Craftsman mower cold starting issues.

[bbirder]

Again, I think your valves need adjusting. Check out the thread at this website.
help! craftsman mower, with 16hp-ohv b&s engine starting problem - Tractors Forum - GardenWeb

 

[ctown75]

I don't think that directly relates to my issue. Mine will easily start after you start it the first time for the day. you can get it nice and hot and shut it down and it fires right back over and does not even hesitate. Also, mine starts very easily in fair to warm weather. The motor will roll very easily all the time, unless it has sat for a good period of time (at least overnight- probably because of the tendency to be colder at night) in cold weather. It can sit for 2 hours and start right back up. Plenty of time for it to cool down almost completely. I will check the valves out however to at least rule them out, if not find the issue. Thanks!

 

[ctown75]

I bought some mobil 5w30 ful synthetic- what the manual recommends for cold weather operation. Also got a new plug, oil filter, pre/air filter, fuel filter. I am going to inspect(and adjust as necessary) the valves. I will update with what I find, if anything.

 

[bbirder]

Scott,
One other thing to check. Does your carb have a wire coming from the bottom of it. If so,this is an electric cutoff switch for the gas. If this is leaking, it will allow some gas to leak into the cylinder when stopped. On cold starts this liquid gas will not compress and cause the engine to lock.After you rock it over by hand or try long enough it will then turn over. This can also dilute your oil. Does your oil smell like gas? Have you noticed a wet muffler or fuel tank going down. Just another thought.

 

[ctown75]

Ok I changed oil to 5w30 full syn and changed the oil filter- the air filter and the fuel filter too. I adjusted the valves. Very simple for anyone thinking about it(easier than changing the starter LOL) There seemed to be a lot of slack in them. My feeler guages start at .005 so i made the intake real snug on that and the exhaust I put at .006. I wouldn't have said the motor had a knock or valve tick before, but the motor sure is quieter now! Now, only tonight will tell if the motor starts easier. It's going to 25* tonight, plenty enough to make it start very hard before. I will update with the progress.

 

[ctown75]

Scott,
One other thing to check. Does your carb have a wire coming from the bottom of it. If so,this is an electric cutoff switch for the gas. If this is leaking, it will allow some gas to leak into the cylinder when stopped. On cold starts this liquid gas will not compress and cause the engine to lock.After you rock it over by hand or try long enough it will then turn over. This can also dilute your oil. Does your oil smell like gas? Have you noticed a wet muffler or fuel tank going down. Just another thought.

tank holds fuel fine- and oil did not smell like gas as of today.

 

[dqdave1]

Synthetic oil will make it turn easier; especially 5 w . Hope it resolves your problem.

 

[ctown75]

well mower started today, and easily to boot. Thanks all!