B & S 17.5 HP Problem

[Craftsman Garage]

On these engines, this is a very frequent problem that I have run into and it is always caused by a bad compression release

 

[Auto Doc's]

I have replaced a few camshafts due to a bad compression release mechanism, but most of the time owners don't want to fix them. I have 3 of them right now in my scrap mower collection.

I don't trust the replacement cams offered enough to invest the money and fix them myself. I have had too many repeat failures with these.

 

[Craftsman Garage]

They don't call them "Breaks and scrapem'" for nothing. If they break, scrap them, because they are not worth fixing because they will just break again.

 

[Auto Doc's]

I have a lot of older Briggs & Stratton engines still going strong, most are the much older flat head design.

For longevity, I gotten the best life out of Kohler engines when it comes to riders.

Honda is a close second when it comes to other power equipment.

The way emissions laws are going, they may all be scrapyard bound in the near future

 

[Hammermechanicman]

Thaks for the response. Yes, I have no problem there. On advice gained on this site I have adjusted the valves but the problem persists. I guess it is the compression release on the cam. When I start the tractor have been rotating the engine counterclockwise a ways and that allows it to get enough momentum to start.

I have a couple customers with bad cams on old craftsman mowers. Not worth having me put cams in them and i showed them the turn bsckwards till it hits compression and then it will crank. They think i am some kind of magician LOL

 

[Craftsman Garage]

I love those old flathead engines. One time I was able to run one of those 3 hp flat heads on a edger for about 50 hours without oil! It had an oil leak that I did not notice