Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Briggs Motor Swap - Starter System conversion, ransomes bobcat, bridge rectifier

Question
QUESTION: I have a Briggs 14.5hp IC Quiet engine from an unknown garden tractor bought used but great shape.  I want to mount on a Ransomes Bobcat 48 inch walk behind mower.  There is no pull start.  I have purchased the correct ignition switch & starter solenoid.  I have the basics.  What wiring do I need for the carb solenoid and charging system to maintain the battery?  Can this be done?  I wanted to convert to pull start instead, but it appears I need to change the starter cup and maybe the flywheel too?  Model 287707-1272-E1.  Any help appreciated! Thanks! Paul

ANSWER: To convert to a manual starter you should not have to replace the flywheel.  You will need the starter and starter assembly for this unit.  There is usually a screen to keep the debris out also.

The engine currently has a stator under the flywheel that produces electricity to charge the battery and run the tractor.  If you're going to mount a battery and stay with electric start check with ransoms to see if they have a conversion kit.  Some manufacturers do you will get the battery holder electrical and key switch.  There is also an operator presence control on this unit has to be in the start circuit this leaves the engine no if you are not in the operator's position when operating the unit with the blades engaged.  Next look at the wires coming out under the flywheel this engine will only produce AC current and it needs to be converted to DC current to charge your battery.  There should be a diode in the system or a small bridge rectifier.  I am sure your unit also has a safety module on it so you can't started with the blades engaged.  This module will have to be in the system to there is a wire coming from the ignition coils that goes to the key switch it kills the engine when you turn the key off if not connected you will not be able to turn off the engine.  Best of luck on your project I hope this information has helped.

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QUESTION: Thanks for your detailed response!  The Ransomes has no safety devices as you describe.  It is an older Model, XM4852 Serial 002041.  AFter consideration I think I would like to convert it to electric start.  Just to be sure then, after I obtain a battery, starter solenoid and the proper ignition switch (which I have on order), what other wiring or electrical would I need?  Since this came from a tractor with a battery to charge, should I have to convert it to DC?  I will not be hooking up any saftey devices,they are absent from the Ransomes unit I have. After 25 years of experience with walk-behinds, they are something I feel I can mange without (not taking away from the seriousness or usefulness of these for some operators I have seen in my days).  I am not techinical enough to know where to look for a diode, but I do know what a rectifier looks like.  Thanks again!  ANy further info very much appreciated!

Answer
Why not both recoil and electric?  This is possible too.  You can have both on the engine.  If there is not a diode in the system or a bridge rectifier the battery will not charge and loose its charge over a short period of time sitting not running.  Use a meter to determine what is coming from the engine and if the current is AC or DC.