HOW-TO FIX A HARD TO START Lawn Tractor with OHV Briggs Engine - MUST SEE!

[@donyboy73]

TRY THIS BEFORE BUYING A NEW BATTERY FOR YOUR LAWN TRACTOR!

[@Alin_l123]

donyboy73 can you use mm instead if you can what number would it be

[@Thedar561]

Hi I’ve a 15.5 hp one and it’s driving me crazy, original hard starting so fixed the starter and reset the valves, carb is clean new fuel filter and it’s starts fine now and revs out perfect, but once I put it into gear and release the brake it’s splutters and dies, Any suggestions before I set fire to it 😂

[@patrickrussell4001]

@@Alin_l123 Yes, but you will just need to make the conversion from metric to imperial and vice versa

[@jimmysapien9961]

Taking the front end off it’s not a big deal just common sense, and if you have lights in the front you unplug the connector very simple.

[@murdoc750]

what if when turning the engine over by hand the valves don't open or close?

[@walter2990]

Well I'll be dipped!! This was the first video that addresses a feller's issue with his JD lawn tractor, with OHV's! No one else even suggested this fix, much less a description about how to repair it! Stay thirsty my new friend, & I've become a subscriber!

[@patrickflohe7427]

It does tell you in the manual, to adjust the valves, but a lot of shops / mechanics won’t tell you to do that.

[@walter2990]

@@patrickflohe7427 I bought my JD mower used from a guy, with only 76 hrs on the meter, and he'd already lost the manual.

[@nobs3075]

Spot on. I replaced the starter, as I fried it trying to turn my B&S 17hp 2005/6 Z480 over. This happened over about six months as it slowly got worse. Put in a new starter and still had issues. I removed spark plug and the motor turned over easily. I put everything back together and it still wouldn't turn over. Shorted across the solenoid and it still wouldn't turn over. Disconnected the battery and attached(with jumper cable) to my truck battery to solenoid and still no help. Came into the house frustrated and watched a couple of useless videos. THEN, I found this one. Watched your video, checked the valves and they were like yours; 0.17, adjusted to 0.04 mils and bingo it started right up. I am the original owner, no longer frustrated and very pleased with myself, LOL. Thanks so much.

[@askrob6846]

That scotch brite tip is awesome! Thanks for sharing.

[@rossfricke2010]

I watch a lot of DIY videos and I must say this is one of the best well documented, explained, spoken I’ve seen in a long time ... great video !

[@rodfroelich5908]

And as other commentors have said, I've watched many videos on this same content and in my opinion, yours is far superior to all in describing the issues needed. Very clear and precise verbage, no silly slang, and mostly, no unnecessary music in the background. Dony, your instructional videos are the best. Carry on sir.

[@bbgdaddy5198]

holy cow!!!! someone who actually knows how to only use a film of sealer and not a whole huge plop of it!!!! Great job Donny!!! I actually currently have this problem and will be using this fix.

[@patrickflohe7427]

Sealant man….sealant.

[@redwest76]

This video was absolutely perfect. Spent an age trying to sort my mower out. This made it so simple. Thank you so much

[@donyboy73]

make sure you're subscribed

[@dwaynecollins4974]

I still don't know for sure is it the steel one on the bottom and the aluminum one on the top? And the top one was .04, but what is the setting for the other one? Cuz I've heard 3 on top and six on the bottom, four on top and for on the bottom, and now four for both of them; your videos are great Don but you didn't say what to set the bottom one at...🤔

[@gregcox7477]

This video was exactly what I needed. It helped me diagnose the problem and then walked me through the fix. Informative without all the "entertainment" so many of these guys feel the need to try to add. Perfect.

[@donyboy73]

thanks

[@sergiofigueroa9705]

donyboy73 hello donyboy73 this is a great video i wanted to ask do u go .004 of an inch on both the xhoust and intake valve or is there two differwnt #s

[@patrickflohe7427]

I don’t need entertainment….I like his no BS type videos.

[@rcochran46]

Wish all small engine mechanics had your knowledge Don! Thanks for the video.

[@acetech9237]

You have the best explanation. I just did this and it fixed my problem. Turning it over by hand til the valve drops down was genius and a time saver

[@spelunkerd]

In bigger engines the outer nut is the locking screw, and the inner nut is the adjustment screw. Is there a reason why the opposite is true for these small engines? Even years later your video is still the best resource for adjusting valve lash on small engines.

[@kaliko70]

The only word I can think of is "fantastic!" Fantastic video, fantastic narration, and fantasitc quality of workmanship. Thank you for making this to share with us all!

