Export thread

We have a Sears Craftsman lawn tractor with a 17 1/2 HP OHV Briggs and Stratton motor. I would like to check the valve clearance this spring and need to know what the clearance should be. Can anyone help please?

Since you don't post engine numbers, I'm taking a guess that you have a twin cylinder Vanguard engine. Here is a manual to help you, if I have guess right. If I'm wrong that's why we ask for numbers.

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

Thanks Rivets, but after looking at that manual, I don't believe that is my motor. Here is the motor number that I should have supplied in the first place - YBSXS.5012VP. There is also the number 274826, but I assume that is probably the serial number. Do you have a similar manual for this motor?

Those are not the model numbers. Looking for something like this. Model 245787 Type0134 01 Code67452 88

If you post the model of the tractor, I might be able to find out the engine that way.

Better yet post both.

Yeah, I realized that when I went to the B & S website to look for the manual. The true part number:

Model: 31C707
Type: 0230 E1
Code: 030725ZA

Once I found the correct part number, I was able to access the manual on their website, so I think I am good for now. Thanks.

I remember when that engine came out, and everytime somebody had a problem with it. It was always a valve out of adjustment problem. Engine would kick back, not start, had to turn flywheel by hand to get engine started, but sometimes still couldn't get started. Common complain was I have a starter problem.

I was thinking at first that I had a starter problem, but after I posted the problem to this forum, some members helped me to see that it probably was a valve adjustment problem. We've had the mower for a number of years and have never adjusted the valves, so it is probably overdue.