Briggs & Stratton — Check/Adjust Valve Clearance

Adjustments · Engine valve train

From a Briggs & Stratton service manual — check it applies to your exact model before use.

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Procedure

1. Check valve clearance with the engine cold.
2. Remove spark plug cables from spark plug terminals; pull on the boot only.
3. Clean area around spark plugs and remove spark plugs with a 5/8 inch socket.
4. Turn crankshaft in direction of rotation until piston of cylinder #1 is at Top Dead Center of compression stroke.
5. Insert wooden dowel into spark plug hole and slowly turn crankshaft until piston moved 1/4 inch (6.0 mm) down the bore.
6. Remove four screws with washers to release valve cover.
7. Insert feeler gauge between rocker arm and intake valve stem; verify clearance 0.005 inches (0.127 mm).
8. If adjustment is needed, obtain Briggs & Stratton Valve Adjustment Set (Part No. 19465).
9. Place 13mm socket over locknut; insert 5mm hex or TORX T-40 bit through hole to engage adjuster screw.
10. Rotate socket CCW to loosen locknut; turn adjuster screw CW or CCW to set clearance.
11. Hold adjuster screw and turn socket CW to tighten locknut to 70 in-lbs (8 Nm).
12. Check exhaust valve clearance 0.005 inches (0.127 mm) and adjust the same way if needed.
13. Install valve cover with four screws and tighten to 70 in-lbs (8 Nm) crosswise.
14. Repeat steps on cylinder #2; install spark plugs and tighten to 180 in-lbs (20 Nm).

Source: Briggs & Stratton service manual. Steps and values are as documented; always cross-check against the official manual and any later revisions for your exact serial number before servicing.

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