Ok Hoofer B I will post

Papaw8 · Feb 4, 2023

Just a post for thought. I have a small old generator with an 8 horse Briggs and Stratton engine. Hardly ever use it so when I needed it it came as no surprise there was no spark so I cleaned the points and got it running. It sat about 2 months and again no spark. Cleaned points again and used it. Then again the same thing happened again. By this time I was getting tired of pulling the flywheel to clean the points each time it sat for a couple months. The building I keep it in is damp sometimes. This last time of cleaning the points I put a drop of diesel on the points before putting it back together. That was more than a year ago and it has never failed to start on the first or second pull since. It has sat for four or more months at a time and still starts. Ok now everyone can pile on but it has worked for me so far.

Patsdeere · Feb 5, 2023

Wonder why that would work. Interesting solution though.

PJH · Feb 5, 2023

Thanks for the tip - I'll keep that solution in the back of my mind. I have an elderly 12 hp Kohler on a Wheel Horse that I've been wanting to try to start. It's been sitting in the shed for about 15 years, and I don't expect things to go well. The points on the Kohler are under a cover on the side of the block, so they are easier to deal with.

used red MN · Feb 5, 2023

My question is what lead you to use the drop of diesel? My guess of why it worked was because the fuel placed a protective coating on them that is minimizing a reaction that is causing some form of corrosion or residue on the contact surfaces. It may be as simple as keeping oxygen or moisture from being able to directly contact the the points surfaces. I often wonder if those that swear by rubbing a card board flap or folded dollar between the points are in most cases just cleaning some small debris or other crud they drug in there with their feeler gauge. I feel this is more likely what is being cleared out to allow continuity rather than some phantom coating that is often mentioned. And do not get me wrong, I have used the suggestion to others to utilize this process when working with points as well.

Hoofer B · Feb 5, 2023

Good post. Patsdeere. I wonder why it continues to start now? One would think that the protective coating the diesel gives it would burn off after the first use and then fail the next time you used it. Interesting indeed Bill

Hoofer B · Feb 5, 2023

Oops meant for papaw8. Its early. Thank you all for their posts. Bill.

Mark-Ia · Feb 5, 2023

It would be pretty easy to replace the points with an electronic ignition system.

rustred · Feb 5, 2023

that is quite the common thing that happens when points sit closed, they get oxidized . even new points sitting in a box this happens to and they need to be cleaned before installing them. if points sit with an open gap this will not happen. so if you took the time to turn it over so the plug just fires and left it in that position would help. plus humidity does not help.

Russ from MN · Feb 5, 2023

I was just telling someone yesterday that diesel is very similar to WD-40, which is a water displacer! So, the diesel is preventing oxidation on the points, that's why I put some in the gas tank of our Farmall C.

Ok Hoofer B I will post

Papaw8

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used red MN

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