Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): How did I break the govenor?, dowel pins, briggs and stratton


Question
I'm putting new rings in a Briggs and Stratton 7hp motor. Its a 170402 series with a govenor. Complete number is:170402 1515 01 81100212.
So I put the Piston in with the new rings, tightened the connecting rod to 10 in-lbs. Put in the  cam shaft for the valves. Tightened the head bolts to 15 lbs. Put on the side engine cover. When I turned the flywheel to test the piston I heard a 'snap'. Opened up the engine compartment and sure enough the govenor was snapped off. This is my first B&S motor so I'm not familiar with them. Before I go and replace it I want to how I broke the govenor. Did I rotate the piston the wrong way? Did I assemble the side cover wrong? Here is a link to a diagram. Part #616.

http://www.odref.com/briggsandstratton/model-17/170400-ms6923-0183.pdf

Thank you in advance.
Mitt

Answer
Hello Mitt:

>>After Viewing the Breakdown, it Appears that the Oil Dipper May be Installed Incorrectly or you had the Internal Governor (#219) Installed Incorrectly and and the Offset Weights of the Governor Struck and Broke the Governor Shaft (#616).
>>The Instruction File I have Included has a Section about the Governor and Governor Arm.
>>The Following is a Basic Instruction File for Examining the Inside of a Small Engine and will Assist you in having Access to the Governor, Oil Pump (if Applicable), Cam and Crankshaft Gear. Any Input is Appreciated.
>>**This is a Simple Process. Drain the Oil and Remove the Engine to the Work Bench with the Oil Pan Facing Up. I have a Wooden Rest that was Especially Made to Hold the Engine when in this Position.
>>Using Fine Sand Paper, Remove ALL the Rust and Debris from the Crankshaft.
>>Remove ALL the Oil Pan Bolts.
>>After All the Oil Pan Bolts are Removed; Tap Lightly on the Sides of the Oil Pan to Loosen it from the Dowel Pins.
Sometimes you May have to Use a Flat Screw Driver or Chisel Between the Oil Pan/Sump at the Areas Neat to the Dowel Pin and Loosen  the Oil Pan/Sump.
>>When the Oil Pan is Removed, you can See the Governor Resting on Top of the Cam Gear.
>>****If Required: Lift Off and Replace with a New Governor. Check the Engine Block for Debris from the Old Governor and Wipe the Inside of the Block With a Rag, Until Clean. Set the Governor Shaft So it will be Resting on the Governor whine the Oil Pan is Replaced and Carefully Replace the Oil Pan. If the Crankshaft Seal Was Not Leaking, then Leave it Alone. It Should be OK. You can Easily Replace it While Mounted on the Machine if Required Later. Make Sure the Governor Stays in Contact with the Governor Shaft while Replacing the Oil Pan. Re - Mount the Engine to the Machine. Refill With Oil. Your Internal Governor May Differ.**
>>If you Hit a Snag or this Does Not Correct the Problem,  I am Here if You Require More Assistance. Hope this Helps. Let me Know What Happens, Please. May the All Mighty Bless You and Yours. Be Safe and Happy. Thanks.

Good Luck

Respectfully

John

PS: I am Allowed to Answer 5 Questions a Day. If you See I am Maxxed Out, then Try Submitting your Question at or Just After 8pm EST (US). My New Day Starts then. Comments and Ratings are Greatly Appreciated. Thanks.

Respectfully

John