How to adjust valves on an OHV Briggs

Someone asked me how to do this, hope it helps, I do have the intake and exhaust backwards at the first of the video I called intake the exhaust. Exhaust is top and should be 0.05-0.07. Bottom on you engine is Intake and specs say 0.03-0.05.. On used motors I gap at .005 for both and tell the customer.

[@babica93]

Before every season I find your video and do the service according to you. Great thanks to Moravia -Czech Republic - Europe.

[@bigmikemac]

In checking with Briggs and Stratton they said an easy way to identify the intake from the exhaust valves is that the intake has an aluminum push rod and the exhaust is steel. From watching your video you have the two mixed up, the intake is the bottom one.

[@TheFamilyman38]

I"ve really enjoyed watching your video, I've cleaned my Craftsman Riding Lawnmower this past spring, only to find out my ignition switch, needed to be replaced, I ordered and waited 2 1/2 Weeks from Sears...never again. So I installed it and tried starting it and heard something snap, and found my rotary wheel had snapped, so I picked up a new one from the Lawn Mower Hospital and I put it together and tried starting it once again, and she won't stay running, so now I'll have to check the OHV Valves and the Spark Plug and Spark Plug wire and put it all back together and tried it one more time, so this lawn can have one last cut before the winter season begins and I need to winterize this Craftsman Riding Lawn Mower. I'll keep you posted on how the trouble shooting solution works out on my end, Murray!

[@ktommycary]

Thank you very much! I started the afternoon with a 15.5 hp lawn tractor that wouldn't turn over, wouldn't start. I watched your video, followed your directions, and then mowed a while, running better than ever. The valves have probably been out of adjustment for a long time. It had been getting harder and harder to turn over (even when jumped to my truck). Now it's great, and just in time for mowing season. Thanks again for the clear directions.

[@RobertPerrigoOkiechopper]

I have been working on small engines for 40 years and the way to set the valves and it has never failed me, is if one valve is open all the way, then set the other valve, then rotate the engine to open the valve you just set until it is fully open and set the other valve clearance. Try it one time and you will do them all like this, It save a lot of time and guess work.

[@fred306801]

You should do a video on that. I do not think I have seen anyone do it that way.

[@fred306801]

I would like for you to thank the man who asked you to make this video. And Thank you for making this video. This is one of the best. You did one thing that no one else has done. And that made the difference for me. Just like you I found TDC with a small screw driver. Set the valves thinking I was done. Put everything back together and it would not start. I tear it all back down again and check the valves. I know I set them at the .005. But when I checked there like a 1/8 inch gap. Here is what made the difference. After I reset them this time I turned the engine over by hand a few times. And rechecked and now there at .005. turned the engine over a few more times and it stayed at the .005. mark. Guess something needed to seat itself.

[@preaacher30673]

I had to adjust mine three times before it stayed right

[@barrettwilliams3355]

This video was VERY helpful. After adjusting the valves like you demonstrated, my mower fired up with no hesitation. What a relief! Thanks for taking the time to make the video, MM.

[@richardcole6566]

I really enjoy your demo on adjusting values you go at a pace that can be followed easily. your camera set up is the best I have every seen out of all the you tube value adjusting demos.

[@j.c.massey3767]

Thank you. Very good class. I had not worked on small engines in over 50 years. Getting ready to retire in a few years and I need to relearn order to keep busy. Again thank you very much.

[@bctruck]

great tutorial! i actually bought a mower for 5 bucks cause it wouldnt start. when i got it home the first thing i did was a valve adjustment,then i sold the mower for 100 bucks. i love it when that happens.

[@ThomasKing19933]

by far the best small briggs engine valve adjustment video on the internet.

[@preaacher30673]

BEST VIDEO I HAVE SEEN TO EXPLAIN ADJUSTING THE VALVES.. one more question....how do you determine if the switch or solenoid is bad....you can ark it at solenoid or jump it off at starter and it will crank but not at switch

[@MarcusMorgan]

Thanks very much. Excellent video. Good camera work and a nice pace. I'll do this in the fall when I get to the 200 hour mark.

