Craftsman Mower unable to start

[NovaScotia1989]

Hi guys, first time poster here.
I am having trouble starting my mower this season.
It ran a dozen times fine. Now I can’t get her to run.
The engine spins roughly once as the key is turned and stops.
Craftsman 917270850
Briggs and Stratton 461707-0145-E1

There is a new Lawn and Garden battery installed as well as starting solenoid.

could my issue be the actual starter motor? Or by creeping the forum could it be a valve adjustment issue?
Thanks in advance for any advice.

 

[Born2Mow]

I am having trouble starting my mower this season. It ran a dozen times fine. Now I can’t get her to run. The engine spins roughly once as the key is turned and stops.

It does sound like the compression release is not working due to valve adjustment.

 

[NovaScotia1989]

It does sound like the compression release is not working due to valve adjustment.

Okay, that will have to be something I check into tomorrow afternoon with the right tools.
Any idea what the feeler gauge should be set to and what the torque spec is buttoning everything back up?

 

[Scrubcadet10]

On the opposed twin, (according to the model number provided) the camshaft doesn't appear to have a compression relief mechanism.
To adjust clearance on a flathead you will need to remove the valves and grind the tip of the valve. A LITTLE BIT AT A TIME.
only if the clearance is out of spec.

 

[NovaScotia1989]

It does sound like the compression release is not working due to valve adjustment.

Also how involved is the valve adjustment on this engine? Am I biting off more than I can chew?

 

[NovaScotia1989]

View attachment 56742
On the opposed twin, (according to the model number provided) the camshaft doesn't appear to have a compression relief mechanism.
To adjust clearance on a flathead you will need to remove the valves and grind the tip of the valve. A LITTLE BIT AT A TIME.
only if the clearance is out of spec.

Is there anything else that may be the issue? Sounds extremely involved

 

[Scrubcadet10]

Also how involved is the valve adjustment on this engine? Am I biting off more than I can chew?

Nope, you got to slightly grind down the valve... little at a time, again, that is only IF the clearance is out of the specified range.
you have to remove the valve cover, which is a little plate on the top of the engine, on each side, i would purchase a flat head engine valve spring removal/installer tool, (tons easier), remove the cylinder head(s) which is simple. slowly grind the valve small end, a little, and when i say little, a little at a time. you can take material off, but you can't put it back on. check, clearance, grind some more, check clearance, grind, check, grind check until it's good.
install a new valve cover gasket, as well as head gasket.
If the valve clearance checks out GOOD, i would get a volt meter and start checking voltages. it is possible to get a voltage drop in the Main + wire due to corrosion in the wire or bad ground connections. Or even a bad starter.

 

[NovaScotia1989]

View attachment 56742
On the opposed twin, (according to the model number provided) the camshaft doesn't appear to have a compression relief mechanism.
To adjust clearance on a flathead you will need to remove the valves and grind the tip of the valve. A LITTLE BIT AT A TIME.
only if the clearance is out of spec.

If my engine manual and my riding mower manual have different clearance specs which one do I use?

 

[Scrubcadet10]

Engine manual

 

[NovaScotia1989]

what level of dicolouration and grim is usually on the valve heads? If any