I have finally diagnosed a staring problem with my 5 year old Briggs motor. I have found out it is a common issue with these motors that the compression relief for the starting cycle does not open causing the starter to stop after a slight turn of the fly wheel.
I always thought Briggs was a strong motor until this happened. Has anyone repaired this before?
#2
Boobala
Have you pulled the sump off to make sure ??..... sounds like it might be in need of a valve adjustment to me ..
#3
Catherine
:welcome:
Welcome to the forum!
I'm going to move this thread over to our Briggs & Stratton section.
When asking an engine question, you should post the model number so we know what B&S engine we are talking about since there are more than one 21 hp. Assuming you might be talking about the 33 Series single cylinder Intek, valve adjustment is the first thing you should check. I can send you detailed instructions on adjusting the valves which includes a test for the compression release. Will include a Service Manual as well. By the way, in the intense competition B&S is not the only one to cut corners. Kohler put out a total pc. of crap line. B&S has a commercial line, Vanguard, and a home owner's line, Intek.
The starters fitted are quite weak deliberately.
Thus when you get a hydro lock, which is very common usually the starter just stalls, doing little to no damage on a new ( Warrantied ) engine and generally blowing the head gasket on an older unit.
A stronger starter can & does bend con rods which once the engine starts running destroys the entire engine.
Seen way too many blocks destroyed cause the owner fitted a stronger starter.