QuestionI have a 2004 model 13AN689G766 troy bilt riding mower with a 17 and 1/2hp OHV engine model 31C707, Type 0154-E1. I have a question about setting the valves. The manual says to go 1/4 inch past top dead center to set the valves. How do I do this? I am thinking that I am suppose to take out the spark plug and turn the engine until both vales are closed and then insert a small rod or screwdriver into the spark plug hole and connect with the piston and move the engine forward until the piston goes down 1/4 inch. Is this right? My engine will spin freely with the spark plug removed, but stops on top dead center when I try to start the motor. This is why I think it may be the valves need adjusting. I am just not sure how to go past top dead center 1/4 inch the correct way. Any help in this matter will be greatly appreciated. I also have a second question about the mower gear shift. It seems that when I move the shift lever, it doesn't change the gears. I see a long small rod going from the shift lever back to where the brakes are. Do you think I may be able to fix this myself? I recently replaced the disk brakes and it seems that the mower was not moving as fast as it did before. I did check the clearance and could see the puck was not touching the disk. If you can assist me also on this matter, I will appreciate it very much. I don't want to do anything before getting expert advice. Thank you very much.
AnswerHi Stephen
here web site for parts and diagram
www.searspartsdirect.com/partsdirect/...13AN689G766/.../00001
go to web site - select manual , download maual , it has breakdown of trans parts links etc
can you select forward or reverse with lever ?
possible a rod has come off the variator pulley bracket ( this system uses different tension on the belt to set speed into the transmission which only has forward / reverse )
or your central nut on brake arm is too tight brakes dragg ?
check the diagram for transmission and links page 32 and 34 may help you
take out the spark plug and turn the engine until both vales are closed and then insert a small rod or screwdriver into the spark plug hole and connect with the piston and move the engine forward until the piston goes down 1/4 inch. or 6.35 mm you will need a measure stick with the distance marked on it from the top of piston @ TDC to a conviennt point ie rocker cover flange - measure this distance then add 6.35 mm to it and remark
then insert mesure stick to rest on piston top and rotate piston down bore ( on power stroke ) untill the new mark you made is at the point you noted when engine sat @ tdc
ie rocker cover flange
while engine is @ this position set inlet ( the bottom valve to 0.004 Thou ) and exhaust valve ( top one to 0.005 thou ) undo torx screw in centre, adjust clearance untill slight drag is felt, hold this postion with 3/8 ring spanner and tighten torx screw , repeart for other valve - recheck clearances have not moved and adjust as needed
refit rocker cover with new gasket or clean cover and reseal ( dont use too much sealer ) if thats what you use
hope this helps you
cheers , let me know if it does
