Hi Arthur, the engine corresponding to those numbers is 8 hp, not 4 hp. We need pictures of the engine and the ride-on to get involved in this. There are multiple design variations we have to understand to diagnose the fault. Meanwhile here is the illustrated parts list:

http://bsintek.basco.com/BriggsDocumentDisplay/Z6nlxBVJ1DajI.pdf

And here is the operator's manual:

http://bsintek.basco.com/BriggsDocumentDisplay/msozHP-K_ny7tH217FzoPu.pdf

The engine was made on 6 January, 1984.