It is the whole assembly containing the pull start (if applicable) or the metal or plastic shroud surrounding the flywheel (it spins when you start the engine ).
under the flywheel
It requires a special puller.
No. It positions the flywheel in the proper place for the ignition timing.
The coil is under the cowling on top of the motor where the flywheel is.
use a wheel puller
There is no way to adjust the timing on a 17.5 Briggs engine. The magnet is on the side of the flywheel and there is only one way the flywheel can line up. All you can do is make wure that the coil is gapped correctly.
Most people use a standard business card between the magnetto and flywheel.
If you know your part number of even model number, you can go to eReplacementParts.com for the Briggs and Stratton parts your looking for. The site features part lists for each engine or motor and includes thousands of detailed diagrams to help you replace the flywheel once you get it. All in all, they are a very good site for finding tool parts in general but for Briggs and Stratton parts, eReplacementParts is the place to go.
For most Briggs and Stratton engines the charging system is under the flywheel. You will have to remove all the shields that cover the top of the engine and the flywheel and then remove the flywheel itself. Once the flywheel is off the stator is exposed. Depending on what model you have there will be a series of screws that hold it to the block. Just unplug the wire connector and remove the screws and it will come off with a little wiggling. Make sure that all the magnets on the bottom side of the flywheel are in place and secure or replacing the stator will not do you any good.
you have to remove the flywheel, take engine cover off, remove flywheel, its under it, next to the points, you have to remove the flywheel, take engine cover off, remove flywheel, its under it, next to the points, you have to remove the flywheel, take engine cover off, remove flywheel, its under it, next to the points, you have to remove the flywheel, take engine cover off, remove flywheel, its under it, next to the points,
The timing is not adjustable. The only way the engine can be out of time is if the keyway between the crankshaft and the flywheel is sheared. If it is in place and in good shape the engine will be in time.
Timing on all Briggs & Stratton small engines is set at the factory and non-adjustable. It is determined by the placement of the armature (coil) and position of flywheel on crankshaft. Unless the crankshaft is bent or the flywheel key is sheared (both are possible after an impact or sudden stoppage), timing is perfect. Rough running is likely an intake or mechanical problem.