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Hello, I'm new to the forum.

This is my first time completely tearing down a lawnmower engine, and I have a question about something.
The engine I took apart is a Briggs and Stratton 6 hp flathead engine from a Craftsman 21" push mower. The engine had a rod knock which is why I wanted to take it apart in the first place. While I was testing for connecting rod play on the crankshaft, I noticed a side to side (sliding) movement, but no movement in any other way. Is it normal for these engines to have side to side connecting rod play, or is this a typical sign of wear? I'm hoping that it's wear, and that these engines aren't normally like this.

Thanks.

I checked the service manual and didn't find the specs on it. Some movement would be normal, but is usually measured with a feeler gauge so it wouldn't be a lot of movement.