I have a 1963 briggs horizontal shaft with no spark. I have seen on youtube that you can convert the ignition and leave the old points and condenser in place. I would rather not have to pull the flywheel.
What will I need and where do I find it. Aftermarket would be fine. I also read about the b&s magnetron but I am not sure that by itself would work.
Recommendations would be appreciated.
#2
reynoldston
b&s magnetron should work OK for you. It was over 20 years ago I changed one over from points to magnetron ignition and its still running today. Its no big job removing the flywheel. First remove the crankshaft nut, then take a pry bar under the flywheel with some upward pressure and hit the top of the crankshaft with a brass punch if you don't have a flywheel puller. As a rule they don't come off too hard.
If converting from the old point ignition module to the magnetron module, Remove the two screws securing the point module to the block, grab firmly in hand, and jerk real hard, which should pull the wire out of the point area. Install the new magnetron module with the new wire supplied connected between the kill switch, and the new module, making sure to set the proper gap between the flywheel, and the module. and you are done. No reason to remove the flywheel or the old points. If you remove the old points, you also will have to install the point plunger plug in place of the plunger.
#4
reynoldston
If you do get the flywheel off a good chance all you will need to do is clean and gap the ignition points and it will run just fine. Nothing wrong with the points and condenser system, they used that system for many years.
You folks said "if I get the flywheel off". My intention is not to invest in the tools to pull the flywheel. There is a unit out there that doesn't require me to pull the flywheel.
Cut and eliminate the original points and condenser.
Thanks. I will keep searching. My old engine probably can't the brittle pulling
Thanks for all your help. I am still looking for the answer. I don't want to restore the mower or engine. I just want the toro reel mower cut for my lawn. Replacing the old style points and condenser is going backwards. Maybe I should look at a replacement engine? Maybe I should sell the rig and use my troy-bilt rotary?
If you read IL's post #3 you don't have to remove the flywheel to convert to a CDI ignition system. Instead of breaking the wire off, as he suggested, I just cut the primary wire off as far back as I can reach and the install the new coil according to the instructions. Take you old coil into any repair shop that does Briggs service work, with all the engine numbers and they probably have the Magnatron coil for your unit in stock. This is a simple fix.
#9
reynoldston
Amazon.com part number 394970 $20.13 Magnetron I know you don't want to pull the flywheel but I guess I have pulled so many flywheels I don't give it a second thought. Flywheel puller from Harbor Freight $13.49. Yes I agree once changed over to the new magnetron system its very little maintenance and a better system then the point and condenser and well worth the time and money.
Thanks folks. Good information. I have a puller set for the flywheel. I have also found the magnetron conversion kit on amazon but I am not sure it fits my engine.
I will contact Briggs & Stratton for specific parts numbers.
