An old Briggs & Stratton engine buffs?

[Frank]

I got this motor running, but I need some help. I think I need to get a new coil for it. New points and condenser and verified the points are moving, but I just could not get any spark. So I grabbed a coil off a modern electronic ignition 8hp B&S I had laying around since it looked like it would bolt up. It worked, but it runs at a very low RPM. Sounded like an old hit& miss. I had hoped I found a way around the old points. Anyway, the circumference of the newer motor's flywheel is much smaller than this old motor so I am thinking it is somehow running retarded. The carb had been thoroughly cleaned and fresh fuel and started easily, but it will not accelerate when I move the throttle. The only thing I can figure is that I need a new correct coil.

What I can't figure out is the model so I can order one. The cover was badly rusted before I hit it with a sand blaster. I know I have seen an advertisement for this same style motor cowling in a 1950 Country Gentlemen magazine so I think it is around that period. The pictures I have found on line of old B&S are much older and smaller motors. Also I am not sure the horsepower. I think it is probably a 10hp?

My little "starter" didn't have quite enough torque but he thought it was fun to try and pull on the cord to help me start it. The motor looks much smaller in the pic than it actually is. It is pretty large.

[Papaw]

If you have a real small engine repair guy near you he could probably help you ID and match up the coil. Not one of the modern "Buy this expensive mower so I can rip you off for parts and repairs" guys.
A guy that has a yard or shop full of old stuff would be the best bet.

[wrenchguy]

i mess with the older 1's and urs is from the later 50's.  the shroud will be stamped with type and code, i don't know where, but real small and close to the rear edge.  i think on the left side.  some of those ain't fixable and have to be modified to accept a different mag.

[oldgoaly]

Probably the best site for something that's metal, turns, and burns...

http://www.smokstak.com/forum/

[bonneyman]

I snagged a 1985 mower from next to a dumpster, and had her up and running over a weekend. The model number was stamped into the cover/air fairing. I then stumbled upon an older maintenance manual at the local tool haunt for $5 I think.

My biggest problem was getting the brake/shut-off switch removed so the thing would run - and  then rigging up my own kill switch. Discovered the magneto pick-up had to be CLOSE to the flywheel to generate a spark. I used a piece of thin cardboard as a spacer to hold it while I tightened the bolts down, and then pulled it out while turning the flywheel by hand.

[Bill Houghton]

Can't help, but that last picture with the little boy for scale is great!

[Frank]

Can't help, but that last picture with the little boy for scale is great!

Yeah it makes the motor look tiny from the angle I took it, but that motor is awfully big. He thought it was neat to watch it run, just as I do. This is from an antique tractor of my granddad's I am restoring.

[Lostmind]

I had a Speedex tractor with an engine that looked just like that one. The number was faintly stamped in the cover. I had a  problem of running " retarded" and kept moving the coil around until it ran good.
Always started nice and ran strong. The guy before me couldn't get it to run.

[amecks]

Can you take a picture of the original coil?  Maybe someone has one like it.
So what tractor did it come off?  Maybe we can find a model number for the engine by cross referencing the tractor specs.
If we find a model number I probably can get a parts list AND service manual in pdf format and mail it to you.
Al.

[amecks]

Frank send me an email at amecks@outlook.com.  I will reply with an attached manual.

I don't see a way to attach it here.

"Briggs and Stratton Repairman's Handbook Service Manual for out of production engines 1919-1981"

Al

[wrenchguy]

numbers r stamped on the shroud, very faint, looks like a 23 2 me.