Originally Posted By: Smokescreen
My Briggs is to the point where I just don't even think about it anymore, almost to the point of neglect. It will get no accolades from me seeing as it is attached to a 25 year old Toro RecyclerII that uses no oil between yearly 5w30 synthetic 500ml OCI, has used the same air filter and spark plug for the past 12 of those years. I am hesitant to mention that this engine starts first pull every time no matter first start of the season or after just shutting it down to empty the grass bag. I expect more than this type of bland performance from my OPE.
IF this mower ever dies, you can bet that I will be looking elsewhere than Briggs.
So the engine starts first pull even with neglect and you will be looking elsewhere?
I haven't really had any major issues with Briggs engines. In fact, MOST of the issues I see with small engines across the board are due to low/no oil, bad fuel, or mouse damage. I'll agree their new engines are not really anything special, but that's also why they are on the $139 mower at WalMart. Even on the cheapest mower you can find, the engine will still outlast the deck and wheels.
The inteks with the bad head gaskets kinda suck, but I've seen quite a few of them with tons of hours. If you want to talk about junk engines look at the Kohlers from the last few years. Cracked blocks, loosening bolts, excessive oil consumption, broken camshafts, all on engines under 3 years old with perfect maintenance.