Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): b&s 17, fabric gaskets, gasket kit

Question
I HAVE A 1 CYLINDER 17 HP VERTICAL B&S I/C
(310707) I ORDERED A GASKET KIT BECAUSE I HAVE TO REPLACE A BROKEN CONNECTING ROD.WHY DID I GET 5 GASKETS FOR THE CRANKCASE. THERE ARE 2 PLASTIC AND 3 FABRIC.ANY ONE OF THEM SEEM WAY TO THIN.TOGATHER THE THICKNESS SEEMS ABOUT RIGHT. I JUST DIDN'T SEE ANY PLASTIC WHEN I SCRAPED OF THE OLD ONE. SHOULD THEY ALL BE SANDWICHED TOGETHER, AND IF SO IN WHAT ORDER?

Answer
You got 5 gaskets because this is how you achieve the correct crankshaft endplay.  You can stack the gaskets, it doesnt matter in what order.  Usually in the service world we just use one of the thickest fabric gaskets and put the rest into our inventory.  

You should not have any problems by using only 1 of the thicker fiber gaskets.

DO NOT apply a  gasket sealer to the sump cover.  Its not needed and is a real mess trying to get the gasket off next time!  But there wont be a next time right!  LOL

Happy Tinkering

Dave R