Valve Clearance

[Jane]

Hello I have a Briggs Stratton 18.5 hp ohv so I looked up the Valve Clearance it’s .003/.005 intake and .005/.007 exhaust Not sure about the numbers for example intake is .003/.005 what one am I supposed to use the .003 or the .005 Simple enough to do I’m just not sure about what one to use Thanks for any info you can give me

 

[Rivets]

Personally I always shoot for the middle. If I end up a thousand off I’m still fine.

 

[ILENGINE]

When I run into that I just grab the .005 and set both of them. Clearances are subjective. One persons .005 would be another .004 or .006 depending on how much drag they create on the gauge.

 

[Tinkerer200]

I always shot for the minimum on the Intake valve which is the most critical for Conpression Release action, mid on Exhaust

Walt Conner

 

[Jane]

Thanks to everyone. You all are a huge help because of financial difficulties I have to fix things myself and this forum makes it possible for me. Thanks again

 

[StarTech]

As for me on OHV engines say if the value are .003-.005. I set to lowest end by using the following. Get a .003 gauge to pass but not the .004. I use the method on other specs too. Right the opposite on L-head (side valve) say if max clearance is .011 then set where a .011 passes but not the .012.

 

[Jane]

As for me on OHV engines say if the value are .003-.005. I set to lowest end by using the following. Get a .003 gauge to pass but not the .004. I use the method on other specs too. Right the opposite on L-head (side valve) say if max clearance is .011 then set where a .011 passes but not the .012.

Thank you

 

[Jane]

I did the adjustment last night and it starts much better. Thanks so much to everyone

 

[CWatters]

Not sure about yours but my B&S has a cam that holds the exhaust valve open at low speeds (a decompressor). If the valve clearances are too big this doesn't work correctly and the engine can be hard to turn over. You get the impression its a faulty starter or battery. Adjusting the valve clearance correctly can really makes a big difference to this.

 

[Breezes]

The quoted specs are a range .003 being the minimum and .005 being the maximum clearance. I usually go for the lower clearance of .003; normal wear will increase the tolerance over time