Leaky B&S 11hp - Solved

[Big Al]

So, it appears my Snapper RER with the engine leak can be sourced to the lack of a lower bushing on the crankshaft. Who in the world would put this engine back together without the bushing? Did they think the seal was all they needed?

Anyways, enough venting. Briggs says I need a special tool to install the bushing (DU bearing, they call it). Is this something more extensive than a bearing punch? I have a few that I use when rebuilding Vespa engines.

My other thought is to put the crankcase in the oven and then set the bushing with a bolt & washers to pull it into position.

Should I find the factory tool or is this something I can work around?

 

[crbr]

Here's a place to begin. I didn't search the site but it appears that they are in the know. Give them a call...

Glacier DU bearing material DU-B bearing materila and DP4 bearing material specifications

 

[Fordlords]

Your washer/bolt mandrel will probably work fine as you are just pressing the sleeve in to aluminum. Probably safer than rapping it in with anything which could crack the crankcase or the sleeve. I'm amazed that thing even ran without the sleeve bearing in place!

Drop a Vespa engine on that Snapper LOL

-Fordlords-

 

[Big Al]

Thanks for the link, I was curious how a DU bearing differed from a regular bronze bushing.

Yeah, I was surprised when I saw it and figured out what I was looking at. The only thing I can figure is the previous owner didn't know how to get the keyway off the shaft and figured all they really needed was the seal so they "took a shortcut". It doesn't appear like there is any damage to the engine and I always made sure it had oil, so I think this should be a pretty quick repair.