no spark to plug, how do i access points and condenser which are behind flywheel .p.s. it is a 3 h. p.

steve, March 2008

I have a briggs stratton engine and have just removed the flywheel, first you need to remove housing then if you look into the middle of ring pull part there is a spring which needs removing allowing this to be removed.next you need to remove ballbearings, then turn the locking nut anti clockwise taking care not to damage it,flywheel should gently tap off or else flywheel extractor is needed.behind flywheel are two bolts holding cover on remove these to expose the points.when the engine is turned you should then see the points opening and closing unlike mine which is stuck open hope this help. ps my engine is from the 60s

barry, March 2009

I use a claw gear puller for horz. 5 hp (snow blower), or for a 10 hp vert. (lawn tractor), a bolt on harmonic balancer type puller. Good luck

Bubba, August 2008

thanks john thats a great help, will start repairs A.S.A.P.

STEVE, March 2008

Vertical crankshaft - remove flywheel nut or recoil start boss which does the same thing, gently lever the flywheel upwards with 2 screwdrivers, put the nut a little way back on and give it a sharp tap with a hammer. There is a proper extractor but my method does work. Horizontal crank - usually there's a small plate on the front side which when removed allows you again to rap the flywheel to jerk it free. When flywheel off, 2 screws covering the aluminium points cover gives you the points and condenser. Clean both point surfaces with an oilstone or file, set gap to 15 thou by sliding condenser down its clamp.

John, March 2008