Allotment Gardening Advice Help Chat

Chatting => Equipment Shed => Topic started by: DECAL MAN on October 13, 2008, 21:58

Title: Merry Tiller Briggs & Stratton Engine Problems
Post by: DECAL MAN on October 13, 2008, 21:58
Hello To All,
VERY informative forum I must say,
Can anyone advise me, how to clean up the contact points (if there are any) on a briggs engine fitted to a 1976 Merry Tiller Briggs, I cannot find the engine code, type etc ANYWHERE on it for reference and cannot see how to get the flywheel/mag off to have a look.
I have just acquired it after being stood for 8 years in an open barn.
Very green but not too rusty. The tiller & me that is!

Thanks,
Titch (Decal Man)
Title: Merry Tiller Briggs & Stratton Engine Problems
Post by: agapanthus on October 13, 2008, 22:18
Muntjac say.............take the engine cowl off the top, you'll see a round fly-wheel type drum and a magneto with possibly 2 contacts very close to the drum. Take some wet and dry abrasive and remove any rust deposits on the drum and also the 2 contacts by placing the wet n dry between the drum and the 2 contact arms. Brush it down with some wd40 and dry it with a rag. Repace the cowling taking care to make the pull-cord pulley stick tight on the armiture. Re-bolt the cowling and attempt to start!!!!! ;) Hope this helps.
Title: Merry Tiller Briggs & Stratton Engine Problems
Post by: DECAL MAN on October 13, 2008, 22:54
Hi there and thanks,
I have attempted such as you say, maybe not cleaned off too well then.
I'll give it another go tomorrow, no points on this then? presumably that's what the mag does?
Thank You for writing back,

Decal Man Titch
Title: Merry Tiller Briggs & Stratton Engine Problems
Post by: nnbreeder on October 14, 2008, 01:10
On a Briggs the points are under the flywheel. Take a big set of channel-lock pliers or a pipe wrench and carefully remove the nut on top that goes into the starter portion. Under that there will be a cupped washer, remove that also noting how it was installed as it needs to go back with the cup up like an upside down bowl. Almost there now, roll the flywheel around to the side opposite the magnets, put a short screwdriver under the magnet side and firmly but gently put up pressure on it. then take a ball peen hammer and firmly tap the side opposite the screwdriver and the flywheel should pop up. Remove that along with the Aluminum shear key and the points are under the cover. Remove two bolts and there you are. Inspect the flywheel key very well and if there is any damage replace it but use only a briggs key in it's place. It protects the crankshaft from damage. Personally I would replace the lot with a Magnatron Ign. unit and save time later on. They are fairly cheap and easy to install.
Title: Merry Tiller Briggs & Stratton Engine Problems
Post by: Gwiz on October 14, 2008, 05:28
Engine type and code numbers are always stamped onto the engine cowling on a Briggs engine. You'll usually find them up near the spark plug.
Is the engine white, or black? If white, you'll probably have a set of points, The black engines tend to be ( as nn breeder says ) Magnetron, and so don't have any.
If the engine is black, and you don't have a spark, I would firstly replace the spark plug. If you still don't get a spark, locate the engine kill switch (near where the throttle cable joins the engine ) and make sure it isn't so dirty it's making a contact to earth. You can easily disconnect the wire from the ignition coil, and pull the engine over, with the spark plug resting on the top of the engine, to check for a spark.
 :D
Title: Merry Tiller Briggs & Stratton Engine Problems
Post by: DECAL MAN on October 14, 2008, 07:35
Thanks everyone, great to see replies.
The Briggs engine, I think was origonally white, plus silver & red paint on the cowling now. I have wire brushed back ALL over the cowling and cannot find a number anywhere. I know that all (?) Briggs engines should have it stamped, but I have looked & looked in all lights.

The cylinder is vertical, flat topped with spark plug on the flat, pulley shaft out one side, pull start and cowling on the other. I take off the cowling, unseize the cord mechanism and the starter mechanism that rotates only in the direction of starting (ball bearings & cog inside??)
Its that bit I cannot work out how it comes off to gain access to the flywheel and then see how that comes off, presumably light even tapping and a puler if need.
Carburettor bolts straight to top of rectangular tank, how else can I describe it I despair?
Hope I'm making sense to you all.

Thanks, Decal Man
Title: Merry Tiller Briggs & Stratton Engine Problems
Post by: Gwiz on October 14, 2008, 08:33
there is a special tool for removing the bit with the balls and cog. If you don't have it, I would suggest:
Remove the two or three 4ba sized screws that hold on the mesh screen.
Taking great care not to loose the bearings inside ( use a large tray under it , prise off the cover (cap) that should release the bearings ( about four if my memory is working .....*rare* )
you can now take out the centre part of the starter.
Please note, the thin spindle that is now exposed is part of the engine crankshaft. DO NOT DAMAGE IT IN ANYWAY. DON'T BE TEMPTED TO PUT GRIPS ON IT, AS IT WILL BE SCORED UP, AND THE STARTER WILL NEVER WORK AGAIN!!!!
You can put grips on the body of the starter(minding the little lugs that the 4ba screws went in), and undo it. sometimes you need to use a punch to get it started, but remember it's only aluminium! It unscrews anticlockwise.
There is a washer under the starter cup, remove this, and then you can tap the flywheel as Mr Breeder suggested earlier....

ENJOY! :D
Title: Merry Tiller Briggs & Stratton Engine Problems
Post by: DECAL MAN on October 14, 2008, 11:21
Thank you Graham,
in between jobs on today, or this evening I shall take a good careful look at it and have a go. I have removed similiar before I'm sure of it, but my memory just isn't working at all.

I do have another 'cultivator' with a Villiers engine on, similiar problem but I'll ask on the forum about that too. It's a Munrotiller circa; 1957. Great bit of kit!
Thanks again, I'll let you know how I get on,
DECAL MAN
Title: Merry Tiller Briggs & Stratton Engine Problems
Post by: nnbreeder on October 14, 2008, 19:50
And remember, it's always more fun to check spark by having a buddy hold the wire. :D
Title: Merry Tiller Briggs & Stratton Engine Problems
Post by: DECAL MAN on October 14, 2008, 20:10
DONE, got it all off, blew out loads of muck, cleaned everything up, replaced all correctly.............

NO SPARK AT ALL, with three different plugs, I couldn't get anyone to hold the wire to see if ANY current is passing.  ****!!!

Condensor?? Any ideas where I can easily get one??
Thank you all,
DECAL MAN
Title: Merry Tiller Briggs & Stratton Engine Problems
Post by: R Tallentire on October 14, 2008, 21:06
You have moved the throttle away from STOP haven't you? The points should be cleaned with emery and a cloth and re-gapped to 0.020 inches. Check that the points are closing as the pushrod sticks if an engine is laid up for a couple of years. Finger pressure downwards on it whilst turning the crank round usually frees it but I have had to remove a crankshaft and drift it out before now. If all is well reassemble, tightening the starter clutch finger tight, and with the plug laid on top of the head, spin the magnets past the coil and you should get a nice fat spark. New points come with a new condenser but it is almost as cheap to fit a "contactless kit". B & S agents will have both.
Title: Merry Tiller Briggs & Stratton Engine Problems
Post by: DECAL MAN on October 14, 2008, 22:27
Thanks for that, The throttle position is an obvious oversight!! I will check tomorrow & take note of your comments.
Really, thanks to all for the advice,,,,
watch this space.
Decal Man
Title: Merry Tiller Briggs & Stratton Engine Problems
Post by: nnbreeder on October 15, 2008, 04:21
Another thing to look for is insulation gone off of the wire going from the points to the throttle assembly. If it was shed kept mice could have made a nest up under the cowling or even just chewed the insulation off which could have made it ground out.
Title: Merry Tiller Briggs & Stratton Engine Problems
Post by: DECAL MAN on October 15, 2008, 07:53
and that IS another thought, I do recall seeing an untidy 'piece of grass!!'

Looks like I do need a reputable supplier for parts, can anyone recommend an outlet?? I realise that a B & S agent is the required, but I'd like to use a Merry Tiller Specialist if possible??

Thanks again to all

DECAL MAN
Title: Merry Tiller Briggs & Stratton Engine Problems
Post by: Spon on October 20, 2008, 09:22
Have you managed to sort this engine out yet?
I had problems with a B&S engine some time ago but managed to sort them all out with the help from this forum.
Not sure where on the Staffs / Shropshire border you are located but, if anywhere near Bilston (Nr Wolverhampton) there is a very well stocked garden machinery shop in the high street that will have the spares you need.
Title: Merry Tiller Briggs & Stratton Engine Problems
Post by: DECAL MAN on October 20, 2008, 11:23
Hi There,
not sorted yet, but the earth from the back of the points, a thickish wire(?) isn't fastened to anywhere on the throttle linkage on the carburettor.
The end of the wire, exposed from the insulation, is bent round as if a screw or bolt fastened it somewhere. Where I can't see.
I was assuming that if it is clear from any metal contact it cannot earth out, therefore shouldn't stop the power to the spark????

Bilston, Wolverhampton.. 25 ish miles away, would you have a name/or phone number, maybe if they'd let me call to ask save running out there first, that could be MOST helpful.
The only other thing I can think to try is the condensor if I can get one.

I HAVE at last managed to locate a model number from the cowling, almost completely gone, looking at the Briggs website I think I have got the correct model, just got to find a part number from it.

