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dwube · Nov 14, 2007, 12:11 PM

Hello,

I have 15.5 HP MTD riding mower and have difficulties starting it. I have got new battery / selnoid and changed starter brushes recenlty. It tries to start but couldn't more than one round. The engine is freely moving and also has got new spark plug. Any idea why it is not doing more that one round while trying to start?

I did test and found out that I have got 12v at the starter when keys are open. Any idea?

Thanks.

DW

MOWERMAN2468 · Nov 14, 2007, 07:19 PM

Could be the valves out of adjustment.

ballengerb1 · Nov 14, 2007, 07:37 PM

What did you gap that new plug at? Are you getting a nice blue spark at the plug? Try to tell us more about what happens when you turn the key.

dwube · Nov 16, 2007, 01:47 PM

Originally Posted by ballengerb1

What did you gap that new plug at? Are you getting a nice blue spark at the plug? Try to tell us more about what happens when you turn the key.

Thanks for your help.

When I turn the key, it tries to start but doesn't go more than 1 full round. When I rotate it using the belt, there is a compression. I am thinking about the starters strength (if there is some like that).

To give you a background, it was working fine during the summer and started it once early fall... then after I emptied the catcher, it couldn't start again. Then I got new battery, rebuilt the starter, and changed the selnoid. But didn't change the sparkplug though. I may try to do that tomorrow.

dwube · Nov 16, 2007, 01:48 PM

Originally Posted by MOWERMAN2468

could be the valves out of adjustment.

Thanks for your help, is it easy to re-adjust?

ballengerb1 · Nov 16, 2007, 03:23 PM

Not a horrible job but you need to give us the brand motor and model number. I think mowerman has the specs for Briggs and Stratton, I'd have to pull them from the net.

dwube · Nov 17, 2007, 11:29 AM

The engine model # Tecumseh OHV 155 204509E.

Thanks

ballengerb1 · Nov 17, 2007, 11:43 AM

OK I happen to have the lash specs for a 155, the lash is .004 intake & .016 exhaust but this just does not look right so Mowerman needs to get out his book. I think I have a typo and the .004 should be .014, maybe. The adjustment is made whenever the valve is down at top dead center and then turn the crank shaft about another 1/4".

MOWERMAN2468 · Nov 24, 2007, 07:14 AM

I would go with .004" on the intake, and .006" on the exhaust.