Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): 5hp briggs no spark, steering wheel puller, plug gap


Question
Briggs 130202 0135-01 79102410 tiller engine has no spark; it'll goose you, but won't jump the plug gap (screwdriver test confirmed weak potential). I suspect that within the bowels of this antique there are parts that need attention (points/condenser). Would you agree? If so, how do I access them?

Answer
Hello Don:

>>Sorry for the Delay. Snow and Ice have Hit Us hard and I have been Very Busy.
>>You can View a Breakdown/IPL of this Engine at this Site Addy, http://www.smallenginepartswarehouse.com/parts.asp and Select the Shop Online Parts Look Up. Then Select the Model Tab. Then Select the OEM and Enter the Model (5 or 6 Digits) and Type Numbers (first 4 digits Only). Example: 130202-0135. Then Double Click on the Model in the Results Area. Select Sectional Index. Now you can Select the Section of the Engine you Wish to View.
>>I See from the Breakdown that this Engine has a Point Set Located Under the Flywheel. The Point Set is Usually the Cause for a No Fire Situation with this Model Engine.
>>Replace the Point Set.
>>The Following is the Instruction File I Made for Removing the Flywheel and Replacing the Point Set of Most Older Mower/Blower Engines. It is the Basics and if you have a Question, Please Ask. Any Input to Make this File Better is Appreciated.
>>***Disconnect the Coil Wire from the Spark Plug. Remove the Blower Housing (metal engine cover).
>>Remove the Coil.
>>Remove the Flywheel Nut or Starter Cup (Depends on the Model).
>>Now Attach a Steering Wheel Puller to the Flywheel Using the Threaded Holes in the Flywheel.
>>Tighten the Puller. Now Hit the Puller with a Hammer. Repeat this Procedure Until the Flywheel Pops Up or can be Lifted Off the Crankshaft.
>>On Some Models you Can Not Use a Puller and Must Use a Pry Bar and a Pipe Cap that is Slightly Larger than the Crankshaft. Place the Pipe Cap Over the Crankshaft to Protect it. Place the Pry Bar Under the Thick Section of the Flywheel and Pull Up Against the Flywheel. >>**BE CAREFUL  DO NOT PUT A HOLE IN THE BLOCK UNDER THE FLYWHEEL** >>Now Hit the Pipe Cap that is on the Crankshaft (covered with the Pipe Cap). Repeat the Procedure Until the Flywheel can be Lifted Off the Crankshaft.
>>*** Be Sure you have the Flywheel Torqued to the Proper Torque (I require the Model and Spec/Type Numbers Off the Engine to Provide the Proper Torque) and Set the Coil Gap to .020in.. A Cardboard Side Panel from a Drink Carton will Work for Setting the Coil Clearance.
>>The Point Set is Under a Cover Under the Flywheel. The Point Gap is Set by Slowly Turning the Engine By Hand and Holding the Point Set Plunger with your Finger. When you Feel the Plunger is at the Outer Most Point of its Movement, then Stop Turning the Engine and Using a Blade Style Feeler Gauge, Set the Point Set at .015in - .020in. .
>>Please, Do Not Hesitate, If you Hit a Snag, if I Missed Something or this Does Not Correct the Problem, I am Here if You Require More Assistance. Hope this Helps. Let me Know What Happens, Please. May the All Mighty Bless You and Yours. Thanks.

Good Luck

Respectfully

John

>>PS: I am Allowed to Answer 10 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