Ariens snowblower w/Briggs engine problem

[sbushman46]

Okay i think i found the problem and it looks like its what you said earlier KE4AVB. I don't know what i saw the first time i checked it but after double checking it several times it doesn't seem to have that decompression bump as I approached TDC as you mentioned.Going to try and decrease the clearance by .001-.002 to see if it helps.
Thanks.

[HondaG100]

Going to try and decrease the clearance by .001-.002 to see if it helps.

Please post your results as I and many others come here to learn from the troubles of others. Do not be afraid to reduce the clearance until the release functions. Those clearances are very high IMO. Just make sure you adjust the right one since it can be either valve.

[sbushman46]

I tried decreasing the clearance on both valves by .002 but still having the same issue.I don't know if I should decrease it anymore don't want to cause any further damage and don't know if it would even start.Looks like I'll be replacing the camshaft on it.Ill keep you posted with the results..Thanks for your all your help..

[Mek-a-nik]

If you are sure that there is no MCR movement, you are right, the cam is bad. Being low hours doesn't mean anything. I replaced one in a lawn tractor last summer that was just past the warranty. It was laying in pieces in the sump.

[sbushman46]

Yes Mek-a-nik I checked it over several times just to make sure.And actually pulled off the valve cover on a similar Briggs motor and saw the decompression bump on the exhaust valve as it was approaching TDC.Thing is customer stated its been like this since day one.Never could get it started unless he used the electric start.

[sbushman46]

Just to give everyone an update camshaft finally came in and i finally had the time to install it and yes that seemed to be the problem motor runs great now. KEVAVB that spring you mentioned was displaced on the old camshaft. Probably a defect from the manufacture from day one. Thank you all for your help i'll probably still be trying to figure this thing out..LOL