Started a really old tiller. First pull! (?)

[lars11]

Started our relly old tiller in easter for the first time since like 1990. The tiller is older than I can guess, but the engine is a retrofit Briggs from like 1983. I was expecting an interesting, prolonged project to get it started.
Anyways, filled it up, changed the plug and it had a spark so I thought I pull the cord just to try. Choke, and.... RUNNING!!
Incredible. This old Briggs runs smother than the new Quantum. Just can't get it. 30 yr old membrane and all...

 

[greenaccord02]

Very nice.We're seeing a lot of resurrected old gear this spring. Always a good thing to see.

 

[robshelton]

The new Quantum runs so lean they have to be spotless not to skip/miss but the older motor is set to run they way it was designed - a little rich. Still I have to agree with you, it is impressive.

 

[SOHCman]

I'm sure the fact that it had previously been run on 1990 non ethanol laced fuel helped a ton!

 

[JTK]

From the look of it, it was stored very well. You can't beat a Briggs flat-head with a pulsa-jet carb for simple reliability.

BTW, I think your air cleaner needs to be rotated clockwise 45deg. I may be looking at it wrong though!

Joel

 

[boraticus]

Got the very same engine on my rototiller. Starts on one or two pulls every spring even if left with fuel in it for an entire year. Very forgiving engine indeed.

 

[01rangerxl]

80s era Briggs engines are as solid as anything you can get. If it gives you trouble, all you need is a can of ether.

The green machine in this pic has been running solid for at least 20 years, probably much closer to 30. Cylinder head has never been off, carb has never been off, oil has been changed maybe once or twice ever. It ALWAYS starts. There have been many attempts to kill this engine, but no successes...

Come to think of it, there have been many attempts to kill everything in this picture, but no successes. Go Briggs, Ford, and Yamaha!

 

[greenaccord02]

That lawnmower looks clean despite it's age.

 

[lars11]

By the way, the tiller is a "Howard Rotavator Bantam". By the design, it looks like something 1950, but I don't know.
Engine was replaced with this Briggs by welding a hinge to the engine seat and bolting up the engine.

 

[lars11]

Yeah, and by the way, replaced the engine oil with 5w40 SJ synthetic after warming up on the old oil that was black but good looking.
Ca. 21 yr OCI!