Troy-Bilt Camshaft - Briggs & Stratton Camshaft - Detailed with Explanations

[@billsimpson604]

I'm no engineer, but it seems like making the pin a millimeter larger where it goes through the camshaft would prevent it from breaking at that point. The mass of that weight is what seems to eventually break the weight off, right where it goes through the cam. You could redesign the cam anyway you like, as long as the teeth remain the same and the assembly fits inside the case. They made the pin too small for the stress it encounters. Eventually, all of them will fail. People say that you can remove the air filter & block the air intake with your hand until the engine is spinning. Then when you remove your hand the engine will be spinning fast enough for it to start. Those pieces will sit at the bottom and not bother the rotating engine parts. That is my plan after mine breaks. If the Chinese designed a stronger one they would sell a lot of them because those engines are on millions of mowers. It is a shame that part is so poorly designed, because the engine is pretty good otherwise. If you change the oil and filter regularly, they will run for many seasons. The main problem with air cooled engines is that people neglect the frequent oil changes they need from running so hot and breaking down the oil with heat.