ChrisBFRPKY
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- Sep 24, 2020
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Other than checking the flywheel key and air gap on the coil, there's not much else needed to check the timing for a stock Briggs 5HP engine.
Slomo is correct about being able to use a timing light on a Briggs but it may not be as easy or straightforward as you'd think. I used a timing light to set the max ignition timing on every stock, modified and open class Kart engine I ever built. It's completely unnecessary to do this for something like a stock tiller or lawnmower engine though. If you're interested in doing it for racing purposes here's how:
1. Connect timing light induction lead to spark plug wire and you'll need a 12 volt battery from somewhere to power the timing light.
2. Install a degree wheel and a pointer then find top dead center.
3. Remove spark plug and turn the engine crankshaft the correct direction of normal engine operation with a drill (or an electric run in motor).
4. Note reading on degree wheel, this is where your timing is. (You can also use this method with a tach if you want to aim for a specific timing at a specific engine RPM)
Adjust timing by removing the flywheel key completely, lap the flywheel to the crankshaft and reinstall it without the key. You can move the flywheel forward or back on the shaft to get the exact timing you want and tighten it down. There are also fancy little doodad coil brackets you can buy that adjust timing by moving the coil but I never used those normally unless I was experimenting with some weird coil combination.
Slomo is correct about being able to use a timing light on a Briggs but it may not be as easy or straightforward as you'd think. I used a timing light to set the max ignition timing on every stock, modified and open class Kart engine I ever built. It's completely unnecessary to do this for something like a stock tiller or lawnmower engine though. If you're interested in doing it for racing purposes here's how:
1. Connect timing light induction lead to spark plug wire and you'll need a 12 volt battery from somewhere to power the timing light.
2. Install a degree wheel and a pointer then find top dead center.
3. Remove spark plug and turn the engine crankshaft the correct direction of normal engine operation with a drill (or an electric run in motor).
4. Note reading on degree wheel, this is where your timing is. (You can also use this method with a tach if you want to aim for a specific timing at a specific engine RPM)
Adjust timing by removing the flywheel key completely, lap the flywheel to the crankshaft and reinstall it without the key. You can move the flywheel forward or back on the shaft to get the exact timing you want and tighten it down. There are also fancy little doodad coil brackets you can buy that adjust timing by moving the coil but I never used those normally unless I was experimenting with some weird coil combination.