DescriptionThis video provides step-by-step instructions for replacing the push rod on Briggs & Stratton small engines. The most common reason for replacing this part is if the engine will not start.
All of the information in this video is applicable to the following brands: Briggs & Stratton
Step-By-Step Instructions1
To replace a push rod on this briggs and stratton engine…
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… you will need a 7mm socket, a 10mm socket with an extension and a 3/8th inch universal joint adapter, a 5/8th inch wrench, a 5/8th inch spark plug wrench, a 5/32nd inch allen wrench, and a feeler ga
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Before you begin this procedure, make sure the engine and muffler have cooled.
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Using the 7mm socket, unthread the four mounting screws securing the guard to the muffler.
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Use the 10mm socket with an extension to unthread the rear screw securing the guard’s mounting strap to the bracket.
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… and detach the breather tube from the rocker cover.
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Now use the 10mm socket to unthread the four mounting screws securing the rocker cover to the cylinder head.
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You will need to use the 3/8th inch universal joint adapter to unthread the top screw.
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With the four screws unthreaded, you can detach the cover.
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If loose, remove the rocker cover gasket.
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Next, detach the spark plug wire and boot from the spark plug.
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Use the 5/8th inch spark plug wrench to help loosen the spark plug then unthread it.
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Confirm the engine piston is in the “up” position, known as the “top dead center”, then lower the piston slightly, making sure both rocker arms stay loose.
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Use the 5/8th inch wrench to secure the intake or exhaust rocker arm adjuster nut and the 5/32nd inch allen wrench to loosen the set screw.
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With the set screw loosened, you can fully detach the nut and rocker arm.
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You can now remove the old push rod.
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To install the new push rod…
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… insert it through the push rod guide until it is fully seated in the cylinder head.
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Confirm the valve cap is in place…
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… then realign the rocker arm.
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Partially thread the adjuster nut.
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Use the feeler gauge to set the appropriate gap between the rocker arm and valve cap – the intake rocker arm gap should be between .004 and .006 thousandths of an inch…
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… the exhaust rocker arm gap should be between .009 and .011 thousandths of an inch.
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Tighten the set screw and recheck the gap.
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Rethread the spark plug.
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Be careful not to damage the threads by overtightening.
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Reattach the wire and boot to the spark plug.
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Reinstall the rocker cover by inserting the top mounting screw then slide the gasket, if applicable, over the screw.
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Align the cover and gasket on the cylinder head and thread the screw.
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Replace the remaining screws to fully secure the cover.
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The longer screw goes on the bottom.
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Insert the breather tube into the hole in the cover.
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Reinstall the muffler guard by positioning it over the muffler…
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… then thread the screw to secure the strap to the bracket.
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Thread the four front mounting screws to secure the guard to the muffler.
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The engine should now be ready for use.