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       #Post#: 13--------------------------------------------------
       Briggs and Stratton 16.5HP OHV starting troubles
       By: IndyDude Date: September 28, 2014, 1:41 pm
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       I recently traded a handgun for a Craftsman riding lawn mower.
       The guy I got it from told me it was a little hard to start, but
       if you rotated the engine past the compression cycle that it
       usually starts right up. He was correct in that part.
       After reading online, I found that there are a few things that
       cause high compression on these engines, so I initially adjusted
       the valves and that actually seemed like it solved my problem.
       Now, a few weeks later, I have run into the very same issue
       where it is hard to start. I thought that it is possible that
       the valves have gone out of adjustment, so I looked at that
       again. Upon further searching, I found that some directions
       online for adjusting the valves are inaccurate. The big
       discrepancy is they say to rotate the engine 1/4" past TDC, when
       actually it is to rotate the engine where the piston moves down
       1/4" past top dead center. Once I got that cleared up I was
       hoping it would start....nope!
       I then found that it is possible that the compression release
       mechanism on the cam shaft could be faulty. After rotating the
       engine while viewing the rockers and valves, I can clearly see
       when the cam is rotated over the compression release, as the
       bottom valve slightly opens then closes, so I know that part of
       the system is in place and functional.
       The next thing I read is that there can be carbon build-up on
       the head which could cause higher compression than normal. I
       pulled the head and inspected it. It really wasn't that bad, but
       I did clean off what bit of carbon was present.
       I see that the starter has been replaced and seems to be one of
       the newest parts to the engine, but I am actually thinking that
       there may be a few coils inside that have heated up and thus
       isn't producing as much torque as necessary to rotate this bad
       boy. I did pull it off and disassembled it. I really couldn't
       see anything wrong, but it did appear that some of the coating
       was melted off of some of the coils. The brushes and everything
       else inside looked to be in really good shape.
       From everything I have read thus far. I think it is the starter
       and if I replace it that should solve my problems.
       Anyone else have any ideas as to my trouble?
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