Compression release

[lefty]

I was poking around on the internet and found a video from Taryl Fixes all showing him replacing a cam in an engine that shows the same part numbers for the cam as the one I have here. The cam did not have a compression release.

I read that briggs started using compression releases in these engines after they realized that they were chewing up batteries and starters. I'm wondering if a compression release will alleviate my problems here if there is not currently one here.
I'm assuming that based on the part list, I can put a cam with compression release in this machine.

I guess I'm just trying to hedge my bet before breaking the engine open.
I took the flywheel off and found there are 3 through bolts through the flywheel for the plastic ring gear. I'm guessing someone replaced the original?

Is it ok to replace a cam with no compression release with one that has it? Maybe that will alleviate my problem.

I tested both starters and they both are showing 18 amps no load.

Thank you

[lefty]

Happy 4th.

I went ahead and pulled this engine and popped the cover. Turns out this one didn't come with a compression release surprisingly. I'm guessing that putting one in will help this one along based on what I've read/watched since the superseding part includes one.

[lefty]

Not sure if I'm being a stickler here, but I see two ways to read this from briggs.

"We have recently modified our engine oil recommendations to state that you may now use a synthetic 5W30 or 10W30 oil in all temperature ranges. We recommend the use of Briggs & Stratton Fully Synthetic Premium Long-Life Oil. The use of this high quality detergent oil assures compliance with Briggs & Stratton warranty requirements regarding the use of appropriate oil."

Does the adjective "synthetic" apply to the 10w-30 as well? Or just the 5w-30?

Thanks

[bgsengine]

Both. Synthetic is generally a somewhat better quality as it is engineered oil - it'll last longer and resist the breakdown of polymers, unlike conventional oil which can have varying sizes of polymer that break down more quickly, as I understand it. I'd still use at minimum 10W30 in summer.

[KE4AVB]

In one way Briggs is say if you don't use our oil we won't honor the warranty.

Now in my area I use Mobile One 15W50 Full Synthetic in every mower engine except none oil pump engines where I use a SAE30ND oil so the dirt can settle to the bottom of the crankcase. In the long run it help me to cut down on the number of different grades and blends. We here in South Tennessee are now having temps that regularly run the high 90's for several months on end.

First it was the darn cicadas driving me nuts and now I have been roasting for the last three weeks.

[lefty]

I ended up replacing the cam in this with one that has compression release and all is well. Thank you.