Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Small engine question, briggs and stratton, front tine tiller

Question
I HAVE A BRIGGS AND STRATTON 5hp MODEL 130202 TYPE 0135-11. It is mounted to a Montgomery Ward front tine tiller model GIL-39031A. It has been running great since March 22 1981, until last week.  It would not start. I checked compression and I changed the spark plug and I cleaned up the flywheel and magnet as well as the pick up coil. Still no spark. Some one told me this model may have points behind the flywheel. Is it possible to up grade to the pointless ignition mod. What part number should I order?
Thanks for any help.

Answer
It could have points, 1981 they (Briggs) started to transition to electronic ignition and all engines since 1982 have electronic ignitions.

You can buy a kit from Briggs and Stratton, part number 394970.  These are about $20 but may require soldering a couple of wires.  You can buy a new coil (elctronic) for about $40-50.

Nova II systems work well in many applications and require no soldering but you do have to mount the module to an engine part.

A third option is to try a used coil from your local mower dealer.  We sell used coils for $10-20 depending on the application.  We do not ship or advertise used parts because we never know the full condition of the part but we offer a full refund or exchage if they don't fit or work.  It's worth a shot to try someone in your local area.

Let me know if this helps.
Eric