Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): broken pinion gear on starter, briggs and stratton, pinion gear

Question
Hi Eric,
I have a Briggs and Stratton Model 28Q777, Type 0681-01 Code: 970217ZE engine on a riding mower. I have been struggling for a year now with the starter. The original starter broke its starter gear and I took it to my local Napa part dealer who said it was not replaceable and sold me a new one. Since then it has broken the starter gear TWICE and I have replaced the starter TWICE.  Fortunately this hasn't cost me anything as they are trying their best to be helpful.

I have also replaced the pinion gear on the second new starter with a Briggs and Sratton gear thinking it may be a better option. This last event it remained intact but the retaining washer that the snap ring retains broke. I returned this starter again and they gave me a different model that is supposedly specific for this engine. It is obviously wrong  since if  I  mount it and raise the pinion gear manually to see if it will clear and engage the ring and it won't.

Unfortunately I no longer have the original starter and can't seem to get the correct one locally.

I have two questions.

1.   Can you inform me as to how to determine which starter is the correct one? I have the engine blow up diagram and I know the ring gear (which by the way appears to be fine with no broken or damaged teeth)  on this engine  is the ALUMINUM one that requires the plastic starter gear. My problem is I don't know if it was the short bodied  3 5/8 inch one or the longer bodied 4 3/8 inch one. There is room for both and does it really matter which one?

2. Where can I get the correct starter? (sorry guess its three questions not two)

3. When I mount the starter there is a flat spot/side/area on the camshaft exterior surface. Should this be directly above the starter when I mount it? I just noticed this spot and am wondering if I have mounted it without lining up the flat spot and that is what is causing it to break. Or is this not an issue to worry about?

Thanks so much for your time and attention in this matter.

Answer
Dale

i do not know what starter Nappa sold you as they do not sell OEM parts,things that look alike, work alike, and even seem alike may not be the correct part. That is why B & S has specific parts for certain engines because of the different applications each engine is used for. This engine as you say has a aluminum ring gear. Like you say thee are 2 starters that are used for this engine.You can use either one as the length has to do with the application making sure it fits the space needed. We can get you either one 693054 $69.99 the 499521 new #795121 or a after market starter # 435-303 $52.80 Plus shipping of $8.50 for each one. our e-mail is gb@gbelect.net

693054 Motor–Starter          
(3 5/8” Housing Length)
(Aluminum Ring Gear Only)

499521 Motor–Starter
(4 3/8” Housing Length)
(Aluminum Ring Gear Only)

Use either one as needed for your equipment

696541 Drive–Starter
(Used With Aluminum
& Plastic Ring Gears)
Cam shaft has nothing to do with the starter gears.

P.S starter gears are replaceable,just to let you know.