[mitzygolf]

Could someone please tell me how to measure the valve clearance as I have just reground the seats and need to check them. I can't see how I can measure them. Thanks in advance.
P.S it's on a Howard 200 rotavator

[jezza]

Hello have a look on the inside of the valve chest cover the clearances are some times stamped on it or it can be somewhere near the valve chamber if not in either place have a word with MEETENS engines they do all old engine spares and manuals jezza

[mitzygolf]

Thanks. I know what the clearance should be but what stumps me is how do I physically measure the gap when I cant access the cam followers?

[jezza]

Hello I see that the valve chambers open try checking the gap between the valves and the pushrods if not try Pretend and have a word  with Philip Child's be prepared for a long chat as he knows what he's on about  jezza

[R Tallentire]

Yes, it looks to be the same as Briggs Stratton side valvers, clearance is between end of valve stem and follower. Remember, piston at top dead centre on compression stroke and, if it is like B & S, you have to take a bit off the stem if the clearance isn't big enough, or grind the seats more if the clearance is too big.

[jezza]

Hello when setting the valve clearences the T D C top dead centre must be set with the flywheel turning clock wise otherwise it will never start if the engines needed to run backwards the carb and exhaust need to be swapped over not recommended on a Howard it mangles the Gear box when forward gears engaged   jezza