[edkedk]

My Troy-Bilt, Pony model, riding mower is having a power problem after working for about 15 minutes. Some smoke and loss of power. I was toying with checking valve clearances. My engine is a B&S, single cylinder, vertical, 17.5 rated horse power engine; Model# 31C707; Serial# 0154E1; Code# 0411297D. The manual for this model gives valve clearances and refers to Part# 272147 for procedure to do this.

My questions:
1. Where are the valves located?
2. Are these valves adjustable?
3. Does anyone have the procedure documented in this referred to manual part # 272147?
4. Any suggestions on what may be the cause of my problem?

Thanks for any help.

 

[Don L]

The valves are located on the front of the engine under a cover that has OHV stamped into it.
They are adjustable,find top dead center(piston at top of stroke)and set the intake at .005",exhaust at .007".
A bad head gasket may be the cause of the problem,I've encountered the same symptons on single cylinder Briggs engines before.
A leak down test would be my first step.Also look for oil leaking around where the head meets the block.
Hope this helps,Don

 

[2men&atrailer]

this is a good video of the location of the ohv and how to lash them