How to replace a head gasket Briggs & Stratton

[@tomm3456]

Some people know how to make clear instructional videos. This guy is one of them. Thanks!

[@Majerly_Annoyed]

If you had told me two weeks ago that I would be tearing down my lawn tractor engine to replace the head gasket...well...I would have looked at you with a very odd look on my face and called you crazy! I followed your video pretty much exactly and it meant I was able to replace a $15 part instead of paying for a $400 repair!!!! Amazing! The only thing slightly different for me is that I had to remove the muffler in order to have easier access to the spark plug and the valve cover. The muffler overlapped the valve cover a bit. Otherwise...perfection!!! Thank you!!!

[@Bailsey42]

Thanks for the most useful how-to I've used on KZbin yet. First time opening an engine for me and my trust in your help only grew as the project went on. 11 out of 10. Thanks again.

[@mid-west_man]

All Briggs had to do is add a little more thickness to that wall and put another bolt or two and this wouldn't happen. Great video thanks for sharing and not playing music.

[@MrTrekFanDan]

Exactly, and no playing around with pets or useless conversations...two thumbs up.

[@jaimeleebonberger28]

Thanks so much for this video. I have almost no mechanical aptitude, but I followed this video to a "t" and just ran my mower for over an hour. No leaks and no burned oil, no black smoke (other than just a bit a start up). You do skip over the carbon cleaning as well as the reattachment of the motor cover - which are not trivial - but it all turned out well.

[@rocnat4]

Thank you for taking time to show how to do this. Was extremely helpful to me in repairing my Briggs.

[@wannaknow4184]

Followed your instructions step by step and mower now works great. Most tricky step is valve adjustment. Saved a lot of money--thanks. Now if I could only find a good quality head gasket that doesn't fail every 6 months or so.

[@billmasters1165]

Thank you!! I had wateched another video that was shorter, but after replacing the head gasket the engine wouldn't start. Your demostration and tips on the rocker valve adjustment were right on point. A quick tweak and I was on my way. Great job!!

[@martintoher]

Thank you very much for the detailed, succinct and well filmed guide. I replaced the head gasket in my John Deere (OHV engine) last weekend using your instructions. It worked out perfectly.

[@40east1]

Checks in the mail! Don't let anyone tell you this video isn't helpful. I looked high and low for info. concerning this exact issue I was having with my LA110. Not only did I get the symptoms but also an entire remedy. Thanks man!

[@jarmstrong2843]

Very good and informative video. Watching this video should save folks a lot of money by showing them how to do an easy repair job that can be accomplished in about 1 - 1.5 hours time or quicker if you have some wrenching experience. Two thumbs up from this viewer!!!! Thank you!!!!

[@guycutarella5001]

Great job explaining everything. You are a top notch mechanic.

[@IverJ]

Excellent video. I have a JD E100 with only 63 hrs on it. I'm teaching myself small engine repair, little by little, trying to keep it alive. I've determined that a blown head gasket is my likely problem, all my symptoms match what you've shown here. I've never replaced a head gasket, but though your excellent video instruction I feel this will be within my skillset. Great job.

[@daveshanton485]

Loved the scotch bright idea. Cleaned up really nicely thanks for the great details in your explanation

[@blueangel4545]

I have that exact motor on Husqvarna ZT and have the same issues. I have always worked on my own equipment, cars, trucks, etc. This video is like already having done the job. Thanks, stay safe.

[@notnastttam]

Great video. I'm new at small engine repair and feel fairly confident now in replacing the gasket on my mower.

[@kyleghaines]

Really great video - so detailed in the explanation that a beginner like myself could easily clean up the engine and valves on my Craftsman lawnmower (Briggs & Stratton) and replace the head gasket. Thank again for taking the time to produce a high quality detailed educational U Tube video. Keep them coming :-)

[@muskokacarpenter8460]

Great Video! Thanks a ton for making it. Just blew the head gasket on my D120 today, again with only 48 hrs on it. Cheers from Canada!

[@raymondgagnon7094]

Nicely done. Used this to fix a couple of LA110 issues...runs better now than when i bought it. Thanks!

[@henryward8800]

I have never had nerve enough to tear down a head. This video was perfect but I would add just a little about cleaning the aluminum head even giving demonstration and examples of different things to use. The only tricky part was the feeler gauge adjustments but after everything was back together mine cranked and ran great. Thanks so much for this video

[@boccio112668]

Thank you for a great Video. You saved me hundreds. It was really easy with your detailed description of the process.

