AboutJohn C. Bridgers Sr. Expertise Small Engine Service Center Co-Owner - ATVs, Mowers, Trimmers, Snow throwers, and Many Other Small Engine Operated Equipment. I can answer questions pertaining to Most Lawn and Garden Equipment, e.g. riders, tillers, trimmers, cement mixers, chainsaws, etc. I have been repairing small engines for 34 years. Briggs & Stratton, Tecumseh, Kohler, Lawn Boy, Stihl, Poulan, Mac, and Honda; to name a few.
Experience
Past/Present clients I have worked on small air/water cooled engines for 34 Years. I performed warranty work for Lowes of Wilson and other retailers in the area. I Own a Yard Maintenance and Certified Small Engine Repair Service Center.
Question I have a 2003 Cub Cadet with the 18.5 ELS500 single cylinder OHV engine. It has 166hrs on the motor/mower. Engine#310777 030SE1 031023ZE.
It developed a knock that would come and go. Today I was trying to see if something external was loose while running and it backfired and died. It will not start now and backfires out of the exhaust and carb, motor spins faster than it did before.
Ideas will be very helpful!
Thanks, Dennis
Answer Hello Dennis:
Remove the Valve Cover and Check the Valve Clearance. The OEM Suggests .004in on Both the Intake and Exhaust. I Use .004in for the Intake and .009in for the Exhaust. Make Sure the Valve Keepers are Still Locked to the Valve Stem. If the Valves Look Good and Seem to be Operating Properly, then Remove the Flywheel and Check the Flywheel Key for Damage (Sheared Most Likely). The Knock May have Been the Fkywheel Loose or the Connecting May have Broken. What is the Cylinder Compression? Also, the Internal Counter Balance Weight May have Loosened and is Causing the Problem. You can View a Breakdown/IPL of this Engine at this Site Addy, http://www.smallenginepartswarehouse.com/parts.asp and Select the Shop Online Parts Look Up. Then Select the Model Tab. Then Select the OEM and Enter the Model Numbers. Then Double Click on the Model in the Results Area. Now you can Select the Section of the Engine you Wish to View. Hope this Helps. I am Here if You Require More Assistance. Let me Know What Happens, Please. Thanks.
Good Luck
Respectfully
John
PS: I am Allowed to Answer 10 Questions a Day. If you See I am Maxxed Out, then Try Submitting you Question at or Just After 9pm EST (US). My New Day Starts then. Thanks.
