1977 5 HP BandS Spark Issue

[cjhols]

Hi all,
Newbie here so go easy. I am trying to do up an old 5hp Briggs and Stratton motor. The numbers are 130202 0135 01 7700508. The issue I have is that I can't seem to get a spark. The module seems to have a resistance of about 2.6 KOhms and when I grab the lead and earth it out (through me) I get a reasonable shock but I can't see any spark when I try to get it to jump to the motor body (spark plug or wire to earth). Is it possible that the module has a kill switch system of some sort ( it does have 3 small wires coming off it - 2 which go to the contacts)? Or is it simply the module had it's day. The magnet on the flywheel seems quite strong.
Any ideas would be appreciated as would a workshop manual if there is one about.
Regards...

 

[ILENGINE]

From that age, and depending on if it has been upgraded may still have points under the flywheel. Are there any wires going under the flywheel from the ignition module. If so then I would bet on Points. Will need to remove the flywheel and the aluminum cover underneath and get to the points. At that point you can either try cleaning and setting at .020 or replace them. The third alternative is to just install a electronic ignition module and get rid of the points.

 

[Richard Milhous]

Did you replace the plug? I had this exact problem recently and the plug was bridged by carbon buried deep between the outer wall and inner insulator. I guess the insulator had a crack in it somewhere.

 

[cjhols]

Hi all,
Issue solved. I opened up the points and they were completely corroded up. This included the coil, spring and the little cam 'bolt' was stuck. Probably best to replace it with the new ignition module????
Thanks
All

 

[Scrubcadet10]

That is what i would do.
B&S part 397358

 

[Richard Milhous]

This confirms what was said on another thread... just because you can see a spark or feel a jolt doesn't guarantee it's a good enough spark to fire the engine.