Ok guys, I should know this but I must be getting old, 5hp B&S motor on my tiller, <br />Last fall it quit running, check plug and seen that it was not firing, ok, put it off till this spring. <br />Installed new points and condenser and new plug, first couple of pulls on the rope and it started for just a few seconds. <br />Pulled plug back out and it was not firing again. <br />Pulled flywheel off and seen that the key was sheared off. Ok, put another key in and put it all back together again. <br />First couple of pulls and started for a few seconds. guess what . another key sheared. <br />I know that points shoud be set on .20. Are they set when open or when they close. You know when the lobe on the crank pushes it open, that is what I call open and then points come off of lobe. that is closed. <br />Like I said, should know this. <br />What else could keep shearing the keys. It pulls easy and started fairly easy <br />Any thoughts on this? <br />Thanks
They key should NOT hold the flywheel in any way, it only aligns it while you tighten down the starter clutch or nut. You would be just fine without a key if you align it very carefully. It definately sounds like the flywheel is not tight enough.<br /><br />Also, to lube the clutch you only want to put a drop of oil on the end of the crankshaft. Don't lube the whole thing, it will only attract dirt and make a horrible squeel.