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I have a John Deere with a 23HP Briggs and Stratton V Twin 44L777-0115-B1 that had been running slow and then stopped. After much effort I finally found that the push rods were bent and that is why it will not start. I need to know how to check the timing to assist in trouble shooting. I have also had a time trying to get the flywheel to let loose. Any advice / help would be greatly appreciated.

The timing is set by the key in the flywheel. The best way to remove the flywheel is with a puller designed for the job. Don't strike the flywheel with a hammer, and try to reach underneath and pry it off, due to the magnets can be broken loose.

If you are talking valve timing, then you'll have to flip the engine over and remove the oil pan. There should be a dot or other small mark on the crank gear and one on the camshaft gear. When the crank rotates to put no. 1 cylinder at top dead center, the mark on the crank should line up with the mark on the camshaft gear. If they don't line up, then the engine has jumped time.

Of course, this is for a vertical shaft. If it is a horizontal shaft, then you won't have to flip the engine, just remove the engine casing that has the shaft through it.

Thanks for the very helpful input.

daddydoc said:

Thanks for the very helpful input.

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Since you had bent push rods, also check to make sure the valve guides didn't pull up, or push down. This is common when you have bent push rods.