Vintage Briggs, need info

I just picked up a vintage B&S and I'm trying to date the engine if someone could help me. The Model is "6", the Type # is 105175 and the serial number is 48182 and I'm pretty sure there is a sixth digit in the serial number after the 2 but I cant make it out.

Also, is this a 2hp?

Your engine was built in 1948. This manual might help you out if you try to restore it.

http://www.oldengine.org/members/murphy/Briggs & Stratton Repairman's Handbook.pdf

Thanks once again Rivets! Way to come through, and yes, I do intend to restore it.

Good grief, what a manual. It's amazing the changes in the engines then compared to today. They are just about idiot proof now compared to the technical skill required to rebuild one then. It also seems like there are probably about 1/3 of the parts in an 80's flathead compared to this 40's engine. That's just based on the manual. It may be simpler once I start to break it down and actually see for myself.

I picked up that model 6 today and figured I'd post a couple of pictures. The Model is 6, the Type No. is 105173 and the Serial Number is 481825. Based on that I believe the correct manufacture date is October of 1954. The engine looks great. The tank is nearly perfect with very little surface rust inside, should clean up easily. I haven't attempted to start it but I can tell it has very strong compression and good spark. It had been stored in an attic but it appears that it was drained and prepared for storage. I'm wondering if I should go ahead and break it all down or put fresh oil and gas in it and see what happens. The perfectionist in me wants to break it completely down but I'm afraid if I do I may end up needing gaskets and other parts that I don't have and will be very hard to find. Opening a can or worms, you know, not sure if I should or not.

Also, when did Briggs introduce the recoil starter? The recoil starter appears original on the housing but I wasn't sure if that was standard in 1954. Judging by the photos, does this engine look correct?

If you decide to restore these two websites might help you out. Believe it or not, many parts are still available.

http://www.briggsandstratton.com/eu...ls/Antique Manuals FAQ 2/Model 6-domestic.pdf

Old and Antique Briggs & Stratton Parts

Thanks Rivets! Availability of parts is going to be a major factor in whether I go ahead and break it completely down or not, gaskets and oil seals in particular.

arch252 said:

I just picked up a vintage B&S and I'm trying to date the engine if someone could help me. The Model is "6", the Type # is 105175 and the serial number is 48182 and I'm pretty sure there is a sixth digit in the serial number after the 2 but I cant make it out.

Click to expand...

This a 6b-s that is a 1957. The back of the flywheel has a "57" cast in it. Notice the B S on the cover.
Good luck on the restore.

That is the type of pulley starter I would expect on my engine, not the recoil starter, just makes me wonder if it's correct.