OutdoorKing Repair Forum Forums Repairs and Maintenance Questions on Engines Questions On Briggs & Stratton Engines Quantum XTL 45 Cat - Hard to start and shakey

Hi bigted. Finally got back to the mower. Removed the head, muffler and valve cover. The intake has zero clearance and the exhaust has a reasonable 0.011" or a tighter 0.012" gap. Piston and cylinder wise, both have a lot of oily carbon build-up, and some was loose and wettish and each revolution of the piston drags a little oil into the cylinder. From what I've read and watched on youtube, I believe the only way to do the gap for the intake, which is also (possibly) why it's hard to start, is to remove the valve and file down the end until I get the 0.005"-0.007" gap needed. Gueess there's not much that can be done about the exhaust gap, unless I replaced the valve. Getting almost to a rebuild at this point. I have attached photos of the piston, cylinder, head and valves. Not sure if they will help, but cylinder seems to be okay.
Thank you for your assistance.
Regards
Daryl.