Sears Craftsman 18.5HP Inteck Model #31P777-0348-E1 was running turned off and then it would not restart. Discovered the small valve cap off the exhaust valve came off and was lying in the valve cover. Reinstalled and adjusted the values found TDC and did the ¼ inch turn after TDC of flywheel. Has spark and gas cranks but does not start. Cked the push rods, valve clearance 3x. Unit has spark and the idle relay and float bowl is good/clean. All running good till this.Help!
Caps do not come off for no reason. Valve had to stick to give enough space for this to happen. Also, not sure from your description that you are adjusting valves properly. Exhaust valve clearance is not .003" and "a 1/4" turn after TDC" what is that? Adjustment when piston is 1/4" down from top after TDC.
I have detailed instructions for adjusting your valves as well as a Service Manual for your engine IF you want them, address below, put in proper format and remind me, engine model number and what you want.
Could you possibly mean the oil seal? If that happened there might be broken spring for the valve stem to drop low enough, but one would think you would hear a lot of noise or destruction.
Leave the valve cover off and back off the valve lash a little at a time, this is a close tolerance there and if the valve is opening to early it won't fire.