[@chuckl3506]

Wow is all I can say! I blew my head gasket & couldn’t find anyone who could do it for over a month and they wanted $350-$400 to replace a $15 dollar part. Thanks to your video which walked me thru every step of the way I just finished it. Obviously I have to wait for the gasket sealer on the valve cover to dry so I can’t start it until tomorrow but I am very confident all is well. Also when I cranked my motor over before it was like it got caught up like you explained while doing the exhaust valve. So that should fix 2 problems. (A friend of mine told me before it sounds like the valves needed adjusted, guess he was right). I am now definitely a subscriber to your channel. THANK YOU FOR THIS VIDEO!!!

[@chuckl3506]

I just wanted to post an update, I had a chance to start the mower today and it runs as good as it did when it was new. Starts up like it did when it was new, (where before it wasn’t wanting to crank over right away it was like it was catching on something). Thanks to this video it saved me a ton of money & I know it was done right. Thanks again man!!! Best video out there on replacing a head gasket!!

[@gordo3582]

This was an extremely helpful video, just completed the same repair, couldn't have done it without this vid. 👍😇

[@marshallborder9089]

Thanks John Deere replaced my head gasket before the warranty was up , but if I ever need too in the future I'll look this howToVideo back up . Thanks for your effort in this - - this would be a great help for me since I do most of my own maintenance.

[@jonmud1385]

Thank you. I have been looking for a walkthrough like this. Most of the other videos i find they all have little test gadgets and and tools i just dont or can not afford. I'm not made of money and trying to get a zt with a B&S engine I was given some life again. This video really helped!

[@PapaMav]

I had to do mine last week, six years from doing it the first time. This time around, removed the heat shield to allow extra air flow around the engine.

[@thefarmerandthedale5894]

Thank you. This was very informative and helped me fix my lawnmower myself with very little cost.

[@jackm7683]

I didn't catch what was the size of torque tool to tighten valve.

[@JohnnyHoldren]

I find the video very helpful I have to replace the head gasket on my mower it is pumping oil through the fuel pump screen.Thanks for the help

[@williamramshaw4847]

Best video on this! I watched a couple of other ones but they glossed over good to know things. Thanks for taking the time to produce this. Indeed very helpful!

[@cantstandidiots5839]

Excellent video. About as good an explanation as it could be. Going to have t do this to my tractor and now I feel like I can do it (but I'll be watching at least once more all the way through!). Thank You.

[@boontang84]

Helped me out a ton, just wanted to let you know my appreciation, thanks!

[@JC7318]

Should the heavy carbon on the cylinder head and valve heads be cleaned. I have a heavy coating on mine

[@cyndibrann8767]

This was a excellent video and very informative! Thank you!!!

[@marye8624]

THANK GOD for this video!!! This is exactly what I have to do, thank you for doing it!!! You saved me tons of money. And I couldn't figure out how to get the fuel pump off with those clips, was afraid to break them off. Didn't know they were clips. Those suckers are coming off. Oil is everywhere on this 2 year old John Deere. I'm disgusted with John Deere now. Or should I be disgusted with Briggs for this shitty situation on a 2 year old motor.

[@jzuelch]

You should be disgusted with Briggs. Several other manufacturers use the same engine, and they all have the issue. Briggs should be the focus of your wrath.

[@joeb4405]

I have a Kohler 19hp engine that blew the head gasket in the same locationat about 30 hrs too.

[@Idatech7]

Excellent video! You are good at explaining how to's. thanks for the video

[@crmendi1]

Thank u very much. I followed the video and changed the gasket successfully.

[@dalebennett5227]

Great Video. My John Deere LA 115 needs a head gasket. Thank you very much.

[@billthomas8994]

Nice work and great presentation. Will tackle my Series 30 motor soon

[@KTS73100]

Thanks for the video! Really helped me out of a bind with my mower!!

[@kevinloughrey5135]

What a terrific video. Absolutely excellent. Well done!

[@milwscruffy]

So did this a couple weeks ago on a 4 year old 21HP for a buddy. Took off the factory head gasket and right where they always blow between the bore and the lifter pocket is a deep nick ( .030 deep ) about half the surface across the area that the gasket seals on. Worked at Briggs from 1977-1991, nice to see quality control is still piss poor. Told my buddy to expect to do this again in the future.

[@hdfxrusa]

Thank you for a great detailed video! Followed step by step!

