16 hp briggs and stratton

[mark terrill]

just put short block back together. wont start only backfires through carburator.slight suction on exhaust pipe at end of intake stroke.
 

[old]

Are you 100% sure you got the cam and crank gear timed right?????? Very very common problem with small engines and I have opened up a good many that the guy got the wrong. Still remember back when I was in high school my dads boss who had a doctors degree but did not know engine got that wrong on a 5HP B/S engine Took me maybe 30 minutes to have it running
 

[mark terrill]

that part of the motor came from factory. I'm assuming it is correct
 

[old]

Is it an over head valve engine or a valve in block?? If it has the valves in head make sure the valves are set at the correct torque or you will have odd problems
 

[rustyj14]

Some times-on older Briggs engines, and Tecumseh, too, the boss where the can gear fits into the block, will be sloppy, and even though you get it meshed to the correct gear, i have seen a few that would allow the cam gear to fall out of "time" with the crank-shaft when reassembling the engine. I solved one of those problems by making a loop from 1/4 inch masking tape, to hold the cam in mesh with the crankshaft, until you get it assembled.The mashed up tape doesn't seem to harm the operation.