Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): no start, hp briggs, steering wheel puller

Question
I have a 17.5 hp briggs engine model 316707 on a murray rider.  The engine seemed to have a small knocking noise that didnt sound like a rod knock.  i pulled engine and removed the 'pan' and looked at internals, nothingfound, i am assuming that the noise is the anti vibration weight tapping the holding slot in the pan.  my problem is that when i reassembled the engine and installed it, it started but would barely run. i turned it off and thought i may have accidently moved cam timing so i tore it down again and the cam timing was perfect(dots on cam and crank line up).  now it wont start at all only occasionally will backfire once out intake when engine is stopping from trying to start. full battery charge, I have good spark , my overhead valves are correctly gapped and working properly(pulled valve cover), ihave 150 lbs compression with gauge. Ihave tried disconnecting fuel supply and using starter fluid(thought maybe it was flooding)plug gets wet, i tried new plug.governor is working properly. i did not touch anything inside case when examining internals According to all this it should start(it ran perfectly before i went in) the only thing i notice is that the magnet on the flywheel for the ignition is 180 degrees from the coil at piston TDC

Answer
Hello Conrad:

Check the Flywheel Key, Please. The Following is the Instruction File I Made for Removing the Flywheel from Most Mower Engines.  It is the Basics and if you have a Question, Please Ask. Any Input to Make this File Better is Appreciated. ***Disconnect the Coil Wire from the Spark Plug. Remove the Blower Housing (metal engine cover). Remove the Coil. Remove the Flywheel Nut or Starter Cup (Depends on the Model). Now Attach a Steering Wheel Puller to the Flywheel Using the Threaded Holes in the Flywheel. Tighten the Puller. Now Hit the Puller with a Hammer. Repeat this Procedure Until the Flywheel Pops Up or can be Lifted Off the Crankshaft. On Some Models you Can Not Use a Puller and Must Use a Pry Bar and a Pipe Cap that is Slightly Larger than the Crankshaft. Place the Pipe Cap Over the Crankshaft to Protect it. Place the Pry Bar Under the Thick Section of the Flywheel and Pull Up Against the Flywheel. **BE CAREFUL  DO NOT PUT A HOLE IN THE BLOCK UNDER THE FLYWHEEL** Now Hit the Pipe Cap that is on the Crankshaft (covered with the Pipe Cap). Repeat the Procedure Until the Flywheel can be Lifted Off the Crankshaft. *** Be Sure you have the Flywheel Torqued to the Proper Torque (I require the Model and Spec/Type Numbers Off the Engine to Provide the Proper Torque) and Set the Coil Gap to .020in.. A Damaged Flywheel Key will Cause the Problem you Described. Also, Be Sure to Torque the Flywheel Nut to the Proper Torque. The Engine Specifications can be Located at this Site Addy; http://www.johnfvining.com/engine_specs/default.asp . Please, Do Not Hesitate, 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. 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