I finally fixed it ... Life hasn't been the same since

[Neo7]

Some of you may recall how I have a B&S 24HP V-twin that's ALWAYS been hard to start and long story short I did EVERYTHING to fix that (and the engine popping) issue.

Well the whole story (that lasted well over 3 years) will send you to sleep (and numb my fingertips on this keyboard) but it turned out the recommend spark plug gap was too small to reliably ignite the fuel but increasing (doubling) the gap would also not start the engine until I discovered the standard battery was not putting out sufficient volts while under the load of the starter motor. Jumper Cables to a 2nd fully charged battery would also not work because of the voltage loss (drop) due to the small resistance of the jumper cables.

Solution was to fit a bigger and better small car battery and then double the spark plug gap .... an BINGO she starts first time EVERY time.

Honestly this is a Game Changer for me that after 3 years I couldn't really believe I'd finally achieved so I waited 3 weeks (starting the engine twice a day) before letting anyone know.
Hope this information saves you time energy ... and that strong feeling of illogical insanity lol!!

 

[mechanic mark]

Thanks for posting results, pat yourself on the back.

 

[packardv8]

Agree, more juice is a good thing.

Same but different, the OEM wiring on most homeowner mowers began as cheap garbage and then lived a hard life out in the elements. Often, they are corroded where the wire goes into the terminal. I've solved many hard-starting problems by replacing the tiny stock cabling with larger-diameter fine stranded wiring and better terminals.

jack vines

 

[shurguywutt]

Good job. MyKohler 22 hp was a bit sluggish to start. I added a second set of 8 gauge automotive battery wires to the starting circuit. Starts very easy now.

 

[mechanic mark]

Don’t forget using Dielectric Grease on battery posts, terminals, & everything electrical.

 

[slomo]

Like most items they install the smallest wire that doesn't catch fire and the device somehow works.

Just learned that spray juice you glob on battery terminals is just a fine viscous grease in a can. I like those felt doughnuts. Slobber in grease then put terminals on. Keeps the acid away.

 

[DanDavis_]

Great job! Sometimes problems in life are very troublesome but others don’t really care. But when you solve them yourself, I know that sense of accomplishment.