[@sweatinthedetails375]

Thank you very much it was very helpful I followed your step by step and get it completed

[@leslamb9190]

I have the 16hp Vanguard version and the repair manual says to rotate the engine 1/4 inch past TDC on the compression stroke before adjusting the valves. I did this by inserting a screwdriver into the spark plug hole to obtain TDC then rotated more until the screwdriver went back in by 1/4".

[@nizzy1057]

Josh you would make a great teacher man

[@natetraff]

Did this today without having to losen or adjust the valves, made sure everything lined up as I slid head back on

[@Powertool1990]

Still should have checked the clearances to be safe. But that is one way to do it if you can.

[@imagee96]

Nice. The gasket on mine blew out in the same exact spot, as well as one other spot.

[@shepboyargee7691]

Great job. Very clear concise.

[@warrenmedeiros4289]

Great video. Quality work here. Thanks.

[@victorcharles554]

Thank you so much I was just complaining yesterday you go and look for help and the guy moving like a jet plane and when they finish in the end they tell you that's what they do how can you learn but you you are great you know exactly how to help somebody thank you for that video thank you and keep doing video KZbin should be acknowledged people like you accept the idiot who come there and move the video like lightning and see this is when they finish you did not know what they talk about

[@ronschwab75]

Thanks for the video, my Briggs has oil and dirt all over the OHV/ valve cover. So I’m guessing I need to take that off and reapply silicone?

[@billshedd55]

Thank you for helping to dispel the TDC myth!

[@bobbielftmann3579]

Thx for showing the far end of push rod seat.

[@enva7595]

Amazing video! I I just purchased the exact same mower with 85 hours, looks like a new machine, started like it should until i got to use it for the first time for 30 minutes, white smoke started to build up clouds...LOL... looked at the oil stick it was black so i Changed the oil and filter spark plug, started few minutes later same thing, then i smelled gas in the oil stick, drained the oil again put a new carburetor, new spark plug, new air filter, new fuel filter fresh oil started it nicely, again after 30 minutes or so same thing, way less smoke but still smoky!! i still smell little gas in the oil stick, I am assuming that the next thing would be the head gasket and the fuel pump? what else could it be? any suggestions? thank you!

[@paddypup1836]

Hello excellent video. I’ve a question. When I took the cover off to reveal the push rods I had oil in there. Enough to cover the bottom of the metal cover. More than I thought would be there. This a concern ?

[@MrTrekFanDan]

Outstanding video! Concise and detailed data. One of the best I’ve seen on KZbin - subbed. Question: If you overfill with too much oil and run the engine, would that blow out the head gasket? Thank you for the help brother. 🖖😎

[@robreadinger5340]

I believe a bad head gasket is the cause for my obnoxious amount of white smoke blowing out of exhaust. Do I need to mess with the valves? Or can I just go ahead and replace the gasket?

[@Powertool1990]

Only thing you will need to do is adjust the valves after replacing the head gasket. Shouldn't have to do anything else unless there's an obvious problem with them when you tear down. Do the simple checks I do in the video, is the spark plug fouled? Does the oil dipstick tube have steam coming out after you shut off the engine after running at operating temp? All signs of head gasket.

[@michaelangelina971]

Great video! Perfect instructions.

[@DKSE123]

Awesome Video , Very Well Discribed And Done !!

[@terrapinflyer273]

Would oil dripping and burning on the manifold/exhaust signify a head gasket issue? Excellent tutorial! Love that you included all the socket sizes and where each bolt is that needs to be removed to access everything. Most likely will attempt this as soon as I am able.

[@93s_Most_Reckless]

Is it suppose to click twice like yours did while torqueing? Or should it be one solid click?

[@tjc7054]

Thank you!!!! This will help me a great deal. Regards, Tom

[@dennydeckerful]

Could you use rtv with head gasket to ensure it won't blow again?

[@myleseastwood1904]

What is the tool you used to Space the Valves

[@Powertool1990]

Feeler blades to set valve lash.

[@georgeunderwood635]

Did you change the head bolts? I was told they have to be changed.

[@Powertool1990]

No, they are low torque, and not torque to yeild. They won't stretch like regular car/truck head bolts. The torque spec is to low. Never had a problem reusing them

[@jeffgilpin9425]

Question? Hey sir, I appreciate the video. I have had a Husqvarna with the 724hp B&S engine dual piston for 2 yrs. Within the first year it started blowing smoke. Been doing research found your video. Followed the steps, albeit slightly different because of the model. Found the blown head gasket, but piston won't move when I manually crank it. It's halfway in and won't go forward or backwards. Suggestions?

