Ariens snowblower w/Briggs engine problem

[sbushman46]

Hi I have an Ariens Snowblower with a OHV Briggs & Stratton engine model #15C134-0143-E8 Code/Type 1006 10 88..Blower is Approx 3yrs old and from day one customer says he could never get it started using the pullcord but did start with the electric start...Seems like the engine is out of time so everytime you reach the compression stroke its very hard to turn over. Once you take the plug out the motor turns freely.. According to a Briggs & stratton the valve clearance should be 0.004-0.006 on the intake & 0.009-0.011 on the exhaust.I adjusted both valve to those specs but still have the problem ( valve were adjusted @ TDC ) .I also checked the key under the flywheel thinking it might be sheered but it was fine. OIl level is fine and cab is in good working condition..Any other suugestions ?? Thanks.

[KE4AVB]

( valve were adjusted @ TDC )

You need to readjust the valves first due to decompression system on the camshaft. This decompression system will throw off the valve clearance adjustment.

• First bring piston to TDC of compression stroke.
• Now insert a wood dowel thru the spark plug hole and mark it where it enters that hole. Remove the dowel and now measure 1/4" above that and remark.
• Reinsert the dowel. Now turn the engine further pass the TDC until the second mark on the dowel become even with the spark hole.
• Now re-adjust your valves and give try at starting.

Let us know the results after you do this.

[sbushman46]

Ok thanks.I will try it first thing in the morning.

[sbushman46]

I tried it it the way you said going 1/4 " past TDC and readjusting the valves but still have the same problem.Still very hard to pull once it reaches TDC with the plug installed. I don't get it.Any other ideas that would cause this ? Thanks.

[KE4AVB]

I tried it it the way you said going 1/4 " past TDC and readjusting the valves but still have the same problem.Still very hard to pull once it reaches TDC with the plug installed. I don't get it.Any other ideas that would cause this ? Thanks.

Check for the decompression bump on one of the valves as go through the compression stroke. There should be a slight movement as you approach TDC if not there then decompressor on the cam has failed. On this particular cam the spring is like a hair and is easily displaced during installation or fail during operation. This is located inside red circle in the following image. There is also a second version of this cam that has power takeoff shaft.

[sbushman46]

@ KE4AVB I just tried what you said and yes i did see a slight movement as I approached TDC. Im stumped !!

[KE4AVB]

@ KE4AVB I just tried what you said and yes i did see a slight movement as I approached TDC. Im stumped !!

Don't feel alone I now too stumped. I know this a long shot but on the valve that has the bump (which I am thinking is the exhaust) try decreasing the clearance by .001 or .002 and see if that helps.

[sbushman46]

Thanks will do

[HondaG100]

at has the bump (which I am thinking is the exhaust) try decreasing the clearance by .001 or .002 and see if that helps.

Not a long shot IMHO. I had a large Briggs single once that needed about .002 less clearance than specced to work the release.

[KE4AVB]

at has the bump (which I am thinking is the exhaust) try decreasing the clearance by .001 or .002 and see if that helps.

Not a long shot IMHO. I had a large Briggs single once that needed about .002 less clearance than specced to work the release.

I was just thinking along those lines as flimsy these cams releases are made. I only seen one these cams personally here and it was an all metal cam version in a 216315-0115-B1 engine that I rebuilt on a donated generator.