12V Ignition Conversion

[johnsup]

Brent, I was getting erratic spark recently on my B-12, so I decided rather than pull he motor, I would do the conversion.I used a kohler coil($19),kohler bat. ign. condenser($3.00)and a decent looking switch, oem points set at .020 gap. I can honestly tell you that there is a difference...Good Luck, John

[JBute]

Brent: I would not even consider doing this old fashioned and troublesome change over. I just sent you a personal email outlining the part numbers and cost of converting your Briggs engine to Magnetron system. I just did it to one of my tractors. It was quick, cheap and easy to do. You will not believe how this engine starts now!! Jim Bute

[carter]

Jim, How about sending me a copy of the e-mail too. I'm sure open to other ideas. Ron Carter

[TulachArd]

I am considering changing the ignition system out on my 3416H to a battery ignition and coil. A past post gives pretty detailed instructions on doing this. A couple of questions: 1. The earlier post mentions using a 12V condenser and OEM points. Will the OEM condenser work? 2. Is a coil a coil? Another post mentions using a Kohler coil with a resistor in it. Do I have to be careful of the coil, plug wire and plug combination or will any combo work? The reason I am considering this is last fall I had a terrible hard starting problem which was tremendously improved by new points and condenser. I am starting to have this problem again, although not nearly as bad. It still usually takes alot of cranking to get started. Starter/generator was rebuilt last fall and I also got a new battery last fall while chasing the original problem. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Brent

[carter]

Brent, I used a coil form a '63 ford Pickup and the original B&S points and condenser. Probably have 50 hours on the setup and no problem. Didn't even put a resistor in the circuit. The Kohler coil sounds like a good choice if you don't have the junk collection I have to paw through for used parts. Ron Carter

[SmilinSam]

I have used kohler coils in my conversions on several tractors. Did one on a 12HP briggs last year. I have always used the briggs condensor. Is there a reason not to use it, because as of yet I have not experienced any problems?. While I'm here, should one use plugs for briggs or plugs for kohler when doing this - or does it matter? Sam

[JordB110]

Jim, Could you send me a copy of that e-mail also. Thanks, Jord B110.

[Gabe]

Hi Brent, Sounds to me that the problem is your points, not your coil. I had the same problem with my early B-10 with a 23D. My solution was a solid state ignition to replace my points and condenser. It's easier to do than changing points(no adjusting!) I found it at Walmart for under 10 bucks in the garden section, near the lawn mowers. They don't work with external coils, but should work with what you have. Mine has lasted for years and years, which is a lot longer than any points I've tried! Good Luck Gabe

[Cal]

I would use the kohler coil and the OEM points and cond. the 63 ford coil worked because it too has the resistor built in like the kohler. The problem with putting in the magnetron is you still have to remove the engine to do the job and find a shop to repolorize the flywheel and sometimes the flywheel will not stay repolorized ,the simplest method is coil on cyl. head. remember these are simple tractors why complicate them, also stay with your choice of sparkplug for B&S its a thread reech thing. Cal

[Roy]

Gabe, Does your 23D have points on the side of the block or under the flywheel? If your points are on the side of the block how did you wire the electronic module? Thanks, Roy

[dlcentral]

I've got a neigh with a 10 hp Sim with the Kohler set-up we on it.It's been running for 10 yrs so far no prob.we just cut the briggs coil wire off.I agree it's an easy quick fix.I lerarned the trick from an old Case dealer.

[SmilinSam]

I had to open my mouth. I just found the problem causing the missing and rough running on a 16 Briggs in a 912AC that I had converted to battery ignition.The condensor went bad and burned up the points. I replaced the whole setup with stock Kohler items and a new set of Briggs points.I also used the H10C Plug that kohler uses.( I did check the reach on the plug first) It started right up and ran beautiful. Thanks for the advice. Sam