Ive been slacking on setting my valves. Its been about 50 hrs since I last adjusted. I set both valves one side at a time, 1/4" past TDC on the compression stroke to .004 with the motor cold. Its kind of a pain to find that 1/4" past point. Its kind of a clunk when the piston starts to drop back down which im guessing is the cam (right?). Hope im doing this correct. Anyway, i got her all put back together, fired it up and the idle is very low (750rpm). it wants to die if i don't stay in the throttle. Is it possible i set the valves wrong or too tight? Or do i just need to adjust the idle?

.004 cold is a little tight if you ask me, try setting them .006-.007 cold and see if it helps. I adjust mine the way you did, others do it there way. To each their own I guess as long as it works.

I think briggs calls for .004-.006. Am i better off on the .006 side to be safe. And it sounds like a ridiculous question but when you turn the motor with the plugs out, is there a more exact way to get it to the 1/4" past TDC than turning the prop by hand. Not that it is hard to turn, just doesn't seem smooth

That's the easiest way, Once you do it a time or two You'll get the feel for it.

Do it at topdead center and set both

at TDC or 1/4" past

I read the same stuff everybody else does and set both of mine 1/4" past tdc on a compression stroke. Worked out good so far. I don't get the 1/4" past tdc? ??? It works though.