[@REV-ex1qi]

easy to follow video with good camera angles and told us what tools used. great job

[@SunsetCondo]

Nice job! I'm learning how to take better care of my riding lawn mower and the various tasks / repairs, etc. that should be performed. I've never done this before, but I'm going to give it a try. I can only imagine how off my valve setting are..... thanks for the video!

[@eliasalmendarezsr.4086]

these video helps a lot,thanks to you tube and the mechanics performing their work.keep it up.

[@FoxSweetgum]

Good job of explaining the procedure. Will give it a shot on my mower. Very informative video.

[@RobbieJeadgbe]

Almost everyone of these videos on KZbin get the exhaust and intake valves backwards. Briggs uses aluminum push rod for intake and steel for exhaust. Very easy to see the color variation in the video. Also just remove intake or exhaust manifold and look to confirm. Both intake and exhaust ports are near topside of head. The intake passage goes down at an angle to bottom valve.

[@RobbieJeadgbe]

Mayhem Country Living sorry I overlooked the description area. Thanks sir.

[@j.johnson4881]

Thanks, great instructional video; it provided specs; tips on past practice and practical application. i'm replacing the valve gaskets on my 1998 craftsman, 15.5 hp. and this may come in handy

[@angusoshea2088]

Thanks Murray , this video was easy to follow. By the way , the State Bird in Massachusetts / Boston....is the middle finger !

[@xD0NV1T0x]

Thanks Murray! My old man told me the valves were the problem. So, I found your video. You inspired me to make a video while I fix it and sure enough that was the problem. Another one in the books. Thanks Again!

[@preaacher30673]

i thought it must take a few times to take the slack out but I noticed you never mentioned it so it concerned me...thanks again

[@stevo8869]

Great tutorial. I'm about to take this on today. Never performed this and this will be of great help. Thanks for taking the time to make this video.

[@themaases7125]

Thank you for the video, it was very helpful and thanks for the reference to the donyboy video. The 2 of you got me through my repair

[@venturaruiz6029]

Very nice video I just started to work on my engine and I didnt know how to do this but now I know thanks for your time.

[@buckhunte24]

Great video! I learned a few things and never knew how simple it was

[@wallacehenderson4229]

I don't care how other did on this. You done well too forget them. When you are putting yourself down. I don't like that you are good too. I rather hear you any day Sir

[@Mayhemcountryliving]

Thanks for the view

[@nathansmith484]

exhaust is on top. intake is on bottom. the push rod for the intake is aluminum. other than that, decent video

[@ryand.smallenginemechanicd2541]

yes, the way I remember it, is steel rod is over aluminum rod in quality.

[@wazimedoo3067]

The small single cylinder Diesel engin is the same way thanks for the help

[@patpatterson6073]

I know one thing your video is gonna save me money thanks!

[@wallacehenderson4229]

Say Mr you done a good job. What are you talking about you video is outstanding. And clear to. To understand very well. So tour way is good enough for me thank you so much for being honest and fair.

[@PowerSax911]

This video helped me adjust my John Deere's (Briggs and Stratton 22hp) engine. Service was supposed to be done every 200 hours, but it was almost at 1000 hours before I learned how to do it myself with this video. I would have to hold the key in the ignition for 7 seconds to get it to turn over sometimes. The left piston intake and exhaust felt so loose and the gap between them was miles when compared to where it should have been (0.004in). I got that and move to the right side. The Right piston's intake was lose but didn't need much adjusting, but the exhaust (the bottom one) was making contact with the spring part. I left it as is since it was working beforehand. I probably should have loosened that up so it could be gapped correctly but eh, don't fix what's not broken. Should I loosen it up and gap it? After cleaning up all the gaskets and whatnot, I turned her over and it fired right up in less than a second! She seemed to vibrate a bit stronger too. Thanks for the video!

[@redneckmachines2140]

this is a damn good video wish this one was here when i adjusted my valves on my mower

[@runeo72]

Thanks, great video. My 17,5 HP B & S works just fine after adjusting the valves. thumbs up for you :)

[@teerification]

Top is exhaust bottom is intake. top is directly by the exhaust pipe fitting and the intake goes down to the intake.......plus the shiny pushrod is aluminum which is bottom and the gray one which is steel (tolerates exhaust heat)

[@patpatterson6073]

Just a follow up I did what you said and it fixed my problem thanks again! It is amazing such a small adjustment can make such a big difference!

[@cemaydin3819]

Did the issue affect going up hill or was it just a starting issue?

[@patpatterson6073]

My Issue was just starting I didn't have any loss of power. The engine would just lug when you cranked it!

[@edwardjaniszewski9389]

Pat Patterson iiiiii

[@2coolhipdude]

3x? If you need to recheck after spinning the engine, that's OK. Spin the engine and check with the feeler gauge, just like you did in the beginning. If you put the feeler gauge in the gap and it is correct, there's no need to readjust. If the gap changed, then readjust.

[@Mayhemcountryliving]

If it changes then you recheck. Doesnt take a minute..

[@robbyjones7631]

Check leakdown to test rings, valves, and head gaskets. If the rockers are very loose, the seat insert can be loose. Replace the head.

[@94SexyStang]

THANKS for this video, I have the 17hp briggs and had No idea they were adjustable valves. My motor starting missing badly today, and barely runs, hopefully it's the Valves. I just replaced spark plug wire, plug, and cleaned the Carb, and still does it...hopefully it's the valves and not internal motor damage!

[@marthanneluzader6479]

I'm about to do this for the first time. The engine in question is a B&S Intek OHV 24 HP 2-cylinder. I've got all the necessary tools and I've watched several videos on the subject, I've written it down, step by step, so I think I'm ready. The only thing I'm not sure of is this: The instructions say that the position of the piston should be a quarter inch past top dead center. If I look at the valve spring movement and probe the top of the piston through the spark plug hole, TDC ought to be obvious. But exactly how do I measure the quarter inch off TDC? I assume this measurement is critical or it wouldn't be mentioned.

[@jamesgoodknight8725]

Thanks was a lot of help and I have done this just about every year and I still get it set to tight by the end of the session LOL

[@skipbalkenbusch1959]

Superb! Thank you for your time! Skip in Fort Wayne, Indiana

[@keithshreve6736]

Excellent video. Thanks millions!

[@julioangel1007]

great video really helped thanks..very well explained

[@mike444m]

I had the same problem where it would not turn over, followed the video, found the exhaust valve almost falling off, I put everything back per video, but one of the problems I had was, turning over the engine, and I did have the spark plug out, I put it all back together and still have the same problem. it is Late, and going to bed, but will try setting the valves at 003 instead of 005 and see if that helps. for some reason no 004 on my gauges. (engine spins great with the starter, with plug out still)

[@GARYMAX1313]

The top valve is the exhaust valve . it has the steel push rod !!! the lower valve is the intake it has the alum. push rod !!!!

[@Mayhemcountryliving]

Yes I know!!!. Read the show notes!!!! Watch the complete video!!! I said it backwards and I said I did!!! Have a great day, or not!!!!

[@quinonesg]

Nicely done my Friend, your video was actually very good. You did a good job in being clear in everything you said, I understood you very well. Thank you for the video, it was very helpful...

[@Mayhemcountryliving]

Glad it was helpful!

[@tammygelber5830]

Found your video after discovering donyboy73's video and as informative as his was, yours was just as good. Where his lacked was video quality which I'm not holding against him but, your extreme closeups of the valves really helped out. Thanks for making the video.

[@kevinmoa1678]

good idea on the drinking straw. thanks Murray Mayhem great video like it alot

[@davidhibbardintexas4080]

you should show were you can find the model #'s of your motor, mine was inprinted on the valve cover took me awhile to find it, it was coverd with dirt and rust.

[@DJ-kn2cp]

Thanks for making this video. After watching it, I think I can actually do this repair. I do have a question, though. My valve cover is slightly dented. Could that be causing the valves to not operate properly....thanks

[@DJ-kn2cp]

It's all good. Motor runs excellently. Thanks in large part to your video.

