Hard to Start

[mikes3028]

I have an Lt1000 that is hard to start. It is several years old and has alot of hours on the engine. The engine is a 17.5 hp Briggs. It doesn't leak or burn any oil and I change it about 4 times a year because I am cutting my yard (3 acres) and mama's yard (5 acres) and picking up leaves every year so this thing gets a good workout. Once you get it cranked it runs perfect just getting it cranked is the hard part. I have to put a charger on it and run the volts up to around 15.5 just to try and get it to turn over past the compression stroke. I have checked all the cables, swapped starters and checked all I know to check. It acts like it doesn't have the power to turn the engine over once it hits the compression stroke. I adjusted the valves about 3 yrs. ago but haven't really had any problems till last year. The battery has a full charge and I still have to hook the charger to it. Even when it is hot it acts like this. I'm wondering if the valves are to tight and it has too much compression. If someone can point me in the right direction it sure would be appreciated. Sorry this is long but trying to cover everything.

Thanks, Mike

 

[Rivets]

If it is an OHV engine, I would adjust the valves. Post the model, type and code numbers for the engine and I will see if I can find you a manual.

 

[wjjones]

If it is an OHV engine, I would adjust the valves. Post the model, type and code numbers for the engine and I will see if I can find you a manual.

Yep that is most likely the problem the valves need adjusting I had to do mine at the end of last mowing season it runs, and starts alot better now.

 

[mikes3028]

Thanks for the replies back. I will go up to the shop and get that info for ya'll and post it.

 

[mikes3028]

OK. From what is left of the numbers on the decal it looks like the serial number might be 030619zd00460. I can't make out the model number but I do know that the engine series is a 31C700 and it is a 17.5 HP with OHV's.

Thanks Guys, Mike

 

[Rivets]

One of these manuals should help you.

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/12502267/B&S Service Manuals/03_272144VanguardTwinCylinderOHV.pdf

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/12502267/B&S Service Manuals/05_273521TwinCylinderOHV.pdf

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/12502267/B&S Service Manuals/08_275429VanguardTwinCylinderOHVLC.pdf

 

[mikes3028]

Thanks Rivets, but those manuals are for a 2 cylinder engine. I apologize I forgot to mention that the 17.5 HP OHV engine is a single cylinder. Sorry about that.

Mike

 

[Rivets]

Sorry, I assumed a twin. You know what they say about assuming. Try this one.

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/12502267/B&S Service Manuals/04_272147VanguardSingleCylinderOHVAirCooled.pdf

 

[mikes3028]

Thanks again Rivets, I'll adjust the valves this weekend and let you know how it goes.:thumbsup:

Thanks, Mike

 

[mikes3028]

Alright fellows, got the valves adjusted. Seems to be a little better. I checked the voltage coming out of the solenoid with the key turn to crank and have full voltage. I did have a little corrosion on the positive side of the battery cable so I cut it off and put new terminal on it. I took the ground loose (mower side) it didn't look to bad but cleaned it anyway. Everything else looks good or checks good. The only thing I haven't checked is to do a load test on the battery. That's for tomorrow.

Thanks for the help Rivets, I will let you know how the battery check comes out.

Thanks, Mike