Precision Small Engine Service

hard starter cold

Private: Q&ACategory: Lawn Mowerhard starter cold
Ernest asked 6 years ago

I have a 15.5 Briggs and Stratton mower on a Bolens MTD mower. When the engine is cold it is hard to start but once the engine warms it will crank fine. The engine runs perfectly smooth once cranked. Any ideas what could cause it to be hard to crank when the engine is cold? Thanks!

1 Answers
Joe answered 6 years ago

First, check the basics, battery, cables, starter, etc. That would apply to any engine. However you fail to state the model of the engine. If its an OHV the most common problem is valve clearance. The valves get too loose and make the compression release inoperative. If it is an OHV model, set your valves and you problem should be solved.