I have a mtd riding mower with a 14.5 briggs and stratton engine. It breaks shear pins every time I try to start it. I need to set the overhead valves on it. I know how to set valves with the feeler gauge but I'm not sure what the procedure is for finding top dead center before I set them. Please help! Thank You!

Remove spark plug and bring piston all the way to the top, by the way a loose pulley under the engine will cause the same problem.

Don

You asked how to find TDC< what don't you understand. The answer is bring the piston to the top. If you are still confused clarify what you would like to know.

Don

After Moving Piston To Top Of Cylinder Do I Set The Valves On The Exhaust Stroke Or Intake Stroke? Thanks

Sorry, let me clarify. Rotate engine until both valves are compltely closed and piston is on top. This is where you would set the clearance. Compression stroke.

Don

Sorry, let me clarify. Rotate engine until both valves are compltely closed and piston is on top. This is where you would set the clearance. Compression stroke.

Don TO DON, THANK YOU VERY MUCH

Hold On Her, Emily, They Are Wrong, You Can Find Tdc That Way,(both Valves Closed, And Piston Closest To The Opening Where You Screw In The Spark Plug, However, You Must Turn The Flywheel 1/4" Past Tdc On A Briggs And Stratton To Set The Valves Correctly.
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Mowerman2468