Expert: BEN - 7/1/2007

Question
I have a mtd riding mower with a 14.5 hp. briggs and stratton engine with overhead valves.The book says to set the valves from top dead center. I know to get piston to the top of the cylinder head but I dont know if you set them from the intake or exhaust stroke. please help!thank you!

Answer
JIM

either one is ok.Use a feeler gauge to check the gap between the valve lifter and valve stem with the valve lifter in the relaxed - lowest - position. A typical value is .010 inches. Excessive clearance will require replacement of the valve or valve lifter. There could also be too little clearance - which is also bad - but the valves stems can be ground down to repair this problem which is either a defect in manufacturing or a result of a cam shaft replacement which is oversize