Its amazing how people always want to correct some one. These are almost the same people think that they are perfect. May be they need to go to church more often...
I had the same issue with my 17.5 briggs it turned out to be the moon key on the crank that holds the grear in place. the key would get stuck on the counter weight leakage. I trimed key back, reassembled fixed the problem
Took engine apart don't see anything broken. Turns fine but when i put sub back on it . Turn it it locks up. Turn it the other way locks up on the 3/4??? I believe its it the counter Weight any Idea.