Setting Valves: A Complete Guide on What To Know

In "The Valve Adjustment" Taryl Jr. shows you how to set the valves on a riding mower with OHV. Also features a "Quik Tip" at the end. And There's your Dinner!!
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#valves #valvesetting #smallenginerepair #valvejob #fix #repair #diy #howto #tarylfixesall #grassratsgarage

[@dkeith45]

It's amazing how tricky this adjustment is. I've followed these instructions for several motors the last couple of years. But today, it just keeps failing on a B&S 21 hp single cylinder. I adjust it to 4 thous. Then tighten it, and check it again and it's 7 thous. So try again and again. Finally had to set it to 3 thous, to get it to be 4 thous after tightening. And the motor still won't spin without the sparkplug being out. Update: I was able to talk to Taryl, and he suspected the camshaft compression release inside the crankcase was broken. So I removed the engine, opened the case and sure enough, Taryl was right. Thanks again for the great advice.

[@reefsroost696]

Always check after tightening.

[@2028end]

Would love to see a video on how to remove the engine and open the crankcase to get at that camshaft with the compression release. You should have filmed yourself doing that. : ))

[@dkeith45]

@@2028end Taryl has a video on the subject.

[@hackermusic3355]

I've set the valves on everything from .003 to .006 multiple times now and nothing has worked. Spins like a top with the spark plug out. Currently taking a break in disgust. Of course I also bought an unnecessary new battery first thing.

[@dkeith45]

@@hackermusic3355 Then it's likely the same problem I had, the camshaft compression release is broken.

[@jamesgideon5580]

The side of a Dr. Pepper can just happens to be .004 thick, in case you lost or don't have your feeler gauge set. ;)

[@raulrincon576]

Wish I had read your comment before heading to Autozone and paying 10 bucks for one....that I may never use again.

[@sawyerbennett8227]

@@raulrincon576 you'll definitely need it again

[@sawyerbennett8227]

@@raulrincon576 but you can do the job without feeler gauge it doesn't have to be exact

[@zesthraxGaming]

Can i use Dr. Pibb?

[@traocheckbeforeyoubuy4609]

@@zesthraxGaming why not

[@mikewright7236]

"I don't care what the book says!!! " thats something my dad would've said. he could fix anything. about spewed my coffee at that part 😂

[@jamit2u]

mike wright mine always told us it might not be right but it will be different

[@JasonTylerRicci]

I've seen the TDC valve adjustment method and this method (one at a time). I've found this method works perfectly, no need to find TDC, just have one fully closed and the other fully open

[@MJGEGB]

After following the instructions from the manufacturer's site my engine was still hard to turn over. After watching this video I had a good laugh and an engine that turned over with more ease than it ever had on my third hand mower. Thanks a bunch!

[@mikebolen9854]

Junior does a really good job with this video He's really professional on his presentation I had a riding lawn mower doing the same thing this video was what helped me fix it

[@mickm5097]

Took me a few tries to get my mowers valves set correctly, but it worked thanks to the info here. I really enjoy your videos. May not seem obvious, but your longer, more in depth videos teach that you've got to go slow, remain calm, and not start smashing things and cursing when you get frustrated working on an engine, no matter how frozen a bolt is, no matter how much skin you've scraped off your hand.

[@user-wj3fx8ny7m]

First time adjusting valves. Followed y’all’s steps and she fired up first time. Thanks guys!

[@mainevilleprepper4885]

Ya' know, some mechanics would have set the valves and charged you for a new starting motor. Taryl knows what he is doing!

[@jeffreymonceaux5926]

Dude I'm glad you are on the planet. You hooked me up. Adjusting the valves fixed the compression problem. No bell s no whistles jumped motor with cables . One & 1\2 revolution s I woke up the 🐈 cats! Thanks for the entertainment and knowledge!

[@fredglass5904]

Jeffrey Monceaux

[@jimbodiford8731]

Just wanted to say thanks for your video of valve adjustment for hard start B&S. Your symptoms were exactly what I had. One turn and stop. I had fought starters, batteries and was at wit's end! Never had a clue that valve adjustment was that critical to a good start. I'm not a mechanic by any stretch of the imagination but was able to follow your video easily and she fired right up...Thanks again, Keep up the good work.....

[@TarylFixesAll]

Jim Bodiford Glad I could help. Now theres your dinner!