I'm very grateful for all the help so far,
Thank You.
DECAL MAN
Title: Merry Tiller Briggs & Stratton Engine Problems
Post by: Spon on October 21, 2008, 09:41
Apologies for the delay in coming back to you, Decal Man, but I only have a few minutes spare each day at the moment.
If you have seen the B&S manual and parts list for your engine, you can probably see where the earth wire goes - yes? If it is still not clear, have a look at the fuel tank mounting bracket. On this bracket there may be a small bracket that is  made of spring steel and. when you push it, it moves to reveal a hole through which the earth wire goes. When released, the bracket springs back to hold the earth wire in place.
I will try to find the details of the shop in Bilston and add them to this query later - I have a receipt from them somewhere! In the meantime, however, I would suggest that condensers are pretty hardy things and they can take a lot of abuse. I replaced the condenser on my engine because the points box was full of water when I opened it. I have checked the old condenser since - and it still works!
I would try new points and plug before replacing condenser.
Title: Merry Tiller Briggs & Stratton Engine Problems
Post by: DECAL MAN on October 24, 2008, 20:40
Thanks all for your comments & Advice,
I hadn't 'gone away' just had that nasty lurgy that seems to be floating around our areas. I've had three very early nights this week so not been into the workshop.
After the weekend I'll get back in there, I still cannot quite make out where the wire fastens to the bracket, but will have another look as soon as I've cuaght up with things a bit.
I'll let all know if my patience runs out with it.......excluding any agressive details.

Have a good weekend to all.
Decal Man
Title: Merry Tiller Briggs & Stratton Engine Problems
Post by: DECAL MAN on November 01, 2008, 12:13
Hello again everyone,
new points & condensor set, 11.00, yes 11 quids!!

But, points gap? at TDC??? Using the Briggs site, I cannot locate the operating manual, parts list yes, but I cannot find any info on the ignition timing etc. I realise there is a keyway, but not sure about points gap exactly.
Model number 80202 type 0413.
Going out this afternoon, but if anyone is kind enough to know the correct set up, I'd be very grateful.
Free Decals to ANYONE that can help????

Regards to all,
DECAL MAN
Title: Merry Tiller Briggs & Stratton Engine Problems
Post by: Gwiz on November 01, 2008, 12:28
original gap 20 thou,
I always set at 18 thou, Timing set by key ( always use an aluminum key)
are they original points in a proper briggs box? If not you will have gotthem in a little plastic bag.......
Title: Merry Tiller Briggs & Stratton Engine Problems
Post by: DECAL MAN on November 01, 2008, 13:05
Thank You!!
Just sat down with a sandwich, Lo & Behold a reply appears!!.

Thank You again, wish me luck!!

I meant what I said about a decal too.
Regards,
Decal Man
Title: Merry Tiller Briggs & Stratton Engine Problems
Post by: Gwiz on November 01, 2008, 14:52
Hmm, a Decal Eh? One would look good on my toolbox at work
 :wink:
Title: Merry Tiller Briggs & Stratton Engine Problems
Post by: DECAL MAN on November 01, 2008, 20:32
If you e mail me for anything, please put 'Chatting On The Plot' in the subject line, then I'll be sure to open it!!

Thanks,
Decal Man
Title: Merry Tiller
Post by: DECAL MAN on January 01, 2009, 20:02
Hello Everyone,

I haven't neglected the Merry Tiller or my Monro Tiller, just parked up in the shed whilst other things workwise took over a bit, plus it's VERY cold in the w/shop these last few weeks!!

Both are running now, all thanks to all the help on the forum here, it's now a case of fine tuning before I strip/refirb/re paint everything on both.

The Merry Tiller has given me a bit of grief on & off, the last thing to get right is finding the bar/rod that links the throttle up from the cable. I have made up a home made one for now but will sort it correctly.

I just want to say a big THANK YOU to everyone who assisted, and inevitably a Happy New Year to you all too!

Thanks,
DECAL MAN
Title: Re: Merry Tiller Briggs & Stratton Engine Problems
Post by: youngs on April 08, 2009, 23:04
I found the information on this thread invaluable but I wonder if you can help me more?
My Merry rotovator has a B&S 4HP engine with white top with no apparent numbers as described above.

It has been starting and running fine but needing increasing amounts of choke to run smooth. Suddenly, after an overnight stop, I have been unable to start it or indeed to get it to fire at all.

I started with the old plug and changed that. New plug is getting fuel as it smells but no start. No apparent spark at plug or lead. (I did not ask my buddy to confirm this! ..but if he misbehaves tomorrow....)

There is a single lead only from the magneto other than the plug lead and that goes to the carburettor. Insulation was bad and I have taped and put a new tag on to ensure a good connection. I assume this is a safety earh to ensure no possible spark to the carburettor/fuel tank. Anyway the engine was running fine with it a bit dodgy!

