dgjks6 6 #1 Posted June 14, 2008 OK - I know I am a newbie and should not be doing this, but... anyway Tractor has 509 hrs so I followed the owners manual for the 12 hp magnum engine and it says to adjust the valv to tappet clearance so far have completed step 1 - removed air cleaner, carb, and breather step 2 is to position the crank shaft so the piston is at the top of the compression stoke how do I do step 2? I can move this piston and watch the tappets go up and down - but how do I tell when it is up - and which valve am i looking at? GReg Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dgjks6 6 #2 Posted June 14, 2008 OK - I'm getting closer intake on right below carb exhaust on left by muffler - that was easy Now the adjustment I assume is the 7/16 nut I see, but if I spin it, the tappet goes with it. So how do I hold the tappett? 9/16 too small and 5/8 too big can I spin the tappet freely? I hope so cause I have done this a bunch btw, I assume piston at top is when the tappett is at its lowest ponit - cause I can slide a feeler gauge in at that point, but the intake is .006 and I need to get it to .009 - If any one can help I would love it If not I will keep posting my progress Greg Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dgjks6 6 #3 Posted June 14, 2008 OK, so I am done I hope I did it right What I have found out The tappetts spin freely When the piston is at the top - both tappets are at their lowest position The tappet is a 9/16 - and the adjustment nut is 7/16 you need a slim 9/16 though The intake valve was only off by .001 The exhaust valve was off by .005 There is a lot of gas in a carb when you take it off There is a lot of oil in the engine where I was working - now it is on the garage floor Taking off the hood wold have sped this whole process up I love my tractor store - he gave me all the gaskets and a green thing- the first time So this is my story Now to figure out how to hook up the bagger and fix the brake pedal Then I am going to take off the head and clean the cylinder Then I am going to rebuild the carb then my wife is going to divorce me for "spending time fixing a tractor that already ran fine" Greg Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kj4kicks 152 #4 Posted June 14, 2008 Sounds like you got through it just fine. Did it run any better after the adjustment? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dgjks6 6 #5 Posted June 14, 2008 will let you know still trying to get old gasket material off without using a metal scraper. Guy at toro dealer said they do not use sealer with new gaskets, so I'm trying to clean everything. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dgjks6 6 #6 Posted June 15, 2008 last update if anyone cares - she runs great and it used to back fire when turning off which is now gone :whistle: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites