Briggs head slightly wider than previous???

[JimS]

Have a craftsman riding mower with Briggs engine 31P777-0348-E1. Parts book says head is 796026. When I got it the fins are about 1/2" longer on the exhaust side so the cooling shroud doesn't fit. What's the deal? I ran across several reviews that say its bigger. One person even trimmed the fins off. I noticed some bracing in the push rod area and thought, Great, they fixed some of the issues but cooling is an issue on these engines and I am concerned about the shroud fit.

 

[tomplum]

Yes. The replacement tin comes in the box. If the tin isn't in the box, you can still fit the old tin . It will tuck under the shroud yet.

 

[JimS]

The tin with the new head only covers the bottom and exhaust side of the cylinder. The original covered the intake side also. Should I leave the one side open?