how do i set the timing on a 18 hp craftsman rideing lawn mower ?

jdl, April 2012

You don't. All mower engines have fixed ignition timing - it's set by the position of the flywheel relative to the crank, which is set by the key.

If you have rebuilt the engine, and are referring to the valve timing, the gears are marked (but maybe not obvious).

phil_saunders(a)bigfoot.com

Phil Saunders, June 2012