remove the valve cover(s) - and get the serial and model numbers from them - and post it back... Or look those number up on the internet (B&S site ? ) for valve lash clearances.

you will need a feeler gauge to set your lash properly (in case you dont already have one - their cheep).

Theres a fella by the handle of Walt on this forum - he might be able to forward the proper procedure (and tolerances) for your motor.

Have a look at the section: " Adjusting Overhead Valves "
on this site.
http://faqs.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/faqs.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=3441&p_created=1101860144

Please note - this procedure is done once per cylinder (twice on a v-twin).

do it on a cold motor.

Its not difficult - I have done it about a dozen times - and everytime i do it - i find myself having to do it 2 or 3 times per cylinder. dont put the valve covers back on until you quickly run the engine - and then finish rechecking the lash again.

its nice to have an extra pair of hands available when your doing this - but not required.

good luck

Detailed instructions for adjusting valves of 28 & 31 series OHV B&S engines.

Walt Conner
wconner5 at verizon dot (put in proper format)

Many thanks to the both of you I will work on it saturday or sunday and get back with you. Thanks again!

Hi Walt:
I tried all combinations what is proper format. I typed in wconner5@verizon.Net and wconner5@verizon. and many other combinations can't find you? I looked at the rocker arms they are loose as a goose. And I have all the engine numbers.

The first one you tried. I'm not sure if the upper case "N" messed you up.

I tried wconner5@verizon.net on 2 computers and always get referred to other posts that walt has posted on valve jobs not his website or anything else. If I could just access those instructions, I am very frustrated I have done all I can do.

jaws1959. e-mail wconner5@verison.net. Don't plug it into your web browser. Wrong way to go. He is very good about getting those instructions out. HTH

Sorry about that, I left off net, windcatcher above is right, thanks windcatcher.

IF you still can not get thru and want to post your email address, I will send them to you. I do not usually do that. I do not post my formatted address because of the crawlers(?) that harvest email addresses from these lists and sell to spammers.

Walt Conner

Walt: My bad! I didn't realize you don't normally post your e-addy. My apologies. I sure don't want you spammed on my account. You've been way too good at helping not only myself, but many others here.

Hi Walt ;
Will be in the process of adjusting the valves and re-torquing the head this weekend. I have no doubt with anything you say since you seen to be extreme knowledgeable with many things especially small engines. I will follow ALL your suggestions and also want to thank you again for your generous time and help.
Sometimes us middle class folk can't always afford to send everything out to get fixed and there is a certain amount of pride in fixing things yourself. I will let you all know how everything turns out.

Thank you, best of luck.

Walt Conner

HI Guys
Well, great success! Got a manual that a wise man suggested I get and it was relatively easy. Tightened the head and switched valves and she runs as good as new! Thanks to everyone involved what a wonderful forum.

Hello Walt my name is Robert I need help desperately can you please send me the instructions on how to adjust the valves on a 18 hp ohv Briggs&Stratton any and all help would be greatly appreciated my email is rlockard1234@Gmail.com thank you again