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Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.)/MTD mower 17.5 HP Briggs & Stratton

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Question
Briggs & Stratton  Model 31C707   
Type 0154-E1    
Code 050301ZE

Engine stopped while mowing.  Found broken intake push rod.  Bought new intake push rod and attempted to install. However it did not seem to go all the way in.  What should I start looking at as potential reason/problem?

Answer
Maybe take a flashlight and look into the push rod hole for any damage.

Remove the spark plug.   Use a stiff piece of wire or 3/16" all thread rod and instert into intake push rod hole.  Rotate engine by hand while putting some slight pressure on the all thread rod.  Can you feel the valve tappet moving?

The valve tappet may have suffered damage.

Let me know what you find.
Eric

Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.)

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Eric A. Jones

Expertise

Lawnmower Repair . Certified Master Service Technician from B&S. Have 13 years experience on B&S, Lawn Chief, Weed Eater, Echo, Peerless, Wheel Horse, Snapper, Atlas, MTD, McCulloch, Homelite and many other numerous brands. Specialize in electrical repair.

Experience

Born and raised in the midwest. Started tinkering with engines when I was about 14 on my Suzuki RM-80. I began lawn mower repair at a small hardware store. I knew absolutely nothing. I read lots of repair manuals and met an older fellow who taught me many lessons. I continued working on small engines through high school and paid my way through college working on mowers at the same hardware store. Decided to get away from the midwest and mower repair so I joined the Air Force. I repaired air traffic control electronic equipment and ended up in Hawaii where I got a part time job at Small Engine Clinic. I gained a lot of experience from the Small Engine Clinic and had a blast repairing small engines. I then took the Briggs and Stratton Master Service Technician test and earned my MST. I then traveled to Wisconsin where I attended the factory update training seminar and received formal training. I received a scholarship from the Air Force and am currently pursuing another degree.

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