16hp cast iron Briggs Model 326437 sump gasket

90cummins · May 2, 2020

I have a wards garden tractor with a 16hp Briggs that needs some love.
The engine sump is part of the tractor frame.
I removed the engine from the sump and noticed there was no gasket.
Is the gasket preferred or just sealant?
I ordered all new gaskets & seals looking for an informed opinion.
90cummins

Peter 315 · May 2, 2020

Some manufactures just use sealant instead of a gasket ....I use what it came with or both........

Sonny580 · May 3, 2020

If the gasket set has the gasket in it---use it but also use sealant on it. ---doubles your chance of getting it sealed up good.

tomplum · May 3, 2020

One would assume then it had been apart and the person used sealant instead of the gasket. Were the fasteners tight? I would be concerned if they weren't secure and take extra steps to lock them in.

90cummins · May 4, 2020

tomplum said:
One would assume then it had been apart and the person used sealant instead of the gasket. Were the fasteners tight? I would be concerned if they weren't secure and take extra steps to lock them in.

Not particularly tight.
Being almost 50 years old it痴 hard to imagine it never being removed for some reason.
I致e always been intrigued with these big singles and wanted one.
90cummins