won't quite start

[DeathbyDixon]

Hello,
I have a 14.5 HP Briggs&Stratton I/C lawn mower engine. It has always ran great. Here's the problem. It won't start as I can't seem to get it to "spin" long enough to "catch". It acts like there is not enough power to the starter. Also, when I use the ignition switch, it just clicks at the solenoid. So I have replaced the solenoid with one I believe is good. Not brand new though. I also changed the starter to one that i believe is good and it won't spin the motor enough. When I jump the solenoid...old or new one...the starter kicks in and spins it fairly strongly and then stops. This happens with both old and new starter. It just won't spin the engine long enough to have the engine catch. I then took the spark plug out and tried it. It spins like a tornado then. It's like the starter cannot overcome the compression in the mower. I even jumped the battery with my truck's battery. I also directly put the positive jumper cable right to the starter. Same deal on both starters. I'm kind of confused and annoyed to say the least. What do you guys think? Next thing to try?
Thank you!!!!
Regards,
Ben

 

[Kodie's Lawn Service]

Hello,
I have a 14.5 HP Briggs&Stratton I/C lawn mower engine. It has always ran great. Here's the problem. It won't start as I can't seem to get it to "spin" long enough to "catch". It acts like there is not enough power to the starter. Also, when I use the ignition switch, it just clicks at the solenoid. So I have replaced the solenoid with one I believe is good. Not brand new though. I also changed the starter to one that i believe is good and it won't spin the motor enough. When I jump the solenoid...old or new one...the starter kicks in and spins it fairly strongly and then stops. This happens with both old and new starter. It just won't spin the engine long enough to have the engine catch. I then took the spark plug out and tried it. It spins like a tornado then. It's like the starter cannot overcome the compression in the mower. I even jumped the battery with my truck's battery. I also directly put the positive jumper cable right to the starter. Same deal on both starters. I'm kind of confused and annoyed to say the least. What do you guys think? Next thing to try?
Thank you!!!!
Regards,
Ben

Kinda sounds like the values need adjusted

 

[DeathbyDixon]

Hmmm, did not think of that. I will give it a look.
Thanks.

 

[Kodie's Lawn Service]

ok let me know :thumbsup:

 

[JimPap]

Sounds like the same problem I had with my John Deere riding mower.

Valves needed adjusting.

 

[Fish]

Heck no!!!!

It sounds like the valves need adjusting!!!!!!!

 

[exotion]

Hey I think the valves need adjusting

 

[DeathbyDixon]

Hey, you know what? The valves needed adjusting. I have no feeler gauge that will work on that, but used a piece of copy paper the is supposedly about .004" thick. It starts right up now, but has a bit of a flame out the exhaust. Gonna buy a feeler gauge and get it adjusted properly. Thanks for the advice!! And just to elaborate...the valves needed adjusting!! Lol.
Regards,
Ben

 

[Kodie's Lawn Service]

Hey, you know what? The valves needed adjusting. I have no feeler gauge that will work on that, but used a piece of copy paper the is supposedly about .004" thick. It starts right up now, but has a bit of a flame out the exhaust. Gonna buy a feeler gauge and get it adjusted properly. Thanks for the advice!! And just to elaborate...the valves needed adjusting!! Lol.
Regards,
Ben

Good to hear :thumbsup:

 

[DeathbyDixon]

Thank you again. Mowed half the day with it. It cruised right along!! Thank goodness.
Regards,
Ben