[@georgiepresley238]

Taryl Fixes All i just ajusted mine to tight but it's dinner time so tomorrow I wil fix em

[@robj2704]

Yeah. Mine's been hard to start (spin) since new. Can't believe B&S wouldn't have properly adjusted the valves from the factory. Gonna check before grass season starts.

[@richardkoon5544]

Forget what the book says...Exactly. I reset the gaps your way and KaBOOM! Fired right up. Thanks Jr.

[@ryanbieberich6332]

Great videos for learning how to fix small engines. They're funny, entertaining and very educational. Great job guys!

[@doranvee5944]

BRILLIANT! How did I live so long without you?

[@jaryljackderriere1232]

Lots of mowers have this problem and you showed just how easily it can be fixed. Thank you! Great quick tip at the end. Gotta get the buggers out.

[@darrellclements4446]

Thanks Taryl. Been checking solenoid and starter. Nothing wrong with them. Then I find this video with you showing the exact symptom I’ve been having and how to fix it. Ordered new gaskets before repairing and will do so when they arrive.

[@noel6149]

Your Irish cousin here Dusty Rhodes here . Fixing up an od mtd yardman year "98" been neglected for years .... complete strip down ... grease replace and respray ...... set the valves to 4000 as you said Not finished yet but will post a video to you with before and after photos.... keep on rockin and keep on giving them dinners out big guy ..... 👍👍👍

[@CWalsh-pj9cp]

Thank you for this video. I did my first valve job a couple of weeks ago and I used the manufacture specifications and it did not work but when I re adjusted them to 0.004 in now my mower runs great again!!

[@seanlouviere400]

You are hilarious!!! You also have a gift to teach. You explain things so well..... so that people can understand...... Even with them there teef's!! Lol.... Any chance of doing a vid on a v-twin Briggs valve adjustment? Or maybe just a comment on how it should be done? If so thanks in advance.... AND THERE'S YER DINNER!!!!!.. Your f'n hilarious man!

[@joemiller1475]

Adjusted valves but it still backfire threw the carband exhast

[@rooba63]

Thanks for this. I thought compression release was broken so took sump off. Camshaft and release gizmo intact. Put it back together, set valves using Taryl's advice (not B&S setting) and it started right up. Wish I'd seen this earlier... would have saved a ton of work. Thanks Taryl and the crew.

[@edgemontaviation]

It's a miracle! That starter is spinning like it hasn't spun for years. I adjusted the valves - set to .004 inches, I don't care what the book says! Taryl Fixes All!

[@2028end]

lol

[@jafquist27]

November 11, 2022. Briggs 12.5 horse. Starter struggles, but won't crank the engine over. Typed "valve adjustment" in search bar for this channel, and there it is "How to set or adjust the valves on a riding mower = with Taryl Jr." I'm running to the hardware store to pick up a set of feeler gauges. and I'll be good to go. LOVE THIS CHANNEL!!!

[@aturner2080]

Taryl thanks for the info on the gas cap at the end of the video. My lawn tractor was skipping when it got hot. Less than 5 minutes. My gas cap was plugged but you could not tell by just looking at it. I sprayed carb cleaner in it and hit it with compressed air then put it back on tractor and it worked just like new! Thumbs up to you!

[@jimmytwinsburg4734]

Excellent presentation, you showing how the engine won't crank with the valves out of adjustment described my problem perfectly. I'll check and set the valves tomorrow. Keep up the good work.....

[@Majerly_Annoyed]

OMG!!! This was it!!! This was the video!!! For the first time ever I attempted a head gasket replacement on my B&S 19HP OHV lawn tractor. Everything went well until the valve adjustments. So many of the videos did a piss poor job of explain gin Top Dead Center etc. and I could get it to run smooth. Then I found this video, opened it back up, made the adjustments and WHAMMO!!!! I'm running smooth as silk. Thank you!!! This couldn't have been easier.

[@greglee2785]

Taryl you are my go to guy......many thank yous for your videos.

[@311g]

OMG, that was so ridiculous in a shamefully entertaining way and probably the most succinct and informative video I've seen on the subject. Good job!

[@pimpshack81]

I just watched this video a couple hours ago.. and pulled out my mower that was doing the same exact thing ... your info was spot on... my mower lives 😁🤘🤘🤘🤘

[@francespotter7556]

Thanks for sharing your talents and videos going to check my valves on my 18.5 briggs Doug

[@dalemihocik4732]

Had an oil leak at the cover that required a new gasket . After I saw this video I figured a valve adjustment would be a good idea since the cover was off . Now the mower starts right up as soon as the key is turned . Thanks for the video guys , so easy to understand .

