hard start

i have a briggs 17.5 hp engine. it doesnt like starting and i just fried a starter. ive had this problem for a whileand only 1 replacement starter. any ideas?

Does it crank over slowly, maybe even not all the way around? Could be that your valve lash is out of spec, so the compression relief mechanism on the cam isn't doing it's job. Do you own a set of feeler gauges?

Be sure, of course, to make sure the battery is good, and all the electrical connections are tight and corrosion-free.

yup most likely valve lash is out of wack

Another thing to always check is the starter... the bushings get dry and the starter stops working efficiently. With a little care, you can disassemble the starter and regrease the bushings. The only thing that is a pain in this task is getting the brushes back in place.

it cranks but the compression causes stops the engine from turning over all the way. and no i dont have any feeler gauges. but i do live by an autoparts place. haha. gotta love autoparts stores. you think its not releasing the exhaust like it should from loose valves? its never been adjusted. i adjusted a different mower from the intake being stuck shut from the same issue.

Id check your valve lash then.

crazykid1994 wrote:

it cranks but the compression causes stops the engine from turning over all the way. and no i dont have any feeler gauges. but i do live by an autoparts place. haha. gotta love autoparts stores. you think its not releasing the exhaust like it should from loose valves? its never been adjusted. i adjusted a different mower from the intake being stuck shut from the same issue.

Go get yourself a cheapie set. If everything else is good, then my money's on the valves. It is VERY common.

cool. will do. thank you

do they just get loose over time???

It's not generally a matter of "loosening", so much as "wearing".

the valves are definately the trouble.





and i know this is off topic but i noticed we joined on the same date lol

thanks guys. whenever i get back to fixing it i will post. i just got new seals in for my 5 speed. took it apart and noticed i need a new brass bearing too.

i got it running again. turns out it was just a burnt up starter... i guess water really isnt good for it. haha gotta find a way to keep it dry i guess

Mine cranked bad cause of a bad battery. I just pull start it now. Its easier