QuestionI have a craftsman riding mower, model # 917.272673 LT 1000. I am having trouble cranking it, thought it was the starter, replaced it still the same. I have had to replace the battery every season, however this year a new battery wouldn't crank it. Put new battery on charger to crank and it fianlly did, but battery is not holding a charge. Any input to solve this situation would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Russell
AnswerHello Russell:
>>From your Description it Sounds like you have a Couple of Problems here.
>>1- The Valve Clearances Require Setting.
>>The Following is a Basic File I made for Setting the Valve Clearances. Any Input is Appreciated.
>>**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).
>>Check the Push Tubes and make Sure they are Not Bent.
>>Set the Cylinder you are Setting the Valves on to Top Dead Center on the Compression Stroke When Setting the Valve Clearance. Now Loosen the Valve Adjuster Lock and Using a Blade Style Feeler Gauge, Set the Intake Valve Clearance to .004in -.006in and the Exhaust to .006in - .008in. Loosen and Tighten the Rocker Arm and the Feeler Gauge is Placed Between the Rocker Arm and the Valve Top where the Rocker Arm Pushes on the Valve.
>>***BE SURE TO TIGHTEN THE ADJUSTER LOCK AFTER YOU HAVE THE PROPER VALVE CLEARANCE***
>>I have had Better Performance Out of the Mowers and Less Burnt Valves Using these Settings. Be Sure the Piston is at TDC on the Compression Stroke.**
>>If you Remove the Valve Cover and then Turn the Engine by Hand, you can Watch the Intake Valve Movement. When the Intake Valve Closes, the Piston will Just Starting the Compression/Power Stroke.
>>On Some Engines you can Us a Straightened Coat Hanger and Feel the Piston.
>>Be Careful and Don't Jam the Wire in the Cylinder. Usually the Piston will Push the Wire Out of the Spark Plug Hole with No Problems.
>>2- The Stator (charging coils) or Voltage Regulator is Bad and Requires Replacing.
>>For Testing the Electrical (Charging) System on Mowers you can Use this Site Addy; http://engines.myfaqcenter.com/Answer.aspx?p_faqid=3438 and Use the Link for AC Volts/DC Amps Meter Setting Chart. This is for Briggs Engines and Works Well for Kohler and Other Engine OEMs.
>>If you Jumped the Small Engine with an Automobile and the Auto Engine was Running at the Time, then the Auto Charging System Shorted the Small Engine Charging System.
>>****Never Use a Running Engine or Battery Charger to Jump a Small Engine.****
>>The Charging Systems Usually are Different and the Larger AMP System will Short the Lower AMP System (Usually the Small Engine System).
>>For Testing the Electrical (Charging) System on Mowers you can Use this Site Addy; http://engines.myfaqcenter.com/Answer.aspx?p_faqid=3438 and Use the Link for AC Volts/DC Amps Meter Setting Chart. This is for Briggs Engines and Works Well for Kohler and Other Engine OEMs.
>>If you Hit a Snag or this Does Not Correct the Problem, I am Here if You Require More Assistance. Hope this Helps. Let me Know What Happens, Please. May the All Mighty Bless You and Yours. Be Safe and Happy. Thanks.
Good Luck
Respectfully
John
PS: I am Allowed to Answer 5 Questions a Day. If you See I am Maxxed Out, then Try Submitting your Question at or Just After 8pm EST (US). My New Day Starts then. Comments and Ratings are Greatly Appreciated. Thanks.
Respectfully
John
