Topic: 8hp briggs starter gear

[Hrupka Farms]

I have a mildly built 8hp a cam billet flywheel dual valve springs and larger valves I dont know much about the parts because i just got a few boxes of engine parts and a few blocks. My question is when i go to start the engine if it backfires it just shreds the starter gear. Is it a starter shiming problem or is this a common problem because i was told that you arent able to get a high torque starter for these engines. Thanks

[Huffy044]

You need to elongate the two holes in the starter that hold the starter to the block. The starter needs to go up into the flywheel so more of the starter gear can contact the ring gear. I have seen only one steel starter gear for the 8hp and the man that had it would not sell it. They are out there but extremely rare. Once I moved my starters up the gear would last 2 seasons.

You can also install two studs in place of useing bolts. This perserves the aluminum block and makes changing starter much easier.

[Hrupka Farms]

Thanks for the info i elongated the holes and added studs, and now I can get the engine to start before it eats the gear.