Briggs 23FBC Magneto problem

Tom RS

Member
I have a late 40s 23FBC I'm trying to get running.
I replaced the coil and condenser and still have very weak or no spark.
When I replaced the coil I noticed the bar that it is on (made up of thin plates) doesn't fit real great on the magneto plates that it clips to.
Is this a cause for my no spark problem?
Is there a testing procedure using an ohm meter that I can do to check the points and condenser?
Any advice would be appreciated.
 
Touch the magnets with a flat blade screwdriver to see if they have good magnetism. Should attract the screwdriver with a lot of effort. I have a 23AB engine that's been rebuilt for sale.
It has rope start. Hal
 
Dump it & put a 12 volt coil & battery w/ resistor on it. Have one the coil went south,,,
they COULD find another in BUMF**K Ohio $184.00+
shipping. Worked for three seasons, then found a NOTS engine for $100.00 complete with muffler paint on it on C/L. Hope this helps, JopeB
Happy 4th of July, less we forget, freedom is not free!
 
To check points,disconnect condenser lead & coil lead from points terminal,connect ohmmeter between points terminal & eng block,with plug out rotate flywheel CW by hand till points close,check ohmmeter,reading should be between .5-zero ohms,if more than that or no reading points misadjusted,point contacts dirty/oxidized & need a cleaning or contacts worn or burned/pitted & points need to be replaced.

If points ok & not the problem,click on link below & look at fig.44 & 45,if coil core has a square side & a round side make sure round side of core is on plug lead side of coil,I don't know if this will make a difference,manual says to install this way.Next looking at fig 44 & armature starting with right side of armature at 1:30 & 4:30 position on right side and 8:30 & 11:30 on left side measure air gap between rotor/armature IF less than .004" at any position then bearings are worn & air gap changing as crank rotates & this will cause weak/loss of spark condition,if air gap/clearance not a problem I would suspect magnets weak in rotor.

You might want to consider going to ebay & searching briggs manual,go thru listings & see if you can find a service/repair manual pn270962 with a pre 80 print date(old mid 70's is best)or a obsolete/out of production eng service manual as both will cover ign system on your eng,anything 80/newer will not cover your ign system.
ign
 

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