12A800SERIES (0100, 0413, 0414, 0508, 0511, 0512, 0513, 0514, 0600, 0611, 061) Briggs and Stratton Engine

I found the model number of the Briggs & Stratton engine on the inside of the engine housing. Ordered a new starter-rewind unit, as the old cord broke and the thing was well worn. The instructions were clear enough, but to get the old starter off I had to drill out four rivets, which just spin around when you try. I used a hacksaw, chisel ... Read more , pliers, whatever worked on each rivet; this took a while. When they were finally removed, the new starter pull unit was relatively easy to install with the small nuts and bolts provided. On the Yard Machines log splitter, putting back the engine housing is quite tricky; you have to jostle the thing into place, get the pull handle above the cover and line up the bolt holes.

Removed engine, no specialty tools required. Honed the cylinder, and lapped the valves. Tip on compressing valve spring for reassembly; compress springs with you finger and tie them with 2 zip ties, cut the zip ties after installing the keepers. Repainted the mower deck and engine. It runs and looks like new. My Toro is a 1999 model .

All the gaskets needed to be replaced on the Briggs 6.75 flathead I was rebuilding. I ported and polished the ports and shaved the eyebrow between the valves and the piston. The gasket set was a perfect fit. It is a monster now. It doesn't sound like a lawnmower engine anymore