[@dclantz]

Just found this video and thanks you, it solved a problem I've battled for over 2 years!! Two batteries and one solenoid later...I found this! Add to that since I no longer had feeler gauges and wanted to try it right now, today, I folded a piece of aluminum foil over and measured it with my reloading micrometer at about .004. Needless to say, I just stood back and smiled/laughed when my Toro started right up!!! Just wanted to let you know this video is still helping people solve impossible problems!Thank YOU!

[@tommybryan9911]

finally a utube video with real production great job

[@brettsummer5070]

Exactly what mines doing! New battery and same thing. Never would have thought about valve adjustment but makes sense

[@bobpalmer4740]

this is great. i was was a machine repairman for 40 years and lots of times i had to do that i don't care what the book says. and it worked better. i can count on one had the times i had to go back to fix the thing i just fixed.

[@dhsavoie]

Hey Taryl , you gave a good tip at the end of that video!! My tractor was doing that for 2 years! I was so frustrated. When I was driving for a while ( engine warm) it alwAys stop when I was going up hill like the engine was starving for gas. I was ready to put a gas pump and the guy at the shop(after seeing him several time ) told me about the gas cap! That was the problem! The tractor is been working good since. Thanks again for your video!

[@fhjeffery]

I've done quite a BIT OF MECHANICAL WORK IN MY DAYS BUT HAVE BEEN INTIMIDATED BY VALVE ADJUSTMENTS FOR SOME STUPID REASON...UNTIL NOW. tHANKS!

[@paulconti4064]

Thank you so much, I was having trouble trying to figure out what was going on and you explained it perfectly. Words can’t express how much I appreciate it. Thank you

[@karenbearden6198]

Ha ha "there's yer dinner." hilarious and informative, what's not to love? Have to try this adjustment on our 20 yr old pony, hope it works. Thanks!

[@bradcopeland3509]

valve adjustment was the missing piece for my head gasket replacement. other videos left that out. thanks Taryl!

[@TheRaiderCritique]

you need to let junior do more videos too taryl. yall as a tag team on camera would be lit!

[@chrisbounds8323]

This fixed my Pony that I've been trying to troubleshoot for 2 weeks! THANK YOU so MUCH!!!!!

[@redx7424]

Thanks I tried the manual it didn't work then I tried your way and set both to .004 and it worked like a charm on my 17.5 bns!

[@Leakywaders54]

Hey Taryl i was just ready to tear my 12.5 Kroller down to repair that acr when i took off the starter cover and found out that the cheap chinese bendix I bought was going up to high and jamming the flywheel. I think i lucked out here. thanks love your channel

[@jamesridenhour1520]

Encore! Thank you for this guided instructional video. Same scenario for myself, now she is in running condition. Same mower as well.

[@GlenPeterson]

Love your channel. I followed this video and the engine manual on my Kohler Pro 25hp engine. Started great. Ran great for 3 minutes, then sort of lost power. Turned out the spark plug wire had fallen off. Also seemed very hot. Crimped it back on, then ran great for 4 minutes and sort of lost power again this time until it stalled. Now it cranks and goes "Phut Phut" and even sounds like it might be catching a little bit, but never actually catches and starts. Waited a couple hours for it to cool: same thing.

[@greg20152015]

Nothing like laughing while learning. Love this shit! Thanks guys!🤙

[@jessemixon3135]

Thank you taryl❤, I appreciate your knowledge and instructions

[@salonsharp6301]

thank you! the official guide didn't works for me, but with the valve fully close/open , its started perfectly the first try (after head gasket replacement, i had too much compression and it wouldn't start)

[@joecoats8303]

His advice has made me and save me thousands of dollars!!!!

[@Lhyight]

Thank you guys! Thanks to your easy to understand video my mower lives again! Thank you soo much!!

[@ArnoldFamilyMovies]

Thank you. This was the last thing I was going to try before giving up and it worked right away. Awesome videos!

[@artvandelay9374]

This was very helpful. Of course my set only went down to 6thou so carved one out of energy drink can. Way closer than it was. Mine were sloppy like 12 thou slid in and out easy. Thanks for the help

[@potaylo]

Thanks for this vidya not only well done and informative but had a good laugh.

