Lawn Mower Repair Valve Adjustment Briggs and Stratton V-Twin

[robowmower2005]

I had set my valve gaps precisely to spec. and still my B & S 18.5hp would not turn over. I proved all other components were good..starter, solenoid, electrics, battery. To reduce compression - to assist engine turning - I screwed tappets in to open the gap between valve and valve seat, this reduced cylinder pressure and the engine spun over great, I then increased tappet gap to ensure compression but not so much it stalls the engine. I guess the tappet gap now is about 3 thou` - engine runs!

[holyghost61]

I have this same engine. Wish I'd watched this first might have saved me from having to replace the starter and fly wheel. Engine was the same as yours hard to turn over thought it was the battery. Broke a piece of fly wheel off while trying to start then it ruined the starter gear that goes into the fly wheel. Paid $300.00 for the grass handler professional series a really good buy in very good shape, now I have to buy a starter $90.00 and a new fly wheel $300.00. Not so good a deal now.

[doscooby76]

hE NEEDS SCREEN FOR SMOKING WEED!!!

[b3conswj]

The engine suring might be a simple govenor adjustment.  It's 'free' too.

[Wallabydam]

i have the exact same tractor and engine, that surging is the carb, needing to be gone through jet needs to be cleaned , took care of mine, and that starter sounds tight! mine is quiet, wonder if your starter needs loosend up or shimmed some, when i start mine with a POS battery it whizzes the starter fast but only for a few seconds before battery is dead, so you may need to re-adjust that starter a little bit or check the gear, great tractors for sure, wish i had a few more with that engine.

[pimpndistress]

I think this is whats wrong with my dads troy bilt pony its a big POS !