The flywheel sheared the key. It must have not been torqued down enough. I'll pick up another key ( or two ) and try again. Thanks!

The engine is running fine. I mowed for a couple of hours on Sunday. So far, so good...

The manual indicates that approx. 44 oz. of oil is full capacity. I measured out 44 oz and it only reads up to the add line on the dip stick. Should I stay with the manual measurement or use the dipstick reading?

I have always gone by the dipstick.. should be 48 ounces actually (kinda like in some manuals I have had, they list full capacity 2 or more ounces less the engine manufacturer)

Well it has been a year since I installed the new short block. The engine still runs well but it has a hard time starting. From day one, the engine would start to crank and then stop. It seems like there is too much compression. If I manually turn it past the "stopped" spot and try to restart it, it will turn over. I assumed that the hard start was because the engine was new and it would break in and turnover easier over time. It hasn't. Do you have any thoughts?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Mcedd

I assumed that the hard start was because the engine was new and it would break in and turnover easier over time. It hasn't. Do you have any thoughts?

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I too have a 17hp Briggs that was kicking against the starter. In my case I found that the exhaust valve, valve guide had backed out of the head to the point of stopping the rocker arm. The rocker arm stud boss broke out of the head. I don’t know if the resistance on the cam would be able to stop the engine from turning over with the starter or if it was simply the exhaust valve not opening, but either way the valve guide seemed to be the root of my problem. We’ll see.

Sounds like a good time to order a short block, or find a used engine.

Where is the 17Hp B/S voltage regulator?

If it has one it will be by the starter. About the engines kicking back or not wanting to turn,
Briggs had a bad problem with the automatic compression relief
Breaking off the cam shaft.this will keep the engine from turning over.
Good luck DG