Flywheel Key QUESTION

[BWH]

I have a 2hp Briggs & Stratton engine on a older Montgomery Wards sidewalk edger, when I got it from my dad last year It would not start I found the flywheel key had sheared off I replaced it and edged my sidewalks and parked it for the winter. Fast forward I tried to start it this year but it had no spark, i went to clean up the points and found the key sheared again. I replaced it and it started on the first pull it idled good so I took it to half throttle for about 20 seconds when it started hammering and quit. I checked it out and found the flywheel key sheared again and the engine seems to be tight. My thought is the engine went out of time when the key sheared causing the timing to cause the -reigniting rattle? My local parts supplier has been giving me aluminum key stock

I’ve since read that pre-2002 engines use steel keys. Can anyone verify this for me?

Briggs & Stratton 2hp
Model - 60702
Type - 0463-01
COD - 82061903

 

[StarTech]

your model number appear to have a typo in it. 060102-0463 used the 61760 key which is now superseded to 222698S which is an aluminum key (3/16 x 9/64 x 17/32).

 

[BWH]

You are correct I took a scuff pad to the numbers and it is a 1 instead of 7

Model 60102
Type 0463-01
COD 82061803

Any other ideas why the key would be shearing?

 

[ILENGINE]

Two most common issues are improperly torqued flywheel nut, and oil/grease on the flywheel or shaft taper.

 

[BWH]

Ok thanks I appreciate the reply, no oil or grease on the flywheel or crankshaft but the torque on the starter ratchet without the special wrench most likely is the problem. I’ll give it another shot.

 

[StarTech]

Flywheel is torque to 55 Ft-Lbs.

 

[BWH]

Just a follow up cleaned crankshaft & flywheel then I was able to use a large pipe fitters channel lock on the starter ratchet assembly that holds the flywheel to an estimated 55 Ft Lbs then I run it for 40 minutes and it seems to be holding as designed.
Thanks for all the help!