[@christopherpisha4392]

It is important to check again (feeler guage.) AFTER... You lock it down... I noticed you never did.

[@harley7003]

great job thanks for your time very helpfull

[@jakehenry7817]

heres what i'm trying next. going to replace the jet in the shaft in the carb that the float slides up on. guy at briggs said that stays in the tube by itself if the o-ring is good, if not you could get more gas than needed. mine doesn't stay in place,& as i have said burning to much gas. can't get o-ring seperate need to buy whole piece, costs approx 7.10, & you need code from when built as there are three different parts. let u know if that was it.

[@bobwolz7585]

nice job, thank you, big help

[@airplanedude419]

You mention inserting a screwdriver into the cylinder. Not a good idea. I'm an airplane mechanic and it's common practice for us to use drinking straws. There is no way for you to damage anything with a drinking straw.

[@preaacher30673]

I used a pencil that had never been sharpened

[@khloesytsma7274]

Jimmy Chapman

[@blu3flare25]

who gives a shit its just a lawn mower engine lol

[@MattsRageFitGarage]

blu3flare25 Who gives it a shit it's only $400 to replace it with a new one lol.

[@blu3flare25]

1972FordF150 you would have to like fucking beat the fuck out of it prety hard to actually do any damage to cost 400 dollars hurt if anything you would put very very small scores on the that could could be fixed with sandpaper probly wouldnt even need it because it wouldnt really do anything now if your working on airplanes engine faluire is very serious so they have higher standards makeing sure the bore is perfect to have compression and so it doesnt do any damage to the piston or rings even tho i doubt it would hurt it either but they dont just in case it could possible score the bore any

[@jefflizotte4758]

Thank you,very good video as always

[@MsKeileigh]

The exhaust is at the top that carburetor funnels down

[@Mayhemcountryliving]

Yes

[@sam222308]

VERY GOOD VIDEO EASY TO UNDERSTAND. THANKS FOR TAKING TH TIME. HELPED ME A LOT.

[@BR-wv3he]

This saved my rear ....thank you tons

[@dennisjones9264]

Thanks for posting your video. It was perfect.

[@douglasdailey5998]

They charge a minimum of 65.00 - 95.00 in Colorado.

[@unusedaccount902]

Do you have any videos on adjusting the valves on a Briggs & Stratton 18.5 hp opposed twin cylinders Engines because so far all I have been able to find aren't very clear enough for this blind guy to do his valves! Also want to give you a thumbs up on being very descriptive verbally on the videos I have seen of yours!

[@hoyleridenhour8293]

what will cause one to smoke but runs good thank you smokey

[@Jpiombino]

Murray Mayhem Country Living Can one replace the rings and if so, how much does that cost? I have black smoke and oil loss, could it be either gasket or rings? Thx

[@sombongi]

The top valve is the exhaust and bottom is the intake. You can see the exhaust outlet on top.

[@shakle52]

Many thanks from italy

[@freddiejohnson1013]

Yes i like this video because you had your camera very close up and you can see everything also i notice one valves up and one valves down the valves that is up top dead center you adjust first and then you turns the flywheel until top dead center again for the exhaust valves top dead center and adjust that valves what about the 6.5hp push lawnmower do you set the valves at the same gauges of 004

[@marvinmcshan7223]

ohv 18 hp where is the oil behind underneath coming from leaking on muffler its smokes for 5 min then stops but keeps smoking burnnig dripping oil on muffler what needs to be replace is it a seal gasket not know about engine can u guide me what needs to be done thanks good video

[@Deadbuck73]

I'm pretty sure sure, I'm really sure, I'm damn sure your video is GREAT!

[@robertchall8576]

Keep up the great work. 1 place I know charges 80.00 hr

[@LHG86]

Thank you! Your video helped a lot.

[@badb0y44]

Watched your video and it worked just great thanks for the video

[@robertchall8576]

keep up the great work.1place i know charges 80.00hr to do that plus parts. R. C.

