Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): hard to pullstart, air mixture, blue thread

Question
QUESTION: After setting up this winter I change the plug air filter and the oil in the tiller. It ran great. one week latter I tried to crank the tiller.My briggs 6.5 hp tiller is hard to pull start.I even broke the cord twice and messed up the spring once. I found the crank was full of gas. I fixed the the float problem but still very hard to start. Once started run like new.
ANSWER:   Hello Isaiah:

 Install a Manual Cut Off in the Gas Line and Stop the Gas Flow to the Carburetor when the Engine is Not in Use. This will Help Prevent the Crankcase from Filling with Gas Again, even if the Float in the Carburetor Sticks Open. Is the Engine Knocking Any at All? The Reason for the Engine being Hard to Start is Most Likely Due to the Decrease in Compression Due to the Gas Washing the Rings or the Carburetor Air Mixture Screws May Need Adjusting. If the Engine Was Not Run with the Gas in the Oil, then there Should be No Damage to the Engine. Hope this Helps. I am here if you Require more Assistance. Thanks.

 Good Luck

 Respectfully

 John

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I will install a cut off. I forgot to tell you that it has a ohv. so which way do I turn the only screw?  

Answer
 Hello Again Isaiah:

 Forget the Carburetor for Now. The OHV does Make a Difference. Reset the Valve Clearance. The Intake is Set to .003in - .005in and the Exhaust is Set to .008in - .010in. Be Sure to Put a Small Amount of Blue Thread Loc on the Adjuster Once the Valves are Set to Help Lock the Adjuster and Prevent the Adjuster from Loosening. Hope this Helps. I am here if you Require more Assistance. Thanks.

 Good Luck

 Respectfully

 John