Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): engine repair info, briggs and stratton, briggs and stratton intek

Question
Hi, I have a question about a tiller motor that I am in the process of repairing. It is a 6 h.p. Briggs and Stratton Intek engine with ohv. The connecting rod broke at the crank end. I ordered the part and replaced the connecting rod. My question is that while hand turning the crankshaft to check things out, I noticed that at top dead center the arms of the magneto are not on or near the magnet of the flywheel. I didn't take the pull starter mechanism off or the flywheel for this repair. Could the key on the flywheel end gotten sheared off when the connecting rod broke? This is my first try at internal small engine repair and I am doing it without a book (I like to learn the hard way) so I am not positive about all things but I thought that magnet, magneto, and tdc had to happen for spark. Any experienced info would be greatly appreciated, Thanks, Scott

Answer
Hello Scott:

99.9% of the Time the Flywheel Key is Sheared when the Connecting Rod Breaks. Remove the Flywheel and Replace the Key. Did you Deglaze the Cylinder? Did you Align the Timing Mark on the Crankshaft Gear to the Timing Mark on the Cam Gear? Have you Reset the Valves? You can View a Breakdown/IPL of this Engine at this Site Addy, http://www.smallenginepartswarehouse.com/parts.asp and Select the Shop Online Parts Look Up. Then Select the Model Tab. Then Select the OEM and Enter the Model and Type Numbers. Then Double Click on the Model in the Results Area. Now you can Select the Section of the Engine you Wish to View. Hope this Helps. I am Here if You Require More Assistance. Let me Know What Happens, Please. 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 9pm EST (US). My New Day Starts then. Thanks.

Respectfully

John