I actually started this on the old site (craftsman 42" lawn tractor w/ B&S OHV) with and engine running good but issue of blue smoke from the exhaust and difficulty starting. Based on responses from many and a PM from Walt I pulled the head, bad head gasket, replaced. Adjusted the valves(several times) and turns over well. Tried starting it and would only pop and not run. tried several times, cleaned carb andusted plug gap, etc. Turns out the flywheel key was sheared. Problem solved??hopefully.
Issue; the shaft that the flywheel sits on (tapered and smooth) except for about 1/8 inch, from the top down the shaft and the inside of the flywheel about 1/8 inch span about 1/4 inch from the top of the flywheel. I am assuming this was casued by the keyway shearing (and me trying to keep starting it)
Will it be fine to just put in a new key or have I destroyed a perfectly good engine with the damage to the shaft and/or flywheel??? I am guessing there is a spec for torque on the flywheel bolt. That would be appreciated if anyone knows.
Thanks much.