Valve lash on an OHV Briggs or Honda: the 15-minute job that fixes hard starting
Difficultymedium
Time15 minutes
Cost$5 gasket
Symptoms: hard to pull over (compression release not working), hard starting hot, popping. On OHV engines the lash opens up with wear. Cold engine, plug out, piston at top dead center on compression (both rockers loose) plus 1/4" past TDC per the manual. Feeler gauge between rocker and valve stem: typical Briggs 0.004 to 0.006" intake, 0.006 to 0.008" exhaust (check your model). Loosen the jam nut, turn the adjuster, hold, tighten, recheck. New valve cover gasket.
This took my 10-year-old Craftsman from "pull until your arm falls off" to first pull.
#valve-lash#ohv#briggs#hard-start#small-engine
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7 comments
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The embedded video is clearer than the official service manual, which is a little embarrassing for the manufacturer.
Small addition: wear eye protection for the part where you pry it. Learned that one the hard way.
Bookmarking. I have exactly this problem and was about to pay someone.
Unplug it. Always. Takes two seconds and the worst case otherwise is a trip to the ER.
I did the same repair last month and your step 3 is where I got stuck. Wish I had this then.
Upvoted for the safety notes alone.
Glad it helped.