Hi group, my riding mower is hard to start. Starter can barely turn the engine over past the compression stroke. Have to turn the key a couple times to get it to go past compression then it will start to spin continuously instead of just half a turn. Tried jumping it from my truck and the starter still would stop at the compression stroke. Replaced the battery and solenoid also. Sounds like the starter I know, but it has done this since new in '98. Now its getting worse. What about the valve adjustment? Thanks in advance

This sounds like valve adjustment to me. I would check out :How are the valves properly serviced? On the Briggs And Stratton site.


Good luck,
Morrowrj

Thanks man, sounds tough to adjust the L-head. Doesn't sound like there's any adjustment other than grinding the valve tip. You know anything about this engine type?

Starter motors will cause the same sympton.

Don

EVen if it is the starter, it still can't hurt to check the valve clearance. I just went through that on my OHV Briggs and now it runs better than ever. I too, thought it was the starter.

Not an overhead engine, would have to grind valve stem down and not a suspect on flat head engines. (Usually)

Don

Well I pulled the spark plug wires and it turned over a little easier but not much. Could it be a sheard flywheel pin is making the timing off? My local mower guy suggested that. He also agreed flatheads (L-head) are not suspect for valve adjustments. Maybe it is the starter.

If it turns freely by hand it is the starter motor.

Don

Quote:

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Originally Posted by newaukumdon

If it turns freely by hand it is the starter motor.

Don

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Motor is hard to turn over by hand. Flathead engine. Totally lost.:eek: