Briggs Stratton 23 FB 203511 Coil

Dick L · Oct 2, 2013

I have never worked with a coil like this one but would assume it would be like all others. My guess is this one is bad. I get a reading from the wire that goes from the coil to the points when checking from it to the base. I would think that would be the same as pushing the stop button and keep it from sparking at the plug. This coil has two small copper wires from the opposite end the plug wire is at that goes to the base. I can't for sure get my head around this one. Can anyone shed some light on it for me?

joe csuti · Oct 2, 2013

The double wire from coil is a common ground for primary/secondary winding of coil,the other wire on opposite end of coil connects to an insulated terminal on flywheel cover backplate along with wire to points,with points open or disconnect coil wire from insulated terminal & check between coil lead/eng block with with an ohmmeter,this will tell you if primary open or you have a circuit thru same,however this will not tell you if primary shorted if you have a circuit thru same or condition of secondary winding,briggs manual makes no mention as to resistance of primary or how to check coil.you might try checking at local mower shop(s) to see if they have a coil tester they can setup a magna-matic coil in to test,you might also try replacing condenser before disassembling armature,you might just have a bad condenser or possibly magnet weak in rotor.

El Toro · Oct 3, 2013

Did they make the magnetron armature for that engine? It would do away with the points. I have a White rotary mower that has the magnetron
armature. It's over 20 years old and still starts easily. I even mow the garden off with it. Even has electric start. My sister bought it
and she could never get it started. Her 300 pound son couldn't either. Hal

joe csuti · Oct 3, 2013

On many/most of the old number series briggs eng(40's-60's)the magnetron conversion won't work due to reverse polarity on flywheel magnets,in addition his eng has a magna-matic system with coil/magnets in a rotor under flywheel,it's also probable flywheel has no magnets in same for ign coil if you buy/install an ext mount coil on eng you would have to buy another flywheel designed for ext coil as on most of the larger series number eng with ext coil the flywheel timing is adjustable in addition when buying a used flywheel of this age you get into the possible problem of weak magnets.

J.T.L. · Oct 3, 2013

If it turns out that you do need a new coil, here is the replacement. --- John
Replacement coil

Briggs Stratton 23 FB 203511 Coil

Dick L

Well-known Member

joe csuti

Well-known Member

El Toro

Well-known Member

joe csuti

Well-known Member

J.T.L.

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