Briggs and Stratton's OHV connector rod ..

[Sean McGillicuddy]

My Briggs and Stratton OHV 's rod keeps pooping out.
ENGINE-MODEL NO. 407777 TYPE NO. 0121-E3

I keep finding the rod has come out from the lifter arm.
What would cause this.
How would you fix it?

 

[johneh]

Bent rocker arm or bent push rod
or improper adjustment

 

[Jags]

What johneh said. Something ain't lined up, or not properly clearanced. One other possibility would be a sticky rocker. During valve opening it stays (or is very lazy about returning) allowing the push rod to retract and then on the next push stroke, nothing is there to direct its motion.

 

[Rock Crusher]

Because I am not completely familiar with the valve train adjustments on this engine-does the rocker arm retaining nut located near your thumb come loose or has come loose? If so, does it tighten to a specified valve clearance or is it a positive stop style. First things first, but I have seen valve seats fall out of the head (usually exhaust) and cause a somewhat similar event. Also, how was/has it been running?

 

[2broke2ride]

I believe these have valve guide issues which causes the valve to hang open and the pushrods to pop out of place, a buddy got a craftsman mower that had this problem for free, local machine shop fixed up the heads for short money.

 

[Sean McGillicuddy]

Good info here.
Too cold and icy to work on it now .. more idea's for spring's list!