OutdoorKing Repair Forum Forums Repairs and Maintenance Questions on Engines Questions On Briggs & Stratton Engines Victa with B&S 500ex Regularly Hard to Pull Start

I got this mower from the recycle centre and it started on the third pull so I wondered why such a good looking mower was at the tip. However, I've noticed that at times it locks up when pulling the recoil starter about every third/fourth pull. I tested the recoil starter and it seems OK, I looked at the starter cap, also OK, I took off the blower and inspected/removed the flywheel key and it was undamaged and in position (I put it back in position and didn't change it), there isn't any damage to the blade carrier either. When the spark plug is removed there is no lock-up so that also clears the pull starter mechanism.

When I start the mower it seems to run OK.

What's left? Camshaft timing, is that likely? It has a normal Victa blade boss and the blades look new - could it be the Bendix washer? Could a slightly bent conrod cause this behaviour? Is there anything else I should look at?

I am a bit stumped and I want to check everything it could be before pulling the sump cover off.

Edit: I have checked the washer - it was OK. I also forgot to mention I have checked and adjusted valve clearances and the oil level. Thinking valve timing more and more....Drat!

Edit 2: I can actually pull through the lock up with a bit of extra force but definitely hard to do.

The conrod might be ready to die............
I'd take the starter off, and start it with a drill and socket....
If a hint of lockup, take it apart..........
I've seen a few broken conrods.....that's where I got the Victa base for the chonda I just put together....
speedy

Thanks Speedy. I guess I'll have to take the engine off and then the sump cover. I have spun it with a drill just a little bit and not enough to really test it that way. If it does lock up when I do it I am not keen on the wrist twist.

Hi sparker,
fit a real blade carrier, the bar blades are too light and we all know what the kickback is like it the blade carrier is loose or not fitted

Hi sparker ,speedy, Norm

I would check the easiest things first , I've had this problem with bad spark plugs ,coil air gap too small ,bad coil ,worn
rings or guides ( if it was guides or rings it would blow smoke on start up) over fueling is a possibility if the carby has a problem
like needle and seat leaking when it should be closed .

Incorrect valve clearance can be a problem especially is someone has adjusted valve clearances at top dead centre.

The light bar blades on mowers haven't given me a problem with kicking back after they have been serviced / repaired.

Cheers
Max.

Can be that valves are out adjustment as mention; unless, you used the old school method. OR the camshaft ACR is failing to operate properly as it sounds like a compression lockup with you removing the spark plug.

Not a whole of experience with the 09P series as push mowers here are becoming a rare item in my shop due the low replacement costs. Especially when the replacement engine list for $282 and a complete mower is around $150.

The bottom line is these EX motors are pretty terrible

This is why I love 2 strokes.

I do have a spare engine of this type I could just ditch the troublesome one and replace it. On the other hand, this is a repair forum so I guess i will pull the damned thing off the deck and take it apart. I'll post up some photos of what I find and let you know if there's any improvement.

That's unless I make a mess of it all and then I will chicken out with the photos.

Sparker,
please try the heavier blade carrier first, I have had success that way

Sparker,
please try the heavier blade carrier first, I have had success that way

Hi Norm, the machine is an 18" victa running a 4 blade disk. It doesn't have a bar blade.

I'm with AVB on this one, it sounds like it's not decompressing just before coming up to TDC.

Ok thanks BT, so it is another Briggs EX for the scrapper

Thanks for the input from all. Bigted is right about the blade carrier Norm but I know what you mean and I have had improvement on other mowers by changing a bar blade. I think I've found the culprit and AVB is on to something. I believe the ACR spring has come adrift. In one of the photos I am holding the camshaft and I hope you can see the spring. It has no tension on it at all. I presume it goes around the back of one of those movable hooks but the spring hook itself is actually bent and has slipped off. Some photos:

I couldn't straighten the spring out. It is very thin and flimsy. I'm sure you can't buy this part so I'll have to come up with another spring. The engine number is 9P702 0122 H1. Is the part available?

Edit: looks like you have to buy the whole camshaft which makes it an un-economic repair and all because of the failure of a $0.05 part.

I have a few of those motors in the scrap pile but the postage is always the killer, worth more than the motor

Just looked it up for you Sparker

You are right - spring not available separately. Part num looks like 592968 (whole camshaft). Not overly expensive (can be found online for around $25-30)

My advice - put it in the corner, wait until you pick up one which has the common oil burning issue and swap the parts

God how I hate new briggs. Give me an old flat head b&s anytime

Thanks Norm and Tyler. That's what I'll do. Just wait for a scrapped one.

Unfortunately it won't be a long wait. I can never get over how average they are. The old flat heads were at least unkillable and reliable.

I wouldn't refuse if I was given one (or got one cheap at the tip like you) but the odds of them being any good are so much lower than the L heads