Compression on a briggs 10hp

[Rkh]

I have 2 simplicity landlord 2110 tractors with 10hp briggs cast iron engines that are 57yrs old. One of the tractors was giving problems, would have to run 1/4 choke to keep running. Cleaned carb and gas tank and did run better. Decided to check Compression and both read 75lbs cold engine. Is this good?

 

[T.R.K.]

Since Briggs hasn't published any compression info on their engines in the last 40 years, I would guess that 75 psi. would be pretty good. (especially on what I am guessing is a well-broken in engine. I checked several new and nearly new Intek engines and they could do about 60 psi. But they have compression release built into the camshaft.

On those updraft carburetors, they were very sensitive to having the vent passage between the top and bottom half seal off. If you can get a .002 feeler gauge to slide in there between the two halves, , It is not sealing off and you will have performance issues.

 

[504]

To check the compression you take the starter housing off and spin it backwards,if it bounces right back the other way he compression is ok. The last time I read the book was around 1976,so I might have missed a step,but I believe that is is.