Briggs 15 HP Iron Block Single

[Bill D 2,248]

Hi,

I recently picked up a 15 HP Briggs Iron Block Single.  I got it to run but it will need lots of TLC and a few parts before it could be used for anything.  Does anyone have the service manual for this engine.  The numbers are 325431-0150-01-7201251. Does anyone have experience with this engine?  It came off a tractor with no identifying information that I had never seen before.  I will also need the flywheel cover for it as well as the plate it attaches to as they are rotted due to mouse damage.  Thanks for the help.  Bill  

[ebinmaine 72,681]

I don't have any experience with that injun specifically but the older iron Briggs engines are well known for being fairly close to bulletproof.

 

Parts could possibly be obtained from A - Z tractor.

 

@Stepney or @ZXT

You boys know anything more than I do?

 

 

[pfrederi 18,679]

B&S late model service manual it is a biggie  There is also an earlier model manual in our manual section but based on your Model # ths one should do it.

 

 

Edited March 13, 2020 by pfrederi

[pfrederi 18,679]

Parts Manual

 

 

325430-ms6114-0179.pdf

[Bill D 2,248]

Thanks for the information.  I have heard good things about these engines.  How do they compare to Kohler in terms of torque?  Anyone with personal experience with these engines?  Thanks.

[Stepney 2,354]

A good old engine for sure .. frankly however, there are very few B&S engines I would compare to a Kohler K series. No offense to any B&S buffs. Have had way more issues with them though..

Good old engine and plenty of grunt too. 

..Long as you can keep the carb working well.

I've cleared out what I have left for old B&S big block parts as I rarely run them anymore. But I'll poke around some places for tinwork.

[ebinmaine 72,681]

39 minutes ago, Bill D said:

 How do they compare to Kohler in terms of torque

I've heard others say the big block iron Briggs compares well to a similar Kohler.

 

My experience has me leaning some in favor of the Kohlers but I can only compare 8 to 10 horse Briggs.

 

[pfrederi 18,679]

Unless some one here has tested them ll on a dyno I posit that the 15hp B&S would be a tad bit better than a K321 but much less than a K341.  Reasoning... B&S has about 1 more cubic inch than a K321.  They have identical stroke so i doubt there is any significant difference in torque.   The 16 hp Kohler has a 3.6 cubic inch advantage....but same stroke. 

[ZXT 2,401]

@ebinmaine Most of the horizontal shaft Briggs engines that I have dealt with have been 10 HP or smaller. I have heard that they are petty good engines, though. I know Sears used them on their garden tractors in the late 60s, early 70s. I have a Sears SS 14 to go pick up sometime when I get a chance, so I will get a chance to learn on one. 

 

@Bill D Any pictures of the tractor that the engine came off of? We'd love to see them.. I can imagine it was a pretty cool machine.

[Bill D 2,248]

Decent old hydro tractor.  Everything was metal except the dash.

[Bill D 2,248]

[Bill D 2,248]

[Bill D 2,248]

The pulley was held on with a key and 5/16" spiral pin.

 

[ZXT 2,401]

Being a hydrostat, that is a MTD/Wizard 990. Good tractors and I've always wanted one. For some reason i just like the way they look. If it were me, the engine would stay on that tractor and I'd make it a worker!

[Bill D 2,248]

I was only allowed to take the engine.  The owners wife wanted the tractor as a lawn ornament for her garden.  Any idea who made the hydro for that machine?  It had a filter which surprised me.

[ZXT 2,401]

7 hours ago, Bill D said:

I was only allowed to take the engine.  The owners wife wanted the tractor as a lawn ornament for her garden.  Any idea who made the hydro for that machine?  It had a filter which surprised me.

I'm not sure. I'll have to look!

[Rob R 973]

I have one in my 1972 SS15, which was in the woods for 15-20 years thank God with a canvas cover. The engine has a LONG stroke and tons of low RPM Torque two biggest area I had to fix was initially the spark previous owners had tried putting the three prong ignition coil (electronic) on it while it had some spark it was so weak that it started and ran badly after trying different coils I finally went back to the stock coil and points to this day I can not believe the difference it made the spark was so crisp and bright that the engine ran and started like brand new....!  That was five years ago. 

The other area is the carburetor it has the Long atomizer tube which you have to carefully remove to clean and this could be almost impossible to get out, I finally ended-up drilling it out and replacing. This tractor is now my go to tractor for pulling, taking out tree stumps you name it and the sound (like a Johnny Popper) is hypnotizing..... LOVE THIS Machine. 

[Bill D 2,248]

I wonder why Wheel Horse never used these engines in their tractors?  They seem to have a better balance gear system than Kohler.  I like the rod dipper better than Kohler's too.  I looks like it moves more oil.  I have had good luck with Briggs carbs in the past.  Bill