Briggs I-C flat head valve adjustment

[ezryder]

I have a early/mid 80's Hustler with a Briggs 18HP I-C flathead motor. Can anyone tell me if the engine has to come out to adjust valves? I've never done any small engine internal repair. Seems to be a very tedious time consuming proposition just to adjust valves on these engines.
It cranks hard when its hot, so I'm assuming valve adjustment issue.

[msafi65]

I would start out by checking compression cold and hot. Usually when flathead type engines need valve adjustment they have gotten tighter from wear on valves and seats. This causes low compression and hard starts cold. Hard cranking hot is very likely a starter failing. I believe valve clearance can be checked in the vehicle but adjustment requires having the heads and valve springs removed. Adjustment is done by surface grinding the tip of the valve to add clearance. Hope this gets you going

[ezryder]

So to check valve clearance in the vehicle, the intake must be removed, right?
How involved is it to remove starter for repair/replacement? I'm sure theres a video or how-to somewhere if I look long enough. Does the engine have to come out or be disassembled for starter removal?
Any idea if anyone makes a high torque starter for this engine?
I'm sure all of this info is out there, but if anyone has any answers it might save me some searching.

I did watch a video on valve adjustment, so I'm somewhat familiar with the procedure. I just don't know if theres enough room in the vehicle to remove heads. Looks like motor has to come out?
Engine removal seems pretty straightforward. Basically remove drive belt and unbolt motor mount bolts and lift out motor. (Well with the exception of cables, fuel lines, etc...) This sound right?

Thanks for any help!

[eddieb1965]

Ezryder,how far south are you in Illinois? Where do you ride?If you havent been there,Land between the Lakes is a pretty good time(been there 7-8 times).

[ezryder]

Been there a few times over the years with dirt bikes and quads. Never taken the 6x6 yet. There is an off-road park in Marion IL also, I think its Little Egypt Offroad park, or something like that. Thats pretty good riding also. Several hundred acres, I think, covering all terrain (trails, woods, creeks, hills, flat track, motocross track, and even a trials course).
I'm in Salem area, I-57 exit 116. Land between the lakes is about 100-120 miles. Marion is closer, about 50 miles.