Briggs & Stratton Connecting rods

[daveshoe]

I got two incomplete Briggs motors to make one good engine. The sheet metal model numbers do not match, but the engine is probably 14HP and is a L-head[pistons are 180degrees from each other].

After trading parts bach and forth,I put the ''good'' pistons in the good block and now suspect that what killed these motors was using undersize connecting rods without turning the crank. The previous mechanic probably left the rod caps loose enough to turn around the crankshaft and perhaps relied on loctite to keep the bolts tight. The bolts did not hold and the rod caps came loose on the top pistons of each engine.

The three options I see are to shim the rod caps, use a small hone on the rod eye, or purchase new connecting rods. Shimming would be the cheapo way,but I wonder if the slightly out-of round rod eye would cause problems.

Ideas are welcome.

 

[rbattelle]

I don't like the shim idea. And honing the rod ends seems labor-intensive. I'd pick up new rods. How expensive can they be?



-Ryan

 

[daveshoe]

Thanks,Ryan. New rods are 64 bucks. along with the $35 I need in gaskets ,it may be a project killer. I hate to spend a gob on this engine because of non-replaceable valve guides/seals. If there is too much oil going into the intake,it would constantly gum up the valve seats,or carbon up the heads The only way I know to test them is to get the thing running and check for it. The tech at the parts counter was kind enough to give me correct diameters for the rod eye. I will check them as soon as I have time.

It would be nice to belt this thing up to a generator,as it has electric starting capabilities. I can put another mag from another Briggs to test it out,but at another 50 bucks ,that brings the total price to $150 if I get new rods.

 

[rbattelle]

Well, actually if you're not using the engine in any kind of critical application, and you got the 2 engines for free (or nearly free), then I say go ahead and try honing the rod ends! What've you got to lose? $64 is too expensive... if you had said "$20", it would be a no-brainer.



Don't throw the project away or kill it without trying the honing. Like I said, you have nothing to lose. If you decide to kill it, let me know and I'll take the parts.



-Ryan