[@acetech9237]

You're awesome. I am an electronic tech. I don't work on small engine stuff typically but I just bought my first riding mower used and a month later this happened. I did the adjustment and it cranks easy thank you for your time

[@pumpkinpeanut1]

I really enjoyed watching the way you explained how to adjust the OHV on that Craftsman! You do a great job of explaining in detail how to make those adjustments and I appreciate it! This is the best video I've seen on how to do this. Thanks for such a thorough job!

[@scottfinlon2787]

This worked perfectly on my dads John Deere with a Briggs and Stratton engine. $5 gasket to fix it is definitely way cheaper and easier than buy other parts or taking it to a shop to fix.

[@mikenaylor8578]

Thank you for this very helpful repair guide. It allowed me to fix my 20 year old Sears Craftsman LT1000 42" riding mower's worsening problem. For years it was getting steadily worse and recently would not start. This great repair saved me from having to buy a new mower!

[@kentkwwong]

Hi Don, my lawn tractor had the exact problem and thanks to your video I am able to fix it myself and it is running fine now! Thank you so much!

[@mohamedalfalasi4428]

your videos taught us so many things about fixing generators .. thank u man .. we appreciate every single video u have uploaded

[@deanrhodenizer938]

Thanks. You definitely take more care than most with the quality of your workmanship. Nice work on removing the old gasket material to ensure a good seal on the valve cover.

[@jimkelly4286]

This is an exceptional video for adjusting valves. There is no need to find TDC if you open the opposite valve first as explained in the video. Also, if there are different specs for intake and exhaust valves, you can determine them by the type of rods used. The exhaust will have a steel rod and the intake an aluminum rod as you can see at 4:05. Aluminum or intake on top for this engine, steel rod or exhaust on the bottom.

[@mainman102]

Just saved my back! I thought I was gonna have to push my pos into the back of my truck. But this got it to fire back up right away! Now I just need to reseal that gasket correctly once I get it back to my shop. Can't thank you enough!

[@donyboy73]

Glad I could help!

[@a.j.schulz2108]

Thank you for this video!! Had the exact same issue with a mower I just picked up from Marketplace. Tried replacing the battery, the ignition, the starter, and both fuel and battery solenoids. Nothing worked and I was ready to dump the tractor for parts. Fortunately, I found this video first! My valves had .022” gap and once I adjusted, the engine popped off on the first try. Very happy I finally found your video after hours of watching others suggest it’s just a bad battery. Cheers to you sir!

[@zemdimdispeldseja7210]

Thank you maaan! It was so easy! I've been struggling with this for 2 years, now it starts up almost INSTANTLY. and I did the fix without the soace measuring tool because I could not find it and was too excited to try this. THANK YOU AGAIN 👌

[@moesaleh9885]

I be came a small engine mechanic after after watching this videos thanks a lot

[@markbuchanan4349]

After several months, I have become a firm subscriber into your channel on KZbin. Reason why, you definitely hit a nerve with me. I have been trying to figure out why I have been constantly have trouble starting my LT1000 17.5. Not to go into details, but I searched and searched KZbin for possible solutions. Well, you can figure out why I have subscribed to your channel. You, DonyBoy73, made my day by me watching your video. Thanks 😊!

[@MazichMusic]

After repeatedly failing to adjust my valves, I viewed this video and the engine roared back to life. The whole TDC bit is a waste of time. Thank you for making this fix so simple!

[@fredtyler]

Excellent video. Thanks for including the before symptom. Mine was doing exactly the same - very hard to turn over and difficult to start. Thought the battery was going bad. Took me all of 20 min to adjust the valves (10 min addressing the gasket). One of the valves was +.500 and the other was +.400; surprised it started at all. Set them to .004 and closed it up. Spins like new and fires right up. Many thanks!

[@vurtdafurk8659]

Great video. My 18hp intek acted hard to start also. I waited a month for new parts to arrive (lawn looked awful). But after your video and 15 min, it fired right up good as new with the old parts. Wish I saw this video a month ago...

[@angelperezperez7546]

Bro, God bless you. I did this to my riding mower and BOM!!! Start right away. I was about to give up. Thanks for the video.

[@jimmarino4477]

After a couple of years screwing around with the fuel and ignition systems, I found your video and after an hour in the garage adjusting the valve lash, man what a difference. Thank you so much for posting this vid and saving me a service repair bill or buying a new lawn mower.

[@donyboy73]

this is such a common repair!

