Briggs & Stratton 595304 Magneto Armature Instruction Manual

Introduction

This manual provides essential information for the proper installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of your Briggs & Stratton 595304 Magneto Armature. This component is a genuine OEM replacement part designed to ensure proper fit and performance, maintaining the life and efficiency of your Briggs & Stratton engine. It replaces old part numbers 795315, 592841, and 799650.

Safety Information

Always prioritize safety when working with engine components. Failure to follow safety precautions can result in serious injury or damage to equipment.

• Disconnect the spark plug wire: Before performing any service or maintenance, always disconnect the spark plug wire to prevent accidental engine starting.
• Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE): This includes safety glasses and gloves.
• Allow the engine to cool: Ensure the engine is cool before handling any components to avoid burns.
• Work in a well-ventilated area: Ensure adequate ventilation if working with fuel or cleaning agents.
• Consult your engine's owner's manual: Refer to your specific engine's owner's manual for detailed safety instructions and procedures.

Compatibility

The Briggs & Stratton 595304 Magneto Armature is designed for use on select 215000 Model engines and fits many Briggs & Stratton engines. To confirm compatibility, always consult your engine's owner's manual for the correct part number identification.

This part replaces the following older part numbers:

• 795315
• 592841
• 799650

Setup and Installation

Proper installation of the magneto armature is crucial for correct engine ignition. Follow these steps carefully:

1. Prepare the Engine: Ensure the engine is cool. Disconnect the spark plug wire from the spark plug.
2. Locate the Old Magneto: The magneto armature is typically located near the flywheel. You may need to remove engine shrouds or covers to access it.
3. Disconnect Wires: Carefully disconnect any wires attached to the old magneto, noting their positions for reinstallation.
4. Remove Old Magneto: Unscrew the bolts holding the old magneto armature in place and remove it.
5. Clean Mounting Area: Clean any rust or debris from the engine block where the magneto mounts. A clean surface ensures proper grounding and performance.
6. Position New Magneto: Place the new Briggs & Stratton 595304 Magneto Armature in position. Do not tighten the mounting bolts fully yet.
7. Set Air Gap: This is a critical step. Insert a feeler gauge or a piece of cardstock (approximately 0.010 to 0.014 inches thick) between the magneto armature's laminations and the flywheel magnets. Push the magneto firmly against the feeler gauge/cardstock and then tighten the mounting bolts securely. Remove the feeler gauge/cardstock.
8. Reconnect Wires: Reconnect all wires to the new magneto armature as they were on the old unit.
9. Reinstall Covers: Reinstall any engine shrouds or covers that were removed.
10. Reconnect Spark Plug: Reconnect the spark plug wire to the spark plug.

Operating Principles

The magneto armature is a key component of the engine's ignition system. As the engine's flywheel rotates, magnets on the flywheel pass by the magneto armature, inducing an electrical current in the coil. This current is then stepped up to a high voltage, creating a spark at the spark plug, which ignites the fuel-air mixture in the engine cylinder. A properly functioning magneto ensures consistent and reliable engine starting and operation.

Maintenance

The magneto armature itself typically requires minimal maintenance. However, periodic inspection of related components can help ensure its longevity and proper function:

• Inspect Spark Plug Wire: Check the spark plug wire and boot for cracks, fraying, or damage. Replace if necessary.
• Check Connections: Ensure all electrical connections to the magneto are clean and secure.
• Clean Flywheel Area: Keep the area around the flywheel and magneto free of debris, dirt, and rust, which can interfere with magnetic induction.
• Verify Air Gap: If experiencing ignition issues, re-check the air gap between the magneto and flywheel.

Troubleshooting

If your engine is experiencing ignition problems, the magneto armature may be a contributing factor. Here are common symptoms and troubleshooting steps:

• Engine Does Not Start / No Spark:
  • Check Spark Plug: Remove the spark plug, reconnect the wire, ground the plug to the engine block, and crank the engine. Look for a strong, blue spark. If no spark, proceed to the next steps.
  • Inspect Spark Plug Wire and Boot: Ensure the wire is not damaged and the boot is securely attached to the spark plug and magneto.
  • Verify Air Gap: A common issue is an incorrect air gap. Re-adjust the air gap as described in the 'Setup and Installation' section.
  • Check Kill Switch/Ground Wire: Ensure the engine's kill switch is in the 'Run' position and that the magneto's ground wire is not accidentally grounded, which would prevent spark.
  • Test Magneto: If all other components are confirmed good, the magneto armature itself may be faulty. A multimeter can be used to test for continuity and resistance, though this often requires specific knowledge and tools.
• Engine Starts, Then Dies When Hot: This can sometimes indicate a magneto armature that fails when it heats up. If this symptom occurs, allow the engine to cool and retest. If it starts when cold but dies when hot, the magneto may need replacement.

Specifications

Warranty and Support

For information regarding warranty coverage for your Briggs & Stratton 595304 Magneto Armature, please refer to the warranty documentation provided with your original engine or contact Briggs & Stratton customer support directly. Always use genuine Briggs & Stratton parts for optimal performance and to maintain warranty validity.

For further assistance or technical support, please visit the official Briggs & Stratton website or contact their customer service department.