briggs engine

[amstrad]

Hello
I have 2002 model 18 HP Briggs OHV Engine that i cannot get it to turn over or start. It acts like a weak battery but battery is out of my truck and is strong. I have set the valves all the way from 0.002 to 0.10 still the same thing. I can take the spark plugs out and it will spin very fast. put them back in same thing will not turn over. Sound to me like some how to much compression builds up in the engine.
One other thing: the govener blew in the engine and i had it replaced. I was only able to get it cranked about twice before it started doing what i described above.
Any advise? Thanks DJ
 

[rrobert]

Set the valves to .004-.005. Over .007 and it will be hard to crank.

Search youtube for a voltage drop test. Very easy test with an ohm meter.

Try using jumper cables directly from vehicle to the starter. It will spark, so make sure no gas is close by. If it cranks over, then you have a voltage drop somewhere from the battery to the starter. Could be the solenoid and could be dirty connections or decayed wires.
 

[Jon Hagen]

Agree, working of the B&S compression release system is VERY dependant on the valve setting being right.

If you have one that the starter struggles to get cranking, adjust the valves.
You will find the valve setting at .o10 + loose, readjust them to .004 and it will turn over like new.

Not quite briggs tech procedure, but adjust each valve while it's partner is wide open, will get it very close.
With the sparkplugs removed, it's easy to turn the engine by hand to get the valves in the correct adjusting position.
 

[JT]

What you have is very common, as stated, valve clearances are too wide, set them at .004 and your problem should go away, if you have repeatedly tried to start it and held switch, you might have burnt starter up...
 

[joe csuti]

If setting both valves to .004" clearance doesn't cure problem,then remove starter & check brushes in same.

Most briggs starters are of the 4 brush design,if brush springs weak from heat,brushes sticking or worn & only 2-3 brushes in contact with commutator on armature starter will spin eng with plug(s) out but with plug(s)in will stall on comression stroke,this is a common problem in tecumseh starters,replacement brushes are avail as a set from local mower shop,ebay,you'll need pn for starter to order/buy correct brush set.

Another thing you could check & is a common problem on briggs ohv eng,check that float valve in carb not leaking,this will flood eng when at rest & piston will hydrolock on compression stroke due to gas in cyl.

If valve clearance,starter or leaking carb not the problem,if eng was disassembled to replace gov assembly it's possible that crank/cam timing marks not lined up & timing out by one/more teeth.