Briggs model 19 witha magna-matic.

[johnmonkey 4]

I just pulled the engine out of my simp 700. It is a Model 19. Type 706035. Serial number 633646. I looked up in my repair manual and I see that the model 19 has a magna-matic ignition. The side of the front cowl was cut to recieve the points access cover. My question is what year is the model 19? As I was taking it apart underneath the flywheel there was alot of oil slung around and there was a bunch of the armature plates hanging loose ( from the lower side of the armature). It looks like a seal broke or some other catastrophic event to make the armature come apart. My second bigger question is ..is it worth it to try and rebuild this engine? PS I need to dig deeper to find out if there is more problems with the block etc etc. The magna matic looks like a pain in the neck is there a way to convert it to a normal ignition? Another thing different about this engine is it does not have a plunger type of actuater for the points it has a "breaker shaft arm" that rides on a cam. (which leads me to believe that this engine is older than 1961). Sorry for the long message but I am very interested in finding out about these mysteries. Thanks John H.

[Guest Jef]

The coils for this system are still available. and is a very good system. If you install a battery powered coil and if you you have battery or charging problems then your tractor is down. With the old system you can manually start your tractor and get your work done and troubleshoot the charging system at your convenience. Just my two cents Jeff

[John_RI 8]

Hi John, I've got a 725 with a mod 19, SN 643779, type 706047. Based on its SN, the mfg date is Nov ‘61. It doesn't have a plunger, rather like yours it has a rotating shaft for the points. There is a site with the info on dating old briggs from SN's but I can't seem to find it right now. I came to the same conclusion about the magna-matic ignition. I acquired the 725 after it had been siting for about 12 years - the engine didn't look too good. I did change an exhaust valve and the blower cover - but was still concerned about the magna-matic ignition sys. I priced out a coil and armature from one of the clubs sponsors at $ 150+ and decided that if I had a problem I would consider the automotive conversion. As it turned out, it started with a lot of cranking and now runs & starts well (usually 1st or 2nd pull). As to your question of is it worth rebuilding - hard to I say - from what I can tell after one years use, it has plenty of power for mowing (beyond that I don't know), parts seem expensive, I'm looking for a replacement/back-up, up to a 10 hp, but the 19 seems like a great engine. Club member Ken Williams made a contribution to the DIY (Do It Yourself) section: 12 Volt Ignition Conversion For Simplicity 725, that covers the conversion. Good luck, John(ri)[A href='http://www.simpletractors.com/do_it/magneto_to_coil.htm']http://www.simpletractors.com/do_it/magneto_to_coil.htm[/a]

[CleanBee 0]

If I recall right, the 10 Hp and up have a ball bearing crank, where as the 19 only has bushings. This may make some difference if you have heavy side loads on either end. Otherwise, I believe in trying tho keep them original. Dan

[ka9bxg 3]

I picked up some new coils for $40. each bought 3 of them this year. The system works well,after replacing the coil they all seem to work well.Just for your information if the engine starts to missfire at full throttle you have a bad coil.That is why I have boughten 3 of them this year.Nice engine and they live forever.Bob

[Dutch 4]

Marty, I don't know if this is the site you're thinking of, but here's a list of serial numbers for..........[A href='http://www.edgeta.org/mdate3.htm']http://www.edgeta.org/mdate3.htm[/a]

[lboy1971 0]

I have a 23A engine with a magna-matic ignition also. I ground the valves and seats and have very good compression now but no spark. The engine didn't run when I got it cause one valve was stuck partly open. I cleaned the magnamatic coil and tried the points and condenser in another engine so I'm sure the coil is bad. Anyone have an extra they'd sell??

[Roy 0]

The frame cutout for the points cover is factory original. My B-1 has the Tinnerman nut clips over the holes but I hae never seen the points cover that is supposed to fit there. Anyone have one? Roy

[MPH 12]

Yea that its Herb, thanks.. How'd ya get there??I bookmarked it so maybe I'll have it next time. John, your 19 was made in Apr of 61...MPH

[johnmonkey 4]

If it was the original engine why was part of the frame cut to make room for the points cover? Thanks John H

[MPH 12]

I used to be able to find a list of the old briggs on the briggs link to date the 19 and 23's by serial # but the last couple time I tried I can't seem to get there, anybody know the route??thanks MPH

[SmilinSam 4,245]

Roy I have the covers on both my 725's