Howard 300

This topic has 11 replies, 5 voices, and was last updated 10 years ago by vhgmcbuddy.

Viewing 12 posts - 1 through 12 (of 12 total)

Author

Posts
April 1, 2015 at 5:06 pm #12368

vhgmcbuddy
Member

Just got a howard 300 that seems in pretty good order with a 7hp briggs and stratton engine. It has been sitting unused for a few years. Only problem I have is I cannot get it started. There does not seem to be a spark at the plug, would these go with ignition points?
atb

April 1, 2015 at 5:24 pm #12369

trusty220
Keymaster

How old is the engine? If it is the original one it will probably have a sticker in the centre of the recoil saying “Easy Spin Starting”, in which case it will have a combined contact breaker and condenser assembly under the flywheel. Some of the later engines had a sticker saying “Magnetron” which is the B+S trade name for their electronic ignition.
The contact breaker assembly is not expensive and it is far better to replace it than try to clean up an old set.
Best of luck
P.S.- Make sure that it isn’t down to a duff spark plug; even a new one fresh out of the box can be faulty. Always check the plug in an engine that you know works.

April 1, 2015 at 8:46 pm #12370

andyfrost
Participant

I’m fairly certain the 300 was discontinued before Briggs introduced their magnetron range of engines , so as Geoff says it will , or at least should have the conventional , Coil and points/condenser.
Very cheap and easy to replace , a very good and novel idea from Briggs , replacing the condenser means you have brand new points to go with it!!

Andy.

April 2, 2015 at 4:58 pm #12375

vhgmcbuddy
Member

Dont know how old this engine is as the sticker in the centre recoil is all flaked off but it does have points and condenser, had it off today looking at it. Managed to get an intermittent spark but not a great one so looks like a new set is needed or and electronic chip. I dont think this is the original engine as I think they were made with a 5 hp engine but this one is 7hp.
Now my other problem is that when I put petrol in the tank and turned on the tap the petrol just seemed to piss from the carb. Does this mean it will need a new carb kit fitted?
Oh and I did manage to get a few puffs of smoke out of the exhaust so that lifted the spirits a wee bit.
atb

April 2, 2015 at 6:23 pm #12376

stuart
Participant

You really need to strip and clean the carburettor out.The fuel inlet needle is not seating hence the leakage.Before separating the upper and lower carb bodies remember to remove the brass emulsion tube first.

April 4, 2015 at 3:36 pm #12398

vhgmcbuddy
Member

Is it possible to fit one of those electronic ignition chips to these machines to help with starting?

April 5, 2015 at 1:13 pm #12420

vhgmcbuddy
Member

Right I think I have run into problems, when I took the emulsion tube out it was threaded and worn and so was the carb where it goes in. I don’t think this could have happened when I took the tube out, could it? Is there anyway to repair this or is it another carb bottom end?

April 5, 2015 at 2:21 pm #12423

vhgmcbuddy
Member

If the thread is OK in the carb body, you could get a carb kit that includes a new emulsion tube. If the body is damaged it’s a new body part or find a a used one.

April 6, 2015 at 3:27 pm #12446

stuart
Participant

I have at work the correct B&S tap to repair or “clean up” the threads in these 2 piece Flo-Jet carburettors but if the threads are completely worn away or stripped I think a replacement carb assy or body is the best way ahead.
You may get away with a new brass emulsion tube and thread “repair” but without seeing it its hard to know for sure.

April 6, 2015 at 9:44 pm #12463

vhgmcbuddy
Member

I think I’m needing the bottom end as the thread is buggered. Only problem is getting a bottom end(no funny comments lol) had a quick look thru ebay but couldn’t see any. Do any you guys have any idea where I might get one, it would be much appreciated.

April 7, 2015 at 6:53 pm #12472

stuart
Participant

I have a complete 7hp (or it may be an 8hp as I cant remember if its a model 17#### or 19####) B&S engine with the 2 piece Flo-Jet carburettor.I would sell the whole engine Junior but not the carb on its own.If you cant find just a carb body on its own and you are interested in my engine then PM me and I,ll send a few pics.Its in my fathers storage container (as most of my stuff is :)) and if I remember correctly he managed to spill some green paint on the engine a few years ago otherwise its still in the original black B&S colour.
This post has just reminded me that i also have 2 NOS short blocks for these engines :):)

April 7, 2015 at 9:47 pm #12479

vhgmcbuddy
Member

Stuart
I will keep that in mind if I cant find a flo jet carburettor.
Author

Posts