C-161 twin auto ignition

[defed 0]

a buddy at work spotted a C-161 twin auto w/ deck and blower for sale by his house. he called the owner and he said it needs 'points or something with the ignition', but that they are no longer available and it would have to be upgraded.

did the twin briggs in these tractors have an ignition module, like some of the old tecumsehs? other than that, i can't see how points for a briggs would be unavailable.

either way, he said the guys wants $100 for all of it, so i figure i'll buy it anyway.

thanks!

[mavfreak 11]

this briggs in the C161 does not have points

I have the 1978 C161 twin 8 speed the build code on the engine dates it to 1977 (so i was told by a briggs dealer). mine has a coil with mag pick-up

[TT-(Moderator) 1,162]

They used a conventional B&S magneto - just like the same generation push mower engines, but with two plug wires.

Early models did have points, but a $35 Magnetron "coil" (P/N 394891 ~ or aftermarket substitute) is easy to install and will eliminate the need for points.

[TT-(Moderator) 1,162]

this briggs in the C161 does not have points

I have the 1978 C161 twin 8 speed the build code on the engine dates it to 1977 (so i was told by a briggs dealer). mine has a coil with mag pick-up

Opposed twin B&S engines were introduced in 1977 but the true Magnetron ignition wasn't introduced until late 1981 or early 1982. Points were used on all engines with a TYPE number of 0500 or lower.

It's hard to keep all of this stuff straight, but I think the points were under a bolt-on cover just behind the "top" of the flywheel.

If yours has a Magnetron trigger kit or complete Magnetron armature, it's been converted. :woohoo:

[mavfreak 11]

:woohoo: thanks TT once again.

[baerpath 517]

If you do get it and need a coil I've got a couple spares.

Duane

[defed 0]

thanks for the info. guess i'll have to wait and see what it has on it, at least if it needs a magnetron, it won't be too expensive.

the guy at work has a cabin he needs a mower for. if we can get it running easily (and cheaply), he will keep it and i'll give him a cpl bucks for the blower (he says blower was in great shape).

if it is too rough and/or not easily made running, i will buy it all from him and add it to the collection.

[mavfreak 11]

On the Briggs engine there is one thing you may want to look at before you buy (although I most say for a 100 I would buy it either way). On the PTO there is a thrust breaing on the back side o the PTO (drive pully) that helps keep the the crank shaft form getting pushed into the flywheel side of the engine. I have a hard time explaining this so please bear with me, all I can tell you is what to look for if it is bad. Now when you look at the PTO look to see if there is any ajustment left on the engagment rod, also grab the drive pully behind the PTO pully and see if there is any in and out play. If there is that bearing is bad. Its very fixable but rather expensive. you could use that to talk down the price.