In normal operation the pushrod rotates. It also flexes under vibration and load. As it rotates and flexes it contacts the hard plastic insert that it passes through in the pushrod guide plate. It takes a while but the insert burnishes the rod so thin in that spot, it breaks. The process also changes the length of the rod and therefore the valve lash, so I always readjust the intake valve (or the one with the compression release) as soon as the starter starts to stall into the compression stroke on startup. Or at every oil change or tune up whichever come first. When I do, I back the rocker nut off far enough to remove the pushrod and inspect it. If its starting to wear a dish shape into the rod I flip the rod end for end and reinstall it. It can start wearing on the other end until it goes dish shaped then I replace it.
In closing just one other possiblity that usually bends the rod rather than break it is old varnished fuel stuck the valve in its guide and the rod gave way on start up or soon after.
the intake valve is bigger
.003 exhaust-.005 intake
.004 intake.....006 exhaust
For the aluminum the intake valve clearance is .005 to .007 inches. exhaust valve clearance is .007 to .009 inches. Cast iron is - intake valve is .007 to .009. inches exhaust valve is .017 to .019 inches
.007 on the intake and .011 on the exhaust.
Briggs says on a cold engine, .005 on intake & .007 on exhaust. Wider on exhaust to ensure you don't burn a valve.
Turn the flywheel to BDC (bottom dead center) as you continue to turn the flywheel into the combustion stroke, it will be the first valve to move.
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.
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.
It blew a hole in the intake manifold? You probably broke a pushrod. Get this engine to a mechanic or engine rebuilder.
The pushrod is actuated by the camshaft for the purpose of actuating the lifters/rocker arms which, in turn, pushes open either an intake or exhaust valve in the cylinder head.
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. Backfiring is likely a carb problem