[@NateYT]

you guys are really knowledgable n funny thanks for the videos

[@terrapinflyer273]

Taryl Apparel lmao. Hey that was a good video! Made it a whole lot easier to comprehend, straight, to the point, bit of comedy. Thanks!

[@kiteslights7189]

Thanks these videos are fun and very informative. Also you are spot on on the vent hole. I had a rider do the same thing. Cleaned it up and then ran fine Keep making these please

[@TarylFixesAll]

Nic Mezinis new funny and informative how-to video every Sunday! Thanks fer watchin. And there's yur dinner!!

[@gerardodonaire699]

Ya'll guys are awesome

[@TheChiMachine]

Entertaining and informative. Thanks and keep up the good work. I am in Vermont and I would ask my other brother Taryl to give me a hand with fixing my boat motor that doesn't start!

[@michaelchang4121]

Tarly, thank you so much for your video. It helps me a lot for fixing my John Deere Mower.

[@INTERNA9]

LOVE it!

[@jconger7543]

Thanks for all your advice

[@JasonTylerRicci]

You good sir are THE go to for all small engine repairs. I'm fighting my Briggs with the exact same issue. Gonna adjust the valves next. Can you make this adjustment with both valves closed, or does one need to be closed while you adjust the open one?

[@sonicdewd]

The reason why you adjust it with one valve all the way open with the other one that you’re going to adjust all the way closed is because this is the position the camshaft is in that allows you to miss the compression release. Adjusting it in any other engine orientation will cause an exhaust valve adjustment while it is in compression release mode, which is not good. The starter is not designed to crank an engine without a working compression release. Also, if you happen to get it started without a compression release, and when it’s running, the exhaust valve will have a ton of clearance which will decrease performance.

[@waynebrown5428]

This fixed my mower, thanks sooooo much!!!

[@colinmack7756]

I love your videos Taryl. They are very entertaining and very informative for a wanna-be small engine mechanic like myself. Keep it up!

[@samburke3860]

"As long as it's still good, It should be Alright." Thanks guy, Going to attemp this now

[@GUILLERMOJGARZON]

Taryl, Thanks for sharing your knowledge with youtube viewers. I did all exactly on your video but still spins slow and stop then any other suggestion that why is not starting? Thanks in advance.

[@closertothetruth9209]

seems your channel was always great

[@kevinabalo]

Very good, Taryl, Thx! .... move to Wales, and set up shop ... you're wasted out there in the US

[@pepperandzip]

Y'all are the bomb thanks to y'all I'm able to keep my Husqvarna running keep up the great videos

[@ndubuisimbano9042]

First off, y'all are doing the most. Second, just subscribed. Why haven't I seen this video sooner? Third, great vid. Good job.

[@davidsteinfeld9123]

got to say the comedy is good theme information better i have come across taryll on and off I think he has it as a teacher and a machanic so with no lingering that red button i will smash like seeing you guys

[@johnr.6029]

Thank you. This adjustment looks great for doing valves that are out of adjustment. What do you do if both valves/rockers are totally loose or have been removed and are being reinstalled? They may be really loose regardless of how much you turn the flywheel. What is the starting/reference point? Thank you.

[@mikemarcus8676]

Thanx dudes, loved your vid, the only thing missing was cans of beer and a corn cob pipe

[@2028end]

I got th e OHV130 engine, and there's no T20 locknut in the middle. It just looks like a regular bolt head. How do you adjust that? Loosen the nut at the back, and then turn the nut, then retighten the back nut?

[@immrnoidall]

i love this show.

[@Dudemieser]

Taryl Jr. Is a whole lot less high strung. Good dude

[@nightstalker9497]

instructional with a little humor, nice!👍

[@danimalbigtree]

I got a 25$ complete motor like this from the scrap yard and fixed it just like this.

[@gilbertjaramillo8735]

Hahaha great video. I can adjust my Briggs now due to your video. Thank you.

[@smokey9397]

Man,thanks so much,you make me laugh,and that's a great thing,also you make it so simple to learn! (I have watched this one a few times,makes me laugh every time!)

