18HP craftsman mower with B&S engine......can't identify part

[charlesshepard]

I have an older Craftsman 18hp mower with B&S engine. The connecting rod shattered during a backfire, and when I opened the crankcase I found a small part lying on the bottom that I can't identify. It is a C shaped piece of aluminum aprox. 1.5" x .75" x .25" thick. It has a hairpin spring on one end. It shows signs of being struck by connecting rod pieces, but does not look to be broken off something. I cannot figure out where this part goes, or find it in any of the parts diagrams. Can someone help with this?

 

[GetTechnicalWithJd]

From the description you have given it is probably part of the decompressor mechanism which is mounted on he camshaft.

Post a Photo if you can.

EDIT: If it is the decompresor mechanisms the part you descibe is not available loose and you would need to replace the entire camshaft

 

[charlesshepard]

OK....that seems to fit. It appears to have been clipped to the camshaft and secured with a pin. I can't figure out which way it should be oriented or how it activates anything. anybody got a photo or description of what it should look like when in place? I suspect there must be other parts that I did not find.

From the description you have given it is probably part of the decompressor mechanism which is mounted on he camshaft.

Post a Photo if you can.

EDIT: If it is the decompresor mechanisms the part you descibe is not available loose and you would need to replace the entire camshaft

 

[Rivets]

If you would post you engine numbers, I can probably find you a service manual.

 

[charlesshepard]

mower = 917.272762
engine = 31M777 type number 0234-E1

 

[Rivets]

One of these two manuals should be able to help you.

https://docs.google.com/open?id=0B6NaqjIxWV1ybEN0LWo3azl6OUU

https://docs.google.com/open?id=0B6NaqjIxWV1ySHZ6elRSdWo3ZVk