Briggs & Stratton Ignition

tecstar1 · Dec 29, 2009

Hi all, I am new to the forum and I'm sure I will be here many times as I own a Case 580SK backhoe, but this question is regarding a Briggs & Stratton 10 HP Model 19G412 (L Head). I am not getting any spark to the spark plug. I am thinking the Armature/Magneto has gone out but wanted to see if there is anyway to check it to see if that is the problem.

Thanks for any help.

Ron

zman007007 · Dec 29, 2009

Hi Ron, and welcome. Make sure there is no rust on the magnet part of the flywheel, and also make sure where the magnet passes the magneto or armature which ever you want to call it, there is no rust. just sand them off with some sandpaper and try it again.the air gap should also be about ,010. hope this helps zman

zman007007 · Dec 29, 2009

Also make sure your flywheel keyway is not sheared off. zman

tecstar1 · Dec 30, 2009

Great points to verify. I will take the shrouds off tomorrow and check it out. Any real possibility that the module for the armature/magneto has gone bad internal? If there anyway to check operational aspects out with an ohmmeter?''Thanks for your suggestions.

Ron

atschirner · Dec 30, 2009

You can verify the winding are intact with an ohm meter but that is not the same as saying that the coil is okay. These have a nasty habit of just plain quitting for no good reason. Briggs shows a part number 398811 for the magnatron coil. A quick Google check found this part number at a number of suppliers priced between $40 and $50 bucks.

Merc-O-Tronic made a tester that would test these magnetos but they are getting scarce and expensive. One sold on flea-bay last week for over $200.

Plan "A", check for rust or a damaged flywheel key.

Plan "B", disconnect the kill wire at the coil. If you have spark again look for a point where that wire is grounded preventing the coil from functioning.

Plan "C", order up a new coil.

Please let us know what you find.