How to Set the Pull-Start Timing on a Briggs-Stratton

Briggs & Stratton is one of the best known manufacturers of small four-cycle engines. These engines provide power by drawing a fuel and air mixture into the combustion chamber via an intake valve during the down stroke of a piston. The mixture is compressed by the upstroke of the piston and then ignited by a spark plug, which forces the piston down on its power stroke and finally back up again to force the burned fuel out the exhaust valve. Setting the timing of these cycles when pull-starting produces faster and more reliable starts.

Instructions

- 1
  Check the engine to ensure that it has sufficient fuel. Also, check the engine oil level according to the procedures outlined by Briggs & Stratton for your particular engine.
- 2
  Turn the ignition switch to the "On" position, if applicable. If the engine has a spark plug shorting tab for turning off the engine, ensure that it is not in contact with the plug.
- 3
  Set the start timing by pulling the recoil rope handle slowly to rotate the engine until you feel a resistance. The resistance occurs when the piston approaches the top of the cylinder prior to the firing of the spark plug.
- 4
  Pull the recoil rope briskly from the point of resistance to start the engine.
- 5
  Repeat Steps 3 and 4 if the engine does not start on the first pull.

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