Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): older 3.5, dowel pins, crankshaft seal

Question
during piston replacement I must have moved the timing off alittle, B&S 80332-0337 made around late 60's. didn't move the crank just the removal of piston.How do I realign everything again, when the fly key is at top the point opens but where does the piston need to be , about a 1/3 way up?. can you help to fix this , thx mjz

Answer
Hello Mark:

The Valve Timing is Accomplished by Aligning the Mark on the Crankshaft Gear to the Mark on the Gam Gear. The Location of the Piston in the Cylinder is Determined by the Timing Marks on the Cam and Crankshaft. The Flywheel Key Times the Plug Firing to the Position of the Piston During the Power/Compression Stroke. 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 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. 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.** Align the Tiiming Marks and Reseal the Engine. 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. Have a Happy Holiday Season and May the All Mighty Bless You and Yours. Be Safe and Happy. Thanks.

Good Luck

Respectfully

John

PS: I am Allowed to Answer 10 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