Briggs and Stratton Timing Problem: Symptoms and Fixes

Briggs and Stratton is a big name in the lawn mower engines sector. The Briggs and Stratton badge has been on lawnmowers and other small machinery engines for over a century. These engines are reliable and power millions of lawnmowers and other small machinery. But as with all engines and machinery, the Briggs and Stratton engines have their fair share of issues.

In our article today, we take a deeper look into the Briggs and Stratton world, where we will target the timing aspect of the engine. In the article, we will explore the timing problems, symptoms, and fixes for each of the problems. On reading the article, you should have an easy time operating your lawn mower, diagnosing problems affecting it, and fixing them in a much faster and easier way.

The Briggs and Stratton engine

Briggs and Stratton is an American brand that is associated with the manufacture of small engines. KPS Capital Partners has owned the Briggs and Stratton brand since 2020 after buying a majority of shares when Briggs and Stratton declared bankruptcy. The company is headquartered in Wisconsin, USA, with a strong workforce of over 5,000 employees. Over the decades, the Briggs and Stratton brand has merged with other names, broken Guinness World Records, and grown. The long journey over the decades has helped the name Briggs and Stratton become a trusted name among millions across the globe.

Briggs and Stratton brand offers a range of engines, starting from industrial and commercial, aluminum models, cast iron series, Karting engines, onboard motors, and two-cycle engines. You will also find the letter series engines such as the B or the WI series. From the lightweight aluminum for rotary lawnmowers to the magnetron ignition invention of the early 1980s, Brigg and Stratton have tirelessly worked to be ahead of the herd.

Understanding the Briggs and Stratton engine timing

In this article, the term timing refers to the precise coordination of all the moving components inside the engine. This movement of components is designed and intended to ensure the efficient combustion of fuel so as to guarantee optimum power delivery. Timing starts from the ignition, the manner the spark plug fires, and the resulting combustion in the chamber.

You will find that when the correct air-fuel ratio is injected in the chamber and the spark plug works as designed, optimal engine output is achieved. If an incorrect air-fuel ratio is injected into the chamber, there will be problems. The spark plugs should also ignite at the precise moment.

In a Briggs and Stratton engine, timing will mainly revolve around the linkages of gears and their relationship with the engine's crankshaft. Overall, timing will touch on the crankshaft, camshaft, piston, valves, spark plugs, and ignition.

What are the Briggs and Stratton timing problems?

The Briggs and Stratton engine is formidable in all applications it's used in. Several problems hamper its effectiveness as well as its durability, though. Some problems can easily be fixed, while others will call for extensive work or engine replacement if severe. To help you understand and solve the particular timing problem facing your Briggs and Stratton engine, we will explore the several associated symptoms.

1) Incorrect adjustments or installation

The timing parts in an engine must be installed properly and adjusted or torqued to precision. Failure to do the job properly will lead to timing issues. If the timing belt is installed incorrectly or the camshaft is wrongly positioned, the engine will start displaying all manner of problems.

2) Wear and tear or damage to components

Just like in a road car, the engine parts of a Briggs and Stratton engine will undergo normal wear and tear. Even with regular service and engine maintenance, you should leave room for normal wear and tear. In some instances, however, the parts can get damaged. Some of the parts that are likely to get damaged and will contribute to timing issues include a bent crankshaft. If the lawn mower is equipped with a Briggs and Stratton engine, take care not to expose the oil sump to rocks, as its damage can also lead to timing issues.

There is also the wear and tear of the valve train components. These components include the tappets, lifters, and valves.

3) Mistiming

In OHV (overhead valve) engines, mistiming the camshaft or a valve may cause the piston to strike the valve. The crankshaft and camshaft must properly be timed to reduce the risk of a piston hitting an open valve.

4) Neglect

The moving engine parts are kept in working condition by oil. If you fail to change the oil as required, you will likely have a timing issue, as the moving components will be working under stress. Failure to service the engine on a regular basis will also cause the parts to wear out prematurely, and you will end up with a junk lawn mower a few months after buying it. Failure to take care of your Briggs and Stratton engine can also lead to the accumulation of sludge which causes clogging and problems for the timing components.

Common symptoms of Briggs and Stratton timing problems

Timing problems can have specific symptoms, or they can be generic such that you may need to use a diagnostic scanner to pinpoint where the problem might be emanating from. However, you should consider checking the timing system and components if your engine exhibits all or some of the following symptoms.

• Engine misfire - Because of the wrong air-fuel ratio being injected into the combustion chamber or the spark plug sending the signal at the wrong time, misfires will be experienced. This symptom is likely to be accompanied by poor fuel efficiency.
• Power output dropping - You might notice the power output of the lawn mower dropping significantly. The moving parts, such as the camshaft, tappets, and gears, may be working under a lot of friction, making the engine work extra hard just to keep the components in motion.
• Poor fuel efficiency - Of course, when the service of the engine is neglected, the fuel efficiency drops significantly. Failure to regularly change the oil as recommended by the manufacturer will lead to poor fuel efficiency and, in some instances, damage to the engine. Damage to the camshaft or the tappets leads to the engine operating below optimum capacity hence poor economy when it comes to fuel consumption.
• Engine not starting - The continuous neglect to service the engine's components can ultimately lead to the ignition not working. As highlighted earlier, the ignition is part and parcel of the engine's timing system.
• Engine damage - Over time, the wear and tear of the moving engine components will reach a point and stall if such parts are not serviced or replaced. If the crankshaft is bent, for example, the engine will likely fail to work as envisioned and can even damage more engine parts if left to run like that over time.

How to fix Briggs and Stratton timing issues

Solving timing issues on Briggs and Stratton engines can be complex and frustrating. However, following a simple guide, you will resolve all the timing issues and give the engine a fresh start. Here are the steps to follow;

• Inspecting the timing components. This step helps you inspect and check components such as the timing belt, the camshaft, and the crankshaft for any damage or misalignment. You should further check the tappets, lifters, valves, and all other parts that affect the engine's timing. If any component is damaged or misaligned, replace or realign it to ensure it works in unison with the rest of the components.
• Inspect the piston. This step involves manually rotating the crankshaft so the piston comes to the top dead center of the compression stroke.
• Inspect the camshaft. This stage requires that you consult the manual because the lobes on the camshaft are supposed to be in their right position, as described in the manual.
• Check the valve clearance and the ignition. The valve clearance for the intake and exhaust. The clearance must be within the specified range; if not, adjust the timing accordingly. If clearance is wrong, adjust to ensure the proper timing of the valve happens. You can then proceed to check the timing of the spark plug. The timing and adjustment of the spark plug are made in relation to the position of the piston.
• Repair and test the engine. The final step involves checking the entire system to confirm there is no clogging and to remove any debris hindering the smooth movement of fluids and components. Remember to adjust all components in accordance with the Briggs and Stratton manual specifications. Once all adjustments and repairs are concluded, it is time to thoroughly test the engine.

Conclusion

The Briggs and Stratton engine has several components that play a crucial role in the overall timing of the engine. A malfunction f one component can lead to numerous consequences, as highlighted. Reading this article has given you ample information on Briggs and Stratton engine timing problems, the symptoms to look out for, and the easy steps to follow to resolve the said problems.