OutdoorKing Repair Forum Forums Repairs and Maintenance Questions on Engines Questions On Briggs & Stratton Engines Briggs 8hp Timing Gear

I have a B&S 8hp 193707 that has a leaking oil pan gasket. I have pulled it down to replace the gasket and the oil seal.

Unfortunately when I was putting it back together the timing gear wasn't seated back properly on the crank shaft and the timing gear broke as I was tightening the oil pan bolts.

The new timing gear arrived today but it is a very tight fit on the crankshaft and the key does not slide easily through the slot on the inside of the timing gear. I need some advice on how best to slide the timing gear back on the crankshaft and align it with the key.

I thought firstly that I could gently file and widen the key slot on the inside of the timing gear to allow the key to slide in snuggly then use something to tap the gear gently down the shaft until it locks in place with the key.

I am worried that if I get the gear half way down the shaft that I might get it to a position where I can't go forward or backward back up the shaft because it was so tight.

Any help or suggestion would be appreciated.

pcottam

Update

I've got it sorted - the timing gear went on quite easily after I had got past the first section of crankshaft. From there I was able to get the key seated nicely into the timing gear and crankshaft after a gentle file of a burr that was on the edge of the key - probably casued by the pressure from the old gear that broke. Anyway it's back together - I'll secure it to the mower tomorrow and see if I can turn it over and check if the oil leak has been fixed.

It sounds as if there was a small burr on the end of the timing gear's bore, as well as one on the key or keyway. You can be reasonably sure the parts will not be over- or under-sized if they are made by a major manufacturer in the US or Japan, so always look for burrs first. Do not resort to changing the size of components, you end up with a sloppy engine that may not be durable or reliable.