Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Briggs overhead valve engine, overhead valve engine, compression stroke

Question
How do you know the engine is on compression stroke on a OVH Briggs engine?

Answer
hi harry

if you take the rovker cover off  , then rotate then over without the plug in,   
you will see the inlet valve open fully   ,continue rotation until the inlet valve closes fully   , then put a small rod into the plug hole  , hold it,  and rotate engine tiil the rod rises as far as it can, stop at that point  - this is TDC   if you go past tdc  you have moved down the bore on power stroke

always set tappets at 1/4 inch past tdc on compression stroke  this eliminates decompressor  from setting

hope this helps

paul