Having purchased a very old Howard 300 rotovator with a Briggs and Stratton engine (model 140202, type 4026) it looks like the ignition coil is faulty. I've been quoted over £150 for a new one. The coil has 3 poles and the flywheel has 2 magnets which can't I'm told be converted to electronic ignition. Does anyone have a coil available (B&S part no is 296834) or can the flywheel be swapped to a single magnet one and electronic ignition put in??? I'd love to get this old thing working. Thanks.

Frustrated from Somerset, April 2009

I have a new coil for briggs and stratton engines. Since i am not absolutely sure of the part number, I can give you the dimensions of the metal armature: 80mm x 72mm

daniel, January 2010

I have some question about Ignition System.
- Can i replace point-type ignition coil with electric type on Briggs & Stratton 7HP Model 170431 ?

a.mars, November 2009

Go To Ebay & Type In Item # 110394097156...

Mr. Ed, May 2009

Hi Phil,
Coil is outside the flywheel but I've been told because the coil has three poles and the flywheel has two magnets (newer coils have two poles and the flywheels have one magnet) that the solid state ones won't work. This was confirmed by Briggsbits too plus a couple of other websites.

Happy to give it a go if you think it'll work. Engine is very old. Thanks for your help.

Still frustrated from Somerset, April 2009

Can't locate that model number, but......

If the coil is OUTSIDE the flywheel, just replace the coil with a new soild state one, cut the wire leading to the points and connect the STOP wire to the tag on the new coil. Job done - 20 mins max. A new coil from B&S will cost about £30, but a coil off any side valve Briggs engine of similar size will fit. Ebay - £15 max.

If the coil is UNDER the flywheel, there are a couple of options - come back here and I'll advise.

phil_saunders(a)bigfoot.com

Phil Saunders, April 2009