No start. Have gas, spark, compression

[kcsnapper]

I have a Snapper 381450HBVE rear engine rider with 14.5 HP Briggs IC model #287707 engine that is getting on in years. It has been smoking off and on for the past season or two. I always top off the oil before I start it up. Lately it has been fouling plugs more frequently. Usually I can just pull the old plug out, clean it and she's good to go. Not so much anymore. The last time it died I put in a new plug, checked for spark it was good) and it still wouldn't start. It also doesn't sound normal when cranking. Kind of a "Wub,wub,wub" sound with the choke all the way closed and that goes away with choke opened so all you hear is the starter motor turning over. The Wub,wub,wub is almost a popping sound but not like it's trying to fire. So, I pulled the plug and checked compression. It is at 130 psi which is where it has always been at since I bought it 4 years ago. The plug is wet with gas when I pull it out. I'm wondering if there is a timing issue or maybe a problem with the valves. If that is the case I may just move on to a little bit wider zero turn which has always been my goal since buying this property. Just at an acre it's probably more that the Snapper likes to do. Any ideas on why it won't start? Or recommendations for zero turns?:biggrin:

Thanks,
John

 

[Tinkerer200]

I would pull the flywheel and check the key for partial or complete shear.

Walt Conner

 

[kcsnapper]

Thanks Walt. I am trying to get that off right now but I am fighting the aluminum hub for the pull start mechanism. I assume that it is a press fit. I have a very weak puller that won't stay on good enouh to pull it. It did move maybe a sixteenth but now it won't budge. Is there a special tool or technique to get it off? I think that I'll just head out to HF and get a better puller. I am not noticing any play in the flywheel on the shaft but it could have moved just enough to mess up the timing I suppose and not have any play in it.

John

 

[kcsnapper]

Is there a possibility that my valves are out of adjustment? I read in another forum that this is a common problem for a "no start" problem in B&S engines. One thing that makes me wonder about this is the compression release function that I didn't know this engine had. It has always been a hard starter and it would really slow down on compression stroke and sometimes run battery down before it would start. It is turning over now like it doesn't have compression (but it does). Could the compression release or valves be out of adjustment? Still looking for a decent puller for that flywheel.

John

 

[Tinkerer200]

OK, should have checked out the model number. Forget the flywheel for now at lest.By the way, IF this engine has a recoil (unusual for this engine) that recoil hub screws off normal right hand thread. Use wooden block against one of the ears and hit wood with hammer in direction to loosen.You need to remove the valve cover however. I suspect a valve has stuck and a push rod has come out or broken.

Contact me at address below and I will send you a Service Manual for your engine and Instructions for fixing a moved valve guide should that be the problem. Put in proper format and remind me engine model number and what you want (and what you have found)

Walt Conner
wconner at frontier dot com

 

[kcsnapper]

Thanks a ton Walt.

Just sent you an e-mail with the requested info.

John

 

[kcsnapper]

OK, found it. I pulled off the valve cover and found a broken rocker. Now I just need to get a new one and reset everything (I hope)

 

[Tinkerer200]

OK, found it. I pulled off the valve cover and found a broken rocker. Now I just need to get a new one and reset everything (I hope)

You need to try to figure out WHY the rocker arm broke. IF you get the email I sent you, you will check the height of the valve guides. Let me know if one is high, should not be more than 1/8" above the head casting.

Walt Conner

 

[kcsnapper]

Hey Walt,

Never got the e-mail. Not sure what is going on there. Try sending it to jodocorb at gmail com instead

Thanks,
John

 

[kcsnapper]

I got the e-mail yesterday. Thanks for that. I should be able to get it apart today and hopefully get parts by Monday or Tuesday. Not really clear on the valve guide mod but I assume that it is a common problem with the guides slipping. I just don't understand how cutting the groove fixes that. Maybe it will be more clear once I get into the repair.

John