Help with Briggs 16 HP I/C

jacks · Mar 21, 2017

I am working on a Briggs 16 HP single cylinder engine which is model 326437 type 0 758 - 01 code 87041614. It is on a Lincoln weldanpower unit which has not run for some years. I have installed a new magnetron coil but only get a very weak spark. So weak that the spark is barely visible. I'm questioning whether the magnets in the flywheel have lost some of the magnetism from sitting for years. There is some residual magnetism left and it seems as if the South Pole of the magnet is on the outside of the flywheel which I think is correct. Is there any way of testing the magnet strength other than by changing the flywheel?

jacks · Mar 21, 2017

Additionally the outside of the flywheel has been cleaned up and a new magnetron coil was gapped to .012.

Bob · Mar 21, 2017

Did it previously run with a Magnetron or did you replace old breaker points with a Magnetron?

MNGB · Mar 21, 2017

Hi the magnetron coil will not work on that engine due to reversed polarity of the magnets in the flywheel, you will need to go with the original coil and points but the little points eliminator will work if the coil is good. Doe it have electric start if so it can easily be converted to battery ignition.
GB in MN

jacks · Mar 21, 2017

This engine came from the factory with magnetron ignition. That is verified by the parts manual for the type and code. There is no sign of it never having had ignition points. I believe that the code indicates it is a 1987 model engine. If a previous owner installed a flywheel from an older engine that would be a problem.

MNGB · Mar 21, 2017

(reply to post at 11:50:02 03/21/17) [/quo
If it came with magnetron then its got the right magnetic polarity and it should work maybe as you were thinking the magnet is weak, B&S use to have some very helpful information on their ignition systems but for some reason the links will not work all I could find is this
https://www.briggsandstratton.com/n...rowse/ignition-system-theory-and-testing.html

jacks · Mar 21, 2017

Thanks to all for the suggestions and help. Doing some more reading
online, it appears that the engine must be cranking at 600 rpm or more
for a Magnetron ignition to develop a spark. I am cranking it with
the electric starter and the starter is not cranking very fast and
needs a rebuild. I may not have a problem with the ignition, may just
need to crank the engine faster.

MNGB · Mar 21, 2017

Hope that is the problem good luck
GB in MN

Don B. · May 20, 2017

ever get this running?
I had this issue with an early 70's cast iron Briggs. I acquired a tractor once whose previous owner had tried to retrofit it to magnetron and gave up when it would not run afterwards. On that one, I just swapped back to points.
Since then I had heard that if you send your flywheel back to Briggs that they would reverse the magnet polarity for free, I don't know if that still applies.
I also remember from back then, I found out that if your engine was built after sometime in 1981, that it has the correct polarity already.

Mule Meat · May 20, 2017

When using a Magnetron ignition you will need a Magnetron fly wheel.

Cost around $350 for a new one.

Help with Briggs 16 HP I/C

jacks

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