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Craftsman hard cranking?

16 years ago

I'm working on a Craftsman tractor with an 18.5 intek engine in it, mod# 31P777. Customer complaint is that it cranks VERY slowly when cold. He replaced the battery/solenoid before he brought it over. Sure enough, when you try to crank it, it hardly makes it by the compression stroke. I tried a new starter on it I had in stock- same thing. I checked compression, almost 150psi. The valve train seems to be working properly (took the valve cover off). Is the compressionm too high? When you turn the flywheel by hand, it seems to have 2 resistance points, when you're turning it up to TDC on the compression stroke, and when you're bringing it back down from it, it's hard to move there also. Once warm, it runs all day, no knocks, etc. Your thoughts?

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Comments (12)

ray_okla
16 years ago
Did you check the valve settings? 2 or 3 thousandths can make a whole lot of difference. 150 lbs of compression seems excessive to me. There may be excessive carbon in the heads.
Check also if the battery ground cable is making good contact to the engine block.
wheelhorse_of_course
16 years ago
Is this engine supposed to have a compression release mechanism? Sounds like that isn't working.
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smallengineguy
Original Author
16 years ago
Yes I did check the valve lash. OK. And I can see the intake move in and out a little where the compression release is "supposed" to be. The tractor has 118 hrs on the meter, and is in great shape otherwise. I got it started today, and it'll work fine after it's warm. All wiring is OK (grounds, etc.).
tmajor
16 years ago
Does it crank easier when warm?

Why don't you check the compression after it has warmed up?

If it has less compression warm, ... ?? You're on your own!
bgrabon
16 years ago
I have the same engine with similar issues. The exhaust valve was not lashed (loosen up over time I guess). Re-lashed it, still problems starting. Then, found when I took out the spark plug the cylinder was full of gas. This led to the float/needle valve in the carb not fully sealing off the gas. After a week of sitting there it slowly filled up the cylinder. Yours may be not leaking that much, but enough to make it hard to start when cold. If this is happening to you, then make sure to replace the oil since you find the gas will get pushed into the oil (not good). ANother symptom of this is that it spews gas/smoke when it first starts. If too much gas in oil it will continue to smoke as it runs. For me the plastic float's tang (little part that pushes on the needle valve) was bent. I replaced the float, but you could just heat it up a bit and bend it some. It could also be the needle valve itself or the seat. Maybe worn or gummed up??? I also read about a guy who instead of messing with this, just installed a gas cutoff valve. You can get them a Lowes for ~$7. THis would ensure no gas leaks in.

bobg
smallengineguy
Original Author
16 years ago
Cylinder is dry, not a fuel problem, but thanks for the suggestion. I just got an Ariens ZTR into the shop for a tune-up, it has a 17.5 Intek in it. Compression is 110psi (warm). Just checked the Craftsman, it's 155psi cold!! The spark plug is a nice light tan color. DO you think carbon may be an issue on this engine with 117 hours on it?
xpostech
16 years ago
Screaming Eagle heads?
wheelhorse_of_course
16 years ago
Seems unlikely but you never, know, maybe the customer put oil in the gas or something else that caused the carbon.

More likely the compression release isn't working properly.

With it cold, try removing the spark plug and see how it cranks.
smallengineguy
Original Author
16 years ago
Cranks fine with the plug out. I guess the comp release isn't working. It's on the cam gear, correct?
xpostech
16 years ago
Why don't you try the Briggs troubleshooting engine. You won't need to register. It should pin it down.

Here is a link that might be useful: Briggs Troubleshooting
smallengineguy
Original Author
16 years ago
Great link! I added it to my favorites. I'm really leaning toward the compression release failing. I'll start a new thread on that.
bushleague
16 years ago
We have a whole bunch of Technical Bulletins on these from B&S
you really should get connected with them. There is a camshaft flywheel update for many of these engines.

Have a great one!

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