Old B&S and the points

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GMBoy

GMBoy

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Hey all. Well I am starting to restore those 2 Mowett Mustangs I told you about and I have a question for some of you small engine guys:

I am going to replace the points, condensor and coil as well as rebuild the carbs on both engines to get them running to determine if a rebuild is even needed. The 8hp engine (190702 model) started right up in starting fluid and ran clean so it is probably only needing the carb rebuilt (would not run unless I sprayed it) and tuned up. The other (7hp) won't fire so it may need the same deal or more.

ANYHOW - you guys have any tips on tuning up these mowers? How do you recommend removing the flywheel and setting the points. I've got 2 manuals that are pretty good, but sometimes hearing it from a person who's done it is better.
 
Do they have remote fuel tanks? or, is the carb attach directly on the tank? New carbs may be less important than kits for them and the tank may be more the issue
 
It's been a long time since I worked on a B&S engine with points, but I recall you remove the starter housing, remove the air intake screen, and remove the starter clutch. I think I remember using big channel lock pliers and a hammer to nudge it loose. Getting the flywheel off I usually used a prybar or a thin block of wood, and tapped on the end of the crankshaft while prying against the flywheel. Don't hammer too hard on the crankshaft, or you'll flatten the end slightly and make the starter clutch drag (very bad, voice of experience!). Watch out for the little key that will fall out when the flywheel comes off. I don't remember the point gap setting, but it's pretty easy with a feeler gauge. Put the key back in the crankshaft slot, and tap the flywheel back on. Put some oil in the felt pad in the end of the starter clutch, and make sure it didn't fall out when you took it off. Tighten the starter clutch somewhat firmly; don't leave it loose enough that the flywheel can shift or you'll shear the key (again, voice of experience).
 
Clean the points etc, I'm not sure if you have a magneto or what, but if so clean the flywheel parts from rust (there is a small piece that is most important, and the gap etc) most of the time the ignition system just needs cleaning/removing rust.

You can pretty much see if the internal engine parts are good by just removing the head..this needs to be done for cleaning purposes anyway, it should be a maintenance item just like changing the oil for removing the carbon from the head, and piston top. If the internals are wore you can tell just by the piston top pretty much... you can also check the cylinder bore etc, the piston will get loose if the bottom end is wore, and the piston can also just get worn, if so you will see a clean piston top on one side, or you can check by moving the piston back and forth checking for play in it.. Be careful don't break any head bolts, also the one close to the exhaust will be the hardest to remove, you may also need a new head gasket, however I have done this to many without needing a gasket get some copper or aluminum gasket spray to spray back on the gasket before putting the head back on...

Sorry such a long winded post.
 
The flywheels pop of with a hand pulling on the bottom edge of the wheel and a good sharp strike of a hammer on the crank end usually pops them right off with out fooling around with pullers.
 
Originally Posted By: crazyoildude
convert it to electronic ignition... Easy to do easier than changing the points


Points will last a million years on these small engines. Clean the points, possibly replace the condensers, clean fuel tanks and carbs, clean/replace spark plugs, check compression and see how it goes. If compression is low, you might need a set of over-sized rings.
 
Originally Posted By: willix
The flywheels pop of with a hand pulling on the bottom edge of the wheel and a good sharp strike of a hammer on the crank end usually pops them right off with out fooling around with pullers.


Never hit the end of a crankshaft with a regular hammer. Either use a lead hammer or a brass rod struck by a regular hammer.
 
Clean your points and put them back into service. You want a .020" gap.

Remove the flywheel by first removing the nut and any other assembly on top of it, then place a block of wood on top of the crank and hit sharply with a big hammer. A few taps around the edge of the flywheel with the block of wood before hand will help the process.
 
Wow thanks guys - everyone had a good point. I've been reading up and you all repeated what I've read but I understand better. I ordered a tune-up kit and some other stuff so I should get started next weekend on it.

Thanks again!
 
I hate points so I would do a modern electronic ignition just because. It should be a really cheap conversion and might run a little better too.
 
Originally Posted By: bubbatime
I hate points so I would do a modern electronic ignition just because. It should be a really cheap conversion and might run a little better too.


I agree with changing to electronic ignition in high performance engines, particularly two strokes where a bit of timing variation can lead to catastrophic consequences. I've done it on a couple two stroke motorcycles that spin up to 10000 rpm. At those speeds, a small degree of timing error can hole a piston or cause serious detonation damage quickly.

On old OPE engines with rpms below 4000, there would be no real advantage. I've got engines well over 30 years old with the original points that have been cleaned/adjusted maybe once, if at all.

If you want to switch to electronic because it pleases you, that's fine. However, recommending people to change out their points system for no real benefit, needs to be clarified, particularly if the system and components are working as intended. The old points system on OPE is highly underrated.
 
Originally Posted By: S2500Dog
Hey GMBoy, if you want to learn more about these Old School Briggs and Stratton engines, check Davidsfarm on Youtube. This dude is an expert in fixing cars and small engines. Here are the links:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FJMnbZbibu8

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eUa3paHhGxo

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZIZg8myJPUM&feature=related




Yes! I love that guy. I came across him while doing a Youtube search a few weeks ago. Did you see some of the rigs he comes up with?? LOL! I love the airbag set off in dryers and such.
 
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