im working on a 17.5 hp b&s lawnmower engine.. When lining up the timing marks on the crank and cam gears, does it matter if the piston is on exausht or compression stroke? If so, how do I know which stroke the motor is on? thanks for any help

Line them up and you will be good to go. Dont worry about which stroke its on. Basically things will work themself out as long as the marks are lined up. The crank spins twice for every 1 time the cam spins.

thanks for the info

Line them up and you will be good to go. Dont worry about which stroke its on. Basically things will work themself out as long as the marks are lined up. The crank spins twice for every 1 time the cam spins.

That's exactly correct. There is no intake or exhaust stroke until you set the camshaft timing, once the camshaft is properly installed and timed to the crankshaft, you will have an intake, compression, power, and exhaust stroke

appreciate the help guys.. didnt want to put itback together wrong, figured asking might save me alot of work