Briggs help

[FullOnMetal]

Hey fellas! Got a question/problem. I am working on a 3 hp B&S lawnmower engine. I replaced the points/condenser and she started up and ran great. Then it started this God awful screeching then the noise stopped then started again. It did this have a dozen times then the engine quite. Would not start. Tore it down and the flywheel key was sheered. Replaced it, ran a little bit more and it happened again. ANY IDEAS ???:confused:

Thanks,
Mike

[Russ2251]

Was flywheel nut torqued down to spec? This would be first thing to consider.

[2or3wheels]

yeah tighten it with all your might, i had this probly also, my key is cut in and i was puting it in backwads, is your key a rectangle or a cut in one?

[Russ2251]

yeah tighten it with all your might

Very risky. Go by the spec called out for in manual. It is possible to over torque which could distort flywheel and lead to an explosion. Trust me...I've done it.

[FullOnMetal]

With a ball-type starter clutch, such as what is on the B&S, how do you torque the flywheel down? The flywheel nut is not like a regular hex nut where you can put a torque wrench on it.

[Russ2251]

Special adapters are made to fit the clutch. If you do a lot of work on small engines you should get one. Get one here:
http://www.jackssmallengines.com/service_tools2.cfm
Small price to pay to do it right.

[FullOnMetal]

Thanks, I will order that today!

[2or3wheels]

ive always tightened mine as much as i can, never had a problem yet.

[Russ2251]

never had a problem yet

Maybe you never will...but why take the chance? These tools are cheap and makes life much easier. If its done right, you never have to worry about it.
If you went to Briggs and Stratton and asked for torque spec and they told you to tighten it "with all your might", what would your reaction be? My first reaction would be to take my business elsewhere.

[FullOnMetal]

Thanks RUSS2251! The adapter was ordered this afternoon. Your help was very much appreciated.

Mike

[gustopf]

if its screaching then quitting, make sure your oil is at the right level, check your valves and the spacing on your coil, just so you know, alot of the engines have a replacment coil so you can do away with points and condenser, ask at a small engine shop they should be able to look it up and give you a part # or just order you one, it makes life alot easier.