[@MrCountrycuz]

This is a great tip that I will always remember should I ever need to adjust my valves again. I bought this YT3000 that had been sitting in someones yard by a yard seller and had to this because the engine could not get over the hill when starting up.

[@razijun5272]

Thank you Donyboy. It is fair to mention that your videographer is a keeper. I love his camera work, and editing.

[@donyboy73]

THANKS, I DO IT ALL MYSELF

[@augustodeasis5730]

Excellent explanation and clarity. I like the valve setting based on the valve closed rather than the top dead center plus 1/4" . I have been doing the latter 3 times and has not solved the problem....Will definitely try this system. Hope it works.

[@ShiversRSS]

I just performed this procedure on the in-laws mower based on the instruction from your first video on this subject from back in the day. Thanks for the information.

[@mrgourmet2421]

Followed your video and it completely fixed the problem I was having with my old B&S 15.5hp. Thank you so much!

[@leonardjohnson7692]

That is the best repair video i have seen .Beautiful job.

[@allenmaxsom1773]

Great explanation of how to resolve slow rollover of the engine thanks Dan

[@julies1ify]

Thanks ! I had no clue what was going on, got a new battery & starter but I was barking up the wrong tree. Thanks again !

[@richardamoors1704]

Best video on valve adjustment I've seen, & @ least 2 of the other ones incorrectly identified the intake & exhaust valves!!

[@michaelciccone5507]

Thank you so much! It solved a longstanding problem; my 2004 lawn tractor was getting more and more difficult to start over the years, to the point that last season, I had to jump start it from my truck, even after installing a new battery in the mower. Now my 2004 lawn mower starts easily! What I don't understand is I had a professional outfit look over my mower. They drove out to my house with a van full of tools plus a lift. Even though they do things like replace carburetors, they said they do not touch the valves(!) It turned out to be so easy to do myself, borrowing the tools from work, and doing it in my garage. Who needs so-called professionals? Thanks again!

[@donyboy73]

if they don't adjust valves they are NOT professionals

[@michaelciccone5507]

@@donyboy73 You got it!

[@jamesgray5560]

Don your video was right on time my mower was doing the same thing. My good friend and I went in and adjusted the valves it's running great thank you!

[@mrtwister9002]

Your videos are very instructive and informative.

[@simpleman283]

This is just what I needed to fix this used mower I bought a couple years ago. I was having a hard time tightening set screw without altering adjustment till I stopped using the wrench to keep the adjuster from moving. I held it with my fingers, that way I could see where it was and then I knew you do not need the wrench. I'm going to play this video and let the ads run from time to time to say thank you.

[@donyboy73]

I hope the video solves your problem!

[@Jimmynitr]

I had the same issue, adjusted the valves was better but it had been doing it so long the starter was junk as well, replaced the starter now runs like new. Great video.

[@MinhLe-vj9ij]

Thank you. You have shown good works and I enjoy watching your very detailed works. Again, thank you very much.

[@ontariohvac]

Outstanding as usual. It's not just the tech work, it's the video work too. That is another skill. It's not easy to get a good video.

[@donyboy73]

thanks, I live in Ontario too

[@dagrote1]

Glad to see someone jettison the orthodoxy of "top dead center" for valve adjustments.

[@razijun5272]

I am totally impressed. Being a professional videographer, I understand the complexity of teaching, and filming, and editing in such a high quality. I admire your professionalism. Good luck with your future endeavors.

[@donyboy73]

thanks, you should come film a video!

[@razijun5272]

I would be totally honored to be a part of your production, I you live in Central Connecticut.

[@budgillett9627]

Mr Don you sir are one of the BEST on KZbin. Always so informative and easy to see which is so important. I can’t learn much from the back of somebody’s head or hands. IMO old fuel and used oil mixed together makes good fire starter, Liquid Boy Scout, but obviously not something that should be recommended.

[@chesterj8076]

absolutely brilliant.. exact same symptoms on my snapper 14hp.. followed this and she fired right up. Thanks

[@craigrose6249]

Excellent video Don i meet you several years ago.I have the problem that you just described thanks so much!

[@RobB-vz2vo]

If you ever get out to start mowing and this happens, you can start the engine and complete your mow before you get around to adjusting the valves. Just rotate the engine anti clockwise until you get resistance, take the air filter off then either place your hand or a piece/block of rubber or anything over the air intake tube. Start the engine then unblock the air intake when it fires up. Replace the air filter and cover. I did this until I got around to adjusting the valves which was about four or five mows. The idea is it gets a run up before meeting compression while at the same time creating a vacuum by blocking the air intake which presents less resistance to starting.

