Crazy Briggs Starter Gears

[Mek-a-nik]

Back in March, I put a starter on a Scag zero turn with a 44Q777-0136-E1. http://bsintek.basco.com/BriggsDocument ... fBhU7y.pdf I used this starter: http://www.jackssmallengines.com/search ... &q=sbs0029 Because the new one had a steel 14 tooth gear, I swapped it for a nylon 16 tooth gear.
The engine has a plastic ring gear. I believe aluminum and plastic ring gears get the nylon 16t gear.
However, It has already torn up the gear. I want to be sure that the nylon gear is correct before I look at why it is torn up. (I don't recall what gear the starter that I took off had, I guess it had to be plastic.)

Is there a 16t steel gear? Is there a 14t nylon gear? What engines get the steel gear? (Myself, I haven't run across any that I was aware of.) What does the 15t gear, that I've read about, fit?

Why has Briggs done this? Why am I going crazy?

[KE4AVB]

The engine has a plastic ring gear. I believe aluminum and plastic ring gears get the nylon 16t gear.

From what I know that is correct; only the steel ring get the steel gear.

Is there a 16t steel gear? Is there a 14t nylon gear? What engines get the steel gear? (Myself, I haven't run across any that I was aware of.) What does the 15t gear, that I've read about, fit?

Not that I know of and haven't personally heard of or seen a 15 t gear. If you have a part for that 15t gear I would like to get it so I can look it up.

Did you accidentally install the drive gear upside down or have damage to the clutch drive?

I check the two starters that the Briggs part number and bolt have the same mounting plate; although, I did have starter a few years ago that had to be shimmed out some to prevent the binding of the drive gear.

[Deere2me]

... Why has Briggs done this? Why am I going crazy?

Briggs didn't DO anything!

I'd say 'cause you ordered the WRONG starter, and it appears as though you ain't got a clue! Hey...you asked!

You could have got the correct starter cheaper, with free shipping no less, on Fleabay!

[KE4AVB]

Update I did find a 15 t gear for briggs using google. BRIGGS & STRATTON 496881Fits Models: 350000-380000 with steel flywheels. Won't work different design and is for steel rings. Looks more like a Kohler gear drive to me or maybe just copy of their design.

[bgsengine]

Update I did find a 15 t gear for briggs using google. BRIGGS & STRATTON 496881Fits Models: 350000-380000 with steel flywheels. Won't work different design and is for steel rings. Looks more like a Kohler gear drive to me or maybe just copy of their design.

Stock images - almost never correct to the actual part.. I really wish idiots that sell online would have the actual part in hand and take their own damn photos - have had at least a dozen people this year buying parts by part number because of some freakin PICTURE they found on SOME OTHER website looks like what they need, so they order that part number, we ship it and then they say it is not what they freakin ordered!

Never, ever rely on stock images like that..
~ As to the Original issue ~
I agree with Deere - you ordered the wrong part, if you had looked up the part for that model and spec, you would know that 795121 is the *ONLY* correct starter for that engine, and it uses plastic or aluminum ring gear , meaning drive gear #695708, or Drive kit # 696541

Buying some other starter because it looks like it might work is a guarantee to create confusion and problems not just for you but for anyone that works on it down the road.

If you look up the right parts to begin with, you dont even NEED to count the number of teeth on a gear. Briggs made specific starters and gears for specific purposes, trying to "force fit" different parts to work is a recipe for disaster - You bought a 693551 starter with gears for steel ring gear flywheels (and it clearly says so in the info page) the problem is , due to the fact that those gears are considerably different, your starter shaft center line may be a different distance from the flywheel than the correct starter motor - even a few thousandths of an inch, you gonna have gear mesh problems.

[Mek-a-nik]

Yes, KE, that's the one. (The 15t.)

I most alway order by looking up the IPL. I had the starter I mentioned, and went by match up. I obviously had no idea that B&S would make starters that are so close, but so different.

Thanks KEV4AVB and bgsengine for your replies. What a concept; decent, respectful responses!
I hope the mods see fit to ban deere2noone. He's an Internet Rambo until someone tells him what an asshole he is. Then, he's all "Aw shucks, I just instigate a bit." He doesn't belong on here, period.

[KE4AVB]

the problem is , due to the fact that those gears are considerably different, your starter shaft center line may be a different distance from the flywheel than the correct starter motor - even a few thousandths of an inch, you gonna have gear mesh problems.

Brian,

Exactly why I took the time and look-up the starter top mounting plate for both of the Briggs starters in case that was the issue, both use the same plate part number wise so the center axis should be on the money if that after-market starter was made to spec.

[bobodu]

Deere2me....don't make me stop the car !!! I have told you once to stop poking your Sister.

[Mek-a-nik]

I installed the 795121 yesterday. Visually, no difference other than the gear (plastic, not steel). If Briggs really makes starters that are only a few thou in size difference, well, change the thread title to, "Crazy Briggs Starters". Customer uses it every day. I'm sure I'll hear from him again in 3 months if it does the same thing.