14HP Briggs & Stratton starting problem, please help!

[Danny J]

I have a 14HP OHV briggs that I was told it has compression release. When trying to start it kicks back like a partly sheared flywheel key. The key has been replaced and it still does it. I was told that the valve clearance may need adjusted? Any ideas?

It is a

Model #287707

Type 0235-01

Code 5704022e

Thanks for your help!!!

you might start at your valves and go from there.

[Bill Sherlock]

Was the flywheel key crimped when you replaced it with a new one? If so do you know why it would have been? Didn't try starting the engine with ether by any chance? Also did you make sure when reinstalling the flywheel, that all traces of oil or grease were removed from the crankshaft and flywheel? This is especially critical if the flywheel is cast iron. All it takes to crimp a new key is one hit when the mating surfaces between the flywheel and crankshaft aren't queaky clean.

If the engine was running previously can't really see that valves would need adjustment or did someone do work on the valves? How old is your gas? Have ethanol in it? I'd try spraying some carb cleaner into the carb and see if it starts on that. If it does, think the problem is carb/gas related.

Bill

[K D Redd]

The FIRST thing is to adjust the valves. The decompression release is on the intake valve. Intake valve clearance spec. is .002 to .004 inches. Exhaust clearance is .004 to .006 inches. I set them at .003 and .005 inches. Adjusting the valves will most likely fix your problem. You need a TORX key to loosen the adjuster/ rocker arm pivot point.

Kent

[Marc P]

Kent, my brother Danny J was the one working on my Snapper, the intake was at about 7 1/2 and the exhaust was about 10 thousandths. He set them at 3 and 5 as you stated, and I now have a running machine again. Thank you very much, and the other responses, this has stimilated my economy.
Instead of me having to buy a new lawn tractor, I can buy another upright Maytag.

[Danny J]

Originally Posted by K D Redd

The FIRST thing is to adjust the valves........

Thanks!!!! Your information was right on the mark!!!

Your help was great!!! I have worked on a lot of engines over the year but never an OHV Briggs. I called a Briggs dealer and got the run around, but if I brought it in they could look at it! That is when I decided to put it on staks.

My brother already thanked you but I also wanted to thank you!!!!

Thanks for the help!!!!

Danny J