Their is also an uninsulated wire from the magneto coil that is terminated on the magneto body. (Another earth to one end of the coil?) I could not (and still cannot understand why more gear is needed as I would think as that this changing magnetic field as the magnet goes past the coil was all that was needed to induce a high voltage in the coil and the spark.

Anyway no joy so after reading you information I have found the breaker and capacitor inside the fly wheel.

They appear OK but I have lost my feeler guage so have not yet checked the gap.

The only apparent conection in this area is from the breaker to earth. maybe there is a connection to somewhere concealed behind the capacitor that is not visible.

I don't understand what this adds to the ignition and so also how it works. I can't see what can be wrong except the gap which looks reasonable and is opening OK. There appear no connection to the magneto or plug at all from the breaker.

I woukld be grateful if someone could explain how this bit works in the ignition circuit and what might be preventing a spark. I am  a physicist but with little experience of engines!! really annoying when I can't see how something works!!!!!

Incidently my engine had 6 balls in the starter bit. After I had caught 4 another 2 surprised me!!

If photos would help I can upload some and post a link.

Thanks for your help so far. I was amazed and grateful to find such detailed instructions for the engine.

Martin
Title: Re: Merry Tiller Briggs & Stratton Engine Problems
Post by: Gwiz on April 09, 2009, 05:47
Hello Martin,
The single wire from the coil to the carb will go to the engine kill switch. Calling it a switch is guilding the lilly a bit, but it does stop the engine! It's a small bent piece of brass that will short out the circuit to earth when the throttle lever is put in the "stop" position.
If you only have the one wire coming from the coil, check to see if there are two twires from the kill switch. one should go back to the top of the condensor , and be held in place by the spring that is on the top of it. If you have no wires at all attatched to the the condensor, then there is something very strange going on! could you confirm this with a photo? it could be that your engine is non standard, and has had a "retro fit " of a magnetron coil. If thats the case, you might just need to clean up the flywheel magnets, and the ends of the the coil arms, reset the air gap and with any luck, be on your way again. It could also mean getting a new coil......

You mentioned needing to run the engine with increased amounts of choke. this would indicate that you have a fuel pick up problem. normally this is caused by a blockage in the fuel pick up pipe in the fuel tank, again a photo will confirm which engine you have, and stop me waffling on about the wrong one..........
all the very best, :)
Graham.
Title: Re: Merry Tiller Briggs & Stratton Engine Problems
Post by: youngs on April 09, 2009, 10:36
Graham
Thanks for your speedy and helpful reply.

I have uploaded some photos at http://www.tonertopup.co.uk/rotavator/rotavator.htm You can click on the thumbnails to see the expanded photo.

In view of the lack of visible wires to the condenser, I think your suggestion that this  "has had a "retro fit " of a magnetron coil." maybe correct. As I said there is only one wire apart from the plug lead from the coil and that is to the carb and so earthed I think. If this is to do with the kill switch and meant to not always be earthed I should try with it disconnected. I have crimped a tag onto it to make a new connector as the old bare end stuffed in place has broken.

I am puzzled still as to why I could not see any spark. I must buy a feeler guage anyway and I will get a "spark detector" as well if they are not too expensive to be more certain. Even if the spark was suddenly not quite good enough for starting I would have thought I would see one but weak. Previously it started easily, like first pull.

Best wishes

Martin
Title: Re: Merry Tiller Briggs & Stratton Engine Problems
Post by: noshed on April 09, 2009, 12:34
It's bad enough looking at pictures of other people's chickens but now I'm looking at pictures of other people's rotovator engines. Just the thing over a cuppa.
Title: Re: Merry Tiller Briggs & Stratton Engine Problems
Post by: Gwiz on April 09, 2009, 12:55
I know, it's sad isn't it? but hey, welcome to my world.........

That looks to me to have had the magnetron coil fitted. The points would normally have two ires coming from the little spring you can see at the top of the condensor. One would go to the coil, the other to the metal cut out switch at the carb/ linkages.

i'd just clean up the magnets and the coil arms and go from there. I have had to replace the coils, but it is a rather rare occurence. A spark tester will cost about a fiver.
I expect you'll find you have fuel problems......
Title: Re: Merry Tiller Briggs & Stratton Engine Problems
Post by: shaun on April 09, 2009, 16:10
It's bad enough looking at pictures of other people's chickens but now I'm looking at pictures of other people's rotovator engines. Just the thing over a cuppa.

you didnt have to click on it noshed,but you couldnt resist could you. ;)
Title: Re: Merry Tiller Briggs & Stratton Engine Problems
Post by: noshed on April 09, 2009, 17:19
Like a moth to a flame, me
Title: Re: Merry Tiller Briggs & Stratton Engine Problems
Post by: shaun on April 09, 2009, 17:30
Like a moth to a flame, me

more of a nosey woman thing  ;)