[@rednecksforjesus5065]

Gitter done Taryl & thank you for your wisdom. Also I have just started working on small engine to help us put food on our table, it is something I have always wanted to try. But my first couple are kicking my rear. I have a mans gas powered scooter, in the fender says Gucci, and the motor is a 2 cycle with no sticker or name the housing is orange. I cleaned the carb, cleaned the gas tank & pulled out a hunk of black the size of my palm, changed the fuel lines and I also changed the spark plug and tested for fire in which the coil is good. But still I get nothing when I try to start it, even spraying some starter in carb. I believe it might be electrical, but if I disconnected all wires from motor, a red & green and the two coming from the coil shouldn't it still start up? still leaving plug wire on. Any tips please I'm really in a jam.

[@patdonohue1307]

Taryl, Great video! Having trouble starting my 25 hp Kohler Courage Pro engine. I am in the process of adjusting the valves. At TDC on the compression stroke, the clearance on both valves is tighter than the spec (0.005 in.). I don't think the valves have ever been adjusted. I was expecting the clearance to be greater than the spec. Just wondering if you have seen this type of thing before. Thanks in advance for your reply.

[@robertgiguere875]

Love your videos! I have a 23 hp Briggs & Stratton endurance Intek(2009). The book says to adjust valves to 04 - 06 ? Why don’t they give exact for exhaust and intake settings, I’m confused!! The engine is hard to start, but runs well when started: where should I set the valves??

[@turbofiat]

My 17.5 hp B&S 33000 series engine hydrolocked due to a stuck float. After freeing up the float pin the engine would only start using ether but would run otherwise. I know a B&S OHV is hard to start if the valves clearances are out of adjustment. I adjusted the valves and it now starts up fine. Any correlation between the two? This engine had probably less than 100 hours on it. BTW, the B&S manual says to find TDC then rotate the engine backwards a 1/4" so both valves are closed and adjust both valves with the piston at this position. I tried your method but had no luck. What's up with that? Also took me longer to scrape that RTV off the valve cover and engine than it did to adjust the valve clearances and put the valve cover back on! Why do they use that crap? I make my own gaskets out of GoreTex material. It can be reused 100 times!

[@ALNTV1541]

😂 you guys are awesome!

[@dallasrensel837]

Rare ......but make sure the rocker studs are not loose. Love your videos.

[@claycornelius6538]

Great video

[@rosiebugdaddybug7665]

Dude...that was awesome. Great video...funny and straight forward!

[@mackattack7742]

Love your videos Taryl. Very helpful.

[@TarylFixesAll]

Mack Attack Thanks Mack, Is that like Big Mack?Cuz thats always good fur dinner!

[@johnnealhaynes7919]

Taryl you the best !!!. I got a Briggs doing the same thing... Already Set valves at 4tho and still doing the same...is a 19.5....is it different ???

[@scrogginjessee]

I have a kohler magnum (mv165 model number) it's hard cranking but if you pull out the spark plugs it spins no problem I was going to adjust the valves but dont see anyway to adjust them. Anyone have any ideas? Plus love the videos way better than all the other repair videos I've seen lol

[@Rebel9668]

So, do you not have to check the piston for top dead center and go a little past that?

[@LJinTX]

This is fun video. My old LT1000 thanks you!

[@oz7245]

Had a JD 185 that would run fine for 5 to 10 min then die. found the fuel petcock was full of grass. Cleaned & ran fine.

[@buhrock4273]

Taryl, could this issue also be why, when my mower did run last season, it would only stay on while in full choke? I ended up replacing the carb and it still did it. Left it to sit, and now its doing the issue in this video with the valve tapplets. I mustve gotten my compression adjustment wrong and listened to the manual of .005" last time I changed out the head gasket last year as well. I'm just not sure if this issue is related to the carb or not. Hope this reaches you.

[@charleshoward35]

Thanks for the information, videos very amusing

[@alexmartins9971]

Better than expected!

[@X-Stream24]

I'm working on a mower just like that one. I put a new carburetor on because the old one was leaking. I put a new one on and the gas is spitting towards the air filter side. I check the flywheel key, check the push rods and adjusted the values. Still spitting out gas. Any help would be appreciated. And thanks for your videos. So once I get this fixed I can have my dinner!!

[@Harry-wt1pi]

Thank you , I did this and it fired right up

[@Grannyhauenstein]

Is .004 clearance the general rule for setting valves on most small OHV engines??? And the same for both valves? Other vids are always giving a range for clearance and its different for intake and exhaust. Thanks for your help!

[@johnm8078]

Great video. I found that there was only one spacer between the intake valve and the rocker shoukd there not be one on the exhaust also?