Valve adjustment
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You’ll find useful resources on this page, tips, links to tools, parts and supplies required to complete your repair.
As an engine wears the critical tolerances between the rockers and valve tips usually increases and this causes a few problems. They include: hard starting; stiff pull cord; engine oil leaks; lack of power; erratic idle; noisy engine.
The gap (lash) between the rocker and valve tip is adjustable and this video covers that process step by step.
Before working on your mower be sure to remove the plug wire to prevent accidental starting, see “Repair Safety Video”.
Tools & Parts
To nail this procedure you may need the following tools, parts and supplies.
Ratchet Tool Set
Before we can do anything, we'll need tools. I've selected this set as I own some Craftsman tools and while I have worn some out, they did do a lot of work. So I expect this set will last the occasional user quite a long time.
This set carries both metric and standard sockets and that's important, because some mowers will have both type of fastener sizes. Set includes spark plug sockets. Picture links to Amazon.com
Drill/Screw Gun
John Cunningham is an Automotive Technician and writer on Lawnmowerfixed.com. I've been a mechanic for over twenty years, I use my knowledge and experience to write "How to" articles that help fellow gear-heads with all aspects of mechanical repairs, from lawn mowers to classic cars.