[@brantleyrobbins7188]

Thank you so much for this video, I am going to attempt to do this.

[@barrylarkin2866]

Great video thank you... 38 hrs on my JD D110 very disappointing, dealership said its not very common but by the number of views on your video I call BULLSHIT!!!

[@davidp8627]

It's very unusual on an engine with only 38 hours. The issue itself is THE most common issue of the Intek engines.

[@michaelmixon2479]

Is there a problem with the gasket material causing the the gasket to fail?

[@dballard2]

Amazing instructions!!! Thanks so much.

[@todivetoday]

Thank you for the video. In my case, after installing a new head, the engine started right away, but as soon as I covered valves, the engine did not start, just a few turns and that's it. I removed the head a few times and put it back, but no luck, it doesn't start. And it is hard to turn the engine. Any suggestions? Thanks

[@vyger6336]

Mine was the exact same as this one and it happened twice in three years. Sears tech told me it was because of the distance between the bolts on that side of the head.

[@davidp8627]

Right on. The Intek is designed to fail. All other head bolts are evenly spaced except for the one area most likely to experience blow-by. The only good news is that if you're relatively handy it's a $15 fix that will last another 5-7 years.

[@vyger6336]

@@davidp8627 I had it fixed by Sears for $250 bucks and it lasted 2 years.Then I did it myself for $15 bucks after that..

[@jeffscott9503]

What a great easy to follow video. I note you have an upgraded head gasket that you say has been beefed up and it looks bigger than mine was. Do you happen to have the part no. for that bigger gasket. It would be a big help as the parts store here don't know what i'm talking about. would appreciate your help again regards Jeff

[@SpaceExplorer31]

This should’ve been a major recall for BStratton. I just had to do the same head gasket for the same reason on my 14.5 IC engine.

[@PapaMav]

How come you did not wire brush/clean the valve heads too? Great vid.

[@coolcalmchuck4233]

Man, that was AWESOME.

[@myleseastwood1904]

Are you able to use just the gasket for the cover

[@xt2724]

Followed your video knocked mine out no problem

[@sawhitney47]

I have replaced this gasket 4 times! 3 times at a shop and the last time I did it myself but it only lasted one session. Could you give us the part number for the beefier gasket and would it help to use ultra grey on the head gasket?

[@dennydeckerful]

He shows it in the video.

[@chuckl3506]

I do have a question, in the video you stated that after you shut the mower off, if you have steam coming out of the oil dip stick tube after running at operating temp that it’s likely a blown head gasket? My car also has steam coming out of the oil dip stick tube after running at normal operating temperature, does that mean I possibly have a blown head gasket in my car as well? (I’ve also noticed smoke coming out of the exhaust, even when it’s warm out). It’s a 2016 Ford Fusion titanium with the Ecoboost 2.0 with turbo. Thank you again for all you do!!! That video was excellent, I can’t wait to start my mower tomorrow lol.

[@Powertool1990]

When you pull the oil fill cap of your car, do you see any white or milky residue under the cap? That's a big sign of head gasket issues on vehicles with coolant due to excessive moisture in crankcase

[@chuckl3506]

@@Powertool1990 I didn’t notice any white residue when I checked the oil in the car, the oil was almost black & had a burnt smell to it. I took it to Valvoline to have the oil changed even though it wasn’t quite due. They didn’t say anything about the oil but I’m sure all they do is drain it and don’t pay much attention to see if there’s an issue with it either. I’ll keep checking the oil to see if I notice anything abnormal. 🤷🏻‍♂️. Thanks again!

[@simonbray1792]

Thank you for this very helpful video. Reckon I can do this job on my X304, with a little help - will save me a lot of money & time. How do Briggs and Stratton get away with making engines that blow after just a few hours?

[@MattiaRaggiDrum]

Good job man from Italy!How many newton meter nm torque are 20 inch pounds?tanks

[@Powertool1990]

20 ft lbs is about 27 nm and 20 inch lbs is about 2.25 nm

[@MattiaRaggiDrum]

@@Powertool1990 thanks friend. I have a 148cc briggs stratton alpine mower and I would know if I need to tighten to 22 Nm. Is this correct?

[@jeffwatt6181]

Was the amount of oil that came out of the cylinder when you brought the piston up normal or a sign of ring wear ?

[@Powertool1990]

Every head gasket I've done on these have had the same small amount of oil in the cylinder, likely from the crankcase where gasket blew out and caused the oil burning/smoking symptom of the head gasket blown. but I've never seen it as an issue for rings or anything personally. Everything runs great after head gasket is replaced.

