery in the Mower Using the Car Alternator, but Only for 5 Minutes Maximum. Any Longer and you May Burn the Battery Up. Hope this Helps. I am Here if You Require More Assistance. Let me Know What Happens, Please. Thanks.

Good Luck

Respectfully

John

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Respectfully

John