[@marthinusvanderwesthuizen4010]

Thanks!

[@StevenFarmeronline]

Great video! I'm fairly handy, but I've never adjusted valves on anything. Tractor fixed!

[@danaolsen4358]

Did the fix this weekend with great results! Thanks donyboy73!

[@j3red67]

Don, Hi there. Had similar issues with my Troy built Twin 21 hp B/S engine. My valves did not appear to be nearly as loose as yours were in the video, however, with just the slight adjustment to all four valves all hard starting issues are completely gone. I have watched many of your videos and learned so much. Just wanted to say thank you for making great videos that are highly detailed. Thanks John Missoula MT.

[@donaldyounger3384]

Great presentation. Nice and clear in explanation and workmanship. Thanks so much.

[@Willy7212]

Thank you. I watched a few videos on adjusting valves at TDC. I tried that and it's not correct as my 19.5 brigs would not turn over. I adjusted them your way and ran perfect. As a subscriber to your channel, I wish I had watched yours first. Cheers.

[@jdehaan001]

Dony, this video came at the right time. My John Deere Lawwn Tractor 145 with the B&S engine is doing the same thing. I can hardly wait to adjust the valve lash, but will order a new gasket first. Thanks for that.

[@mickeyverdinelli5921]

I have a bolens 42-in cut 17 and a half horsepower I put a new solenoid and starter on it and it has too much compression and I cannot get it to start can you give me some information

[@mickeyverdinelli5921]

And I also put a brand new battery in it

[@anthonygostling]

I have to say, all your video's are very understandable.

[@scorby1]

Nice video same procedure worked on my craftsman Briggs and Stratton 16.5 hp right down to the tools….nice work Don!

[@susanshelton8004]

Great job ! You are the best on the web in my opinion, keep up the good work!

[@alfredocoleman7989]

Thank you so much for this information. You are a blessing to so many of us be safe ,God bless you and your family and friends.

[@Leggeddude]

I love watching your videos I learn a lot my tractor is very very old but still runs and mows great

[@donyboy73]

Great to hear!

[@Leggeddude]

For winter I park my tractor in the shed remove the battery , but I fill it up with fuel whats the best additive to add to it pleas?

[@barryjohns1965]

I actually went through this exact thing and came in and your video was a great help. Went back out and adjusted the valves and now it is turning over great. Thank you so much.

[@m715fm]

Thank you for this video, it gave me the courage and knowledge to fix my tractor. I also found a bent pushrod on the bottom valve. I was able to straighten it and reuse it. The tractor is running great and it hasn't run this good in a long time.

[@markspeck3736]

Thank you! Great video. You brought my mower back to life.

[@matthewkotara2264]

That shit was crazy. I thought it was going to be expensive to fix my mower and then I found this video. Good job bud. Thanks for the help

[@NoDeadlines]

I just got a Cub 1170 with a 2-cylinder Briggs engine. Same symptoms - but once it does start, it runs great - good and strong. The only problem is starting - especially when it's warm. I have suspected an electrical issue, but now and considering checking the valve adjustment. Only 240 hours on this engine, but it sat, unused for a few years before I bought it and I don't know if the valves had ever been looked at - yet. Thanks for a great and informative video. I will subscribe. - Alan

[@JoseMorales-du1mn]

Hi donyboy73 i like watching your vids i have learn alot with them thanks keep it up

[@goldminemechanic]

Just saved me a couple hundred bucks, at least.Thanks for the excellent instruction!

[@donyboy73]

make sure you're subbed

[@goldminemechanic]

I am

[@tomycodd]

I see this problem A LOT.Thank you for another great video!

[@99carnot]

Really good OHV checking and adjusting process tutorial. Having the tool descriptions at the beginning is very helpful. Thanks!!

[@justdon0135]

I want to THANK YOU for your video. It led me in the right direction. I opened the valve cover and found that the exhaust rocker arm was flopping around (very loose) started to adjust it and found that the small cal on top of the valve stem had fallen off. The stud that holds the rocker assembly was very loose. Tightened it and adjusted the valves as you showed. **** started and is running like new **** Justdon

[@Smalltechguy]

Donny, I have gremlins in my Opposed twin 20HP Briggs. The whole tractor has been redone from the ground up. I purchased a wiring harness thinking new wiring should be utilized. I also wanted the safeties functioning again. The tractor was running fine and waiting for the proper seat to be mounted. Then a few days later the tractor does nothing. I even purchased a new solenoid and starter. All the brake safety and seat safety are new.