[@jeffwatt6181]

@@Powertool1990 thanks bud appreciate your response. 700 hours on one trying the head gaskets and fresh heads .

[@jamesjohnson6239]

Great video!

[@ITALIAN926]

Hi, thanks for the video. Can I ask a silly question? Does the engine automatically somehow put oil in the valve cover? Or is that an abnormality for there to be oil in there? because I had some oil in there.

[@crossvilleboy]

Thanks. Very informative.

[@mattclapper955]

Very helpful video! Thanks!

[@ROOSTER333]

Do you happen to know where the intake manifold gasket goes? And yeah I understand the name but I bought this thing cheap and it has a thin metal gasket with a tab on one side and only appears to go from carb assembly to head assembly

[@s.deslauriers5861]

Clear and simple.

[@larryguerrero8295]

I need help on the adjusting asap!

[@Powertool1990]

Larry Guerrero adjusting valves?

[@MrCbell57]

What is the little cap with the tiny coiled spring around it? That comes in kit? Sits between the two pushrods I'm thinking. AS there is a hole there just that size. Not sure though. Did you get a part for that on your build?

[@hoahoang3722]

Lightweight is good and what did I use it for it’s a lawnmower kzbin.infoUgkxTPN04aT-Qdjr_KS3ql7ng8wnU3wwsCqk also recommend Yes it is lightweight so hence not as robust as our old one. But if you take care it does the job really well.

[@nicklinamen]

When you say turn the engine until the valve is completely open, from your angle I can’t tell if o pen means the valve is all the way extended or in as much as it will go. Which is it?

[@Powertool1990]

Turn engine until 1 valve is completely compressed (open) and adjust the opposite valve.

[@mattpoelker4368]

Love the video, super helpful, thanks

[@togodbetheglory9725]

What causes to a head gasket to blown off...I have a new Dixie chopper mower ...2017 & already have a blown head gasket.

[@Powertool1990]

In this particular case, the area between the cylinder and crankcase is thin and the gasket wasn't thick enough to seal over time. I've seen some manufacturers change the new head gasket style to beef up the area between the cylinder and crankcase. Kohler even went as far as adding a metal gasket to one side of the lead gasket to remedy their head gasket issues.

[@johng7293]

Great Video. Just noticed the first puff of white smoke from around the exhaust. I have about 10 hours of fall lawn sweeping to do before I could lay my machine up for an extended time. After the first smoke detection, do I have a little time before the work with out damaging the engine?

[@Powertool1990]

I've known people that have continued to run their mowers for months thinking it's not a big deal. It's something that should get done but I don't see why you couldn't use it a bit more without hurting it.

[@johng7293]

@@Powertool1990 Thanks

[@roberttretola8263]

You cleaned off the piston and everything, I noticed that you didn't clean the head, it shows that there was a lot of burnt carbon dirt on it and you just left it dirty. Was there a reason for that? Should you clean the head or not? Thanks in advance.

[@dougball2276]

awsome video ,do you run the engine for a while then let it cool down and recheck head bolt torque again

[@Powertool1990]

I've never rechecked head torque after running, you could certainly do that if you'd like but some bolts behind the exhaust pipe, etc may be difficult to get to once reassembled. Like I said I've never retorqued after running and never had an issue.

[@martinzeddy]

Thanks for making the vid. Two questions: did you actually use the valve cover gasket or just the Ultra Grey? Second - I notice you didn't use a torque spec for the valve cover, why not?

[@Powertool1990]

Martin Zwicker I definitely used the head gasket, no silicone. I torqued the cylinder head but the valve cover is such a low torque it's not really worth using a torque wrench. You would probably need an inch pound torque wrench for the valve cover.

[@Powertool1990]

I misread the first part of your question. It depends on the year weither or not you use the valve cover gasket or silicone. I used the gasket but I believe the newer engines suggest silicone instead of gasket. Thanks for watching.

[@rodfroelich5908]

Excellent educational video. Thanks

[@paulm5504]

What is the name of the flat torque spec tool you're using when adjusting the nuts for the push rods? I need to pick one up! Thanks!

[@Powertool1990]

Paul I'm not sure I understand the question. It's a torx bit that locks the adjustment nut (I believe t15 or t20) and feeler blades to check valve lash. Hope this helps

[@paulm5504]

Repairs & Reviews I found the tool. I appreciate the reply! Great video by the way!