QuestionI have an old International Harvester Cub Cadet 75 rider mower with a Briggs and Stratton engine (Model: 170707 Type: 1198 01 Code: 73032011) which I believe has a bad coil (no spark).
Rather than just replacing the coil (Part #298968)which is an older points/condenser type, I'm hoping I can convert it to a newer electronic solid-state type (Part #398811 I think)so I can eliminate future point/condenser problems.
Do you happen to know:
a) if this part #398811 can be used to replace and convert this older engine with a part #298968 coil to an electronic ignition (or if not, one that can)?
b) what I would have to specifically do to perform the ignition conversion for my particular engine?
I know this conversion is common and can be done but I'm not sure if it can be done for my particular engine. It is rumored that this particular part (398811)may not work for some older engines.
I appreciate your help John. You seem to be extremely knowledgeable about these types of things and I couldn't even get an answer from Briggs & Stratton "help" line.
Thank You
AnswerHello Dan:
>>Always Remove the Spark Plug Wire/s from the Spark Plug/s before Working on Any Small Engine unless the Plug/s must be Connected to the Coil/s for Diagnostic Reasons.
>>You can View a Breakdown/IPL of this Engine at this Site Addy, http://www.outdoordistributors.com/ and Select the B. Then Select Briggs and Stratton. Then Select Don't have Part Numbers. Then Select the File #17 . Then Select the Folder #170700. **Note: you can Download and Save the Breakdown for your Engine by Selecting the 2nd Icon from the Left at the Top of the PDF page.**
>>You can Replace the Point Set with a Solid State Ign Coil or a Nova II Ign Module and Use the Old Coil.
>>You have to Snip the Wires from the Point Set and Connect them to the New Coil. 1 Wire goes to the Lug on the New Coil for Shutting Off the Engine and the Other Attaches to the New Coils Windings Lead.
>>The Nova II is Attached to the Blower Housing and you Use the Old Coil and the Wires are Attached in a Similar Manner. Installation Instructions are in the Nova II Box.
>>The 398811 Ign Coil is USED ON 7 THRU 16 HP HORIZONTAL & VERTICAL
SINGLE CYLINDER ENGINES.
>>Outdoor Distributors List the Price for the 398811 Coil as $43.04us plus Shipping and Handling.
>>***Anytime a Magnet that is Set to the Correct Distance from the Armature/Ign Coil Pickups, the Armature/Ign Coil will Fire the Plug if it is Good. The Armature/Ign Coil Gap should be .020in between the Flywheel and the Armature/Ign Coil Pickups. You can Use a Side Panel from a Drink Carton (Mt Dew, Pepsi, ect) and Place it Between the Flywheel and the Armature/Ign Coil. Allow the Magnets on the Flywheel to Pull the Armature/Ign Coil Together and then Tighten the Armature/Ign Coil Bolts. Carefully Turn the Engine while Pulling the Cardboard Out from between the Armature/Ign Coil Pickups. The Armature/Ign Coil is Now Properly Set.***
>>Thanks for the Comments.
>>If you Hit a Snag or this Does Not Correct the Problem, I Hope to be Here if You Require More Assistance. Hope this Helps. Let me Know What Happens, Please. May the All Mighty Bless You and Yours. Be Safe and Happy. Thanks.
Good Luck
Respectfully
John
PS: I am Allowed to Answer 5 Questions a Day. If you See I am Maxxed Out, then Try Submitting your Question at or Just After 8pm EST (US). My New Day Starts then. Comments and Ratings are Greatly Appreciated. Thanks.
Respectfully
John