[@luisberrios2171]

Great video, thanks for sharing. I have a 16 HP OHV Kohler with no adjustment screws in the valves. I know for sure the valves stays open about a quarter inch. Any idea how to adjust the valves. I was going to put space washers, but.... //Luis

[@safecaster]

I like your engine stand , how do start them with so many different applications the fuel linkage cable would be the problem for me.

[@marcelatungseth3428]

detailed info thanks

[@mykuljay]

***** A Briggs and Stratton 9000 series. It's in a Troy Bilt portable generator.

[@TheJdeweys]

engine spins fine and freely when plug is removed

[@neonnight34609]

why did you redo it and not just re check the adjustment with the feeler gauge before loosing it all up again?

[@stevebrown2011]

sure was a lot of help...thanks

[@chevyprizm9051]

good job on the video

[@woodsyw355]

thanks man , great video .

[@AKozak-vu7dq]

Great video, thanks for the help!

[@sivchuka]

Hi, thanks for the video. I have Hustler zero turn with 21 HP Briggs in it. Have problem with too much pressure inside on intake. Starter can’t turn it, unless I will take spark plug out. When I’m trying to start without the plug, I have cloud of fuel coming out (not leaking). I thought that this is carburetor overflowing, so I disconnect carb from cylinder and try it again, but it did the same(can’t turn the engine, unless I will press intake valve with screwdriver). What could be the problem? I heard that it also have pressure release on drive shaft? Thanks.

[@rickeyfarrin442]

i love youer show rickey farrin

[@genegrissom325]

I am confused. The mfg says that the intake valve push rod is aluminum and on my 18.5 B&S it is on the bottom. You and all the other videos I have seen say the in take is on the top. Any comment on this. Today is June 1 2018. I'll check back in in a day or two. I like your videos because you don't get in a hurry. That's important.

[@NateWilson99]

Hey, I was wondering, if a starter NEEDS a car battery to start it, does that mean I need to open up the starter and clean the copper things that the brushes touch?

[@DGWorley]

Great job, thanks

[@Mayhemcountryliving]

Thank you for watching, I appreciate it

[@wbrucefehr2832]

Briggs recommends 48 ft lbs torque on lock nuts.

[@jhonda]

Thanks worked like a charm

[@2028end]

My OHV White mower doesn't have those T20 lock screws? It only has a nut on the end? How do I adjust something like that?

[@romak4756]

The nut is the lock in that case

[@randymarsh6564]

I think it's a quarter inch past TDC that you want to adjust the valves. let your screwdriver go in that far and you'll be there.

[@93hshadow]

Thanks for the great video, this should help out on my 19.5 single thumper. Wonder where I can get a cover gasket? Had to put that red sealant on mine to stop oil leak.

[@johall3721]

I broke the intake pushrod on my Intex should I worry about the book peace

[@billfears7398]

Dale, Same motor Set my valves and still hard to spin the motor. Even using a 200amp battery jump starter. Any ideas what else it could be?

[@mykuljay]

My generator wouldn't start at all. Found the exhaust spring was stuck. I got it loosened and then adjusted the valves per the video. Now the compression is HUGE. Sometimes I can barely pull it through (no, doesn't start). What did I do wrong?

[@jimisstillhear]

I adjusted the valves to 3th and still the compression is still to high??? If I tighten up the bottom valve it move freely..but loses oil..??? Is there some thing else I am not doing?¿???

[@pmaison]

I see that the valves are at the front of that tractor....My MTD tractor has an IC 17 TWIN II engine. I see that I have two spark plugs, one on the left and one on the right. Does that mean I have two 'sets' of valves? If so, do I do the same thing you did on this video, only one set of valves at a time? Thanks for your help!

[@cemaydin3819]

Would the valve gap affect mower struggling to go up hill. I have a husky if that matters. Engine runs fine seems a little slower then normal but has trouble going up hill. Im only on the 3rd season.was gonna change the belt , I find it strange it could be belt since I only have 65 hours on it

[@robertchall8576]

keep up the great work.1place i know charges 80.00hr to do that plus parts. R C.