[@MrPedix2c]

Thanks Donyboy73 for your video, while I have the engine manual for B&S it wasn't nearly as good at showing me what was needed to successfully adjust the rocker arms on my 2011 YTS3000 B&S 41877 engine, the technique you showed made it certain that the lifter/cam were certain to be on low spot for the adjustment. I was confident that it would work.

[@dannybourke45]

Great information and very well put across one of the best online great tips and detail

[@beginnerbeginner978]

Now I'm not scared or nervous lol to adjust my valves. Good video

[@razijun5272]

Hi Donyboy, you are a wonderful teacher, and your video is exceptional. You should be a professor in a ivy league university.

[@donyboy73]

thanks

[@PapaMav]

Great trick on how to position the feeler guage.

[@betetet]

You've really explained this nicely, as well as showing us exactly what you're doing. It looks easy enough! I just noticed your cute pink wiping rag... nice going. Lol. You know your stuff no matter the rag. :)

[@donyboy73]

THANKS

[@PapaMav]

Don, let me say first that your vids are terrific and extremely helpful! When you first took off the valve cover, you commented that "it looks like someone was already in here already". It sure looked to me from your vid that whoever that was, mixed up the push rods; it looked to me like the top one, the exhaust spot, was aluminum, and the bottom one was steel, which is the intake spot. It's supposed to be aluminum for intake and steel for exhaust. Thoughts? Thank you.

[@patrickflohe7427]

The length is different enough, that I don’t think it will run if they’re reversed.

[@PapaMav]

@@patrickflohe7427 negative my friend: last season, I replaced a bent aluminum intake push rod with a steel one as both are the same length and tractor runs great. I have come across vids where that is what people have done with no problems, as long as you maintain the lash on the lifters. The steel push rod is much cheaper.

[@Smalltechguy]

Donny, I am thinking also there might be another issue with engines that fail to turn over when the spark plug is installed. 19hp OHV can be turned freely when the plug is out. You reinstall the plug and it doesn't move past the compression stroke. Can the compression relief on the camshaft also be the culprit as well???

[@donyboy73]

yes definitely, check out my latest video where I replace a camshaft on a Briggs engine!

[@forbiddenrider7603]

Phenomenal Video Donyboy73! I was ready to give up...you saved me a LOT of Money.

[@donyboy73]

make sure you're subscribed

[@gabelanger]

Thanks Dony that's tomorrow's project.

[@bubba7765]

Dony, outstanding vid. Thanks, you saved me a whole lot of time and trouble. Runs great now.

[@vetterfellow]

Good learning curves for Me DB73, Good day champ !!.

[@We4winds]

Don, I've always enjoyed watching ALL your videos. Very well made. For this problem here, I presumed you already ruled out the solenoid and starter? I have a hard to start Husqarvarna and I will rule out starter and solenoid first from your other video.

[@brucel.6078]

Thanks!!!!!! I have the same issue! Now I can fix it! 👍👍

[@arciefan]

Well nice video again of this job. The first video you put out was excellent as this one was also . Nice tip here is the not having to have the piston at tdc which makes things somewhat easier I suppose. And as I mentioned before I had that problem on mine and my neighbor did also and I did the adjustment on both of them thanks to your video. Thanks again, great videos!

[@krimmer66]

6th time's a charm lol.. thanks for pushing the repeating the process!

[@semco72057]

That must be the problem with my lawn tractor as it is getting harder to start. My neighbor who works on small lawn equipment checked it and got my mower running, but I think that he or I will have to check to see if the valves need to be checked. Thanks for this tip and video.

[@fitzyholden1036]

How easy is that ! Saved me time and money again. Thank you sir.

[@jerrypounds4526]

I watch a lot of your videos and have learned a lot from you. Can you do a video on alternator and voltage regulator replacement.

[@jeremyferris9774]

Great video! I've been fighting this issue for almost a year and went through numerous batteries!

[@BearE9090]

Great video. Had a similar problem, but the stud came loose.

[@2009KVFD976]

Don- Thanks for all the helpful videos. They're great! I'd like to see a video on adjusting the carburetor on these engines and how to check the fluid in a transaxle. Again, thanks for all the helpful videos! Keep em coming!

[@MowerMan]

What a great vid! I remember you filming this in the early days! I bet you have done loads of these. Great tip on setting the valves and top dead centre. Top stuff donyboy! Proper job.

[@donyboy73]

thanks

[@ptownmrg]

adjust deck height on craftsman riding lawnmower

[@georgemartinez1720]

Great Job Your a true Master Mechanic