Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): 8hp briggs, rollin white, simplicity tractor

Question
hi i was wondering if i could buy a rebuild kit to fix this i was running my simplicity tractor with a 8hp briggs vertical motor it made a big bang and started rollin white smoke out now it just turns over it wont start o and it sounded like it was boilin

Answer
You can buy a gasket set but the piston, rod and what ever other parts you need have to be purchased seperately, unless someone packages them for you.

You can also buy a shortblock that contains the block and all internal parts.  You just transfer all your external parts from the old engine block to the new shortblock.

To check if the rod is busted you can remove the spark plug and hold your thumb over the spark plug hole while trying to start the engine.  If you do not feel an pressure trying to push your thumb off the spark plug hole then odds are the rod is busted.  You can also insert a drinking straw or WD-40 straw into the spark plug hole.  Spin the enigne and see if you can feel the piston trying to move the straw.  The straw has to be at an angle as the spark plug hole is above the valves.

Let me know what you find about the rod.

Eric