Replacing points with solid state

[Joe 77 B100 84]

A mechanic friend of mine suggested I replace the points on my 77 b100 with this.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007BI6FW6?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

 

Any experience or thoughts?

 

[oliver2-44 9,759]

You cannot use them with an engine that has a charghing system.  This thread talks about them.

 

 

[Achto 27,601]

4 minutes ago, ecojoe69 said:

Any experience or thoughts?

 

You'll get mixed reviews from me. I've had luck and no luck with them.  

[ebinmaine 67,593]

I have a nova kit in a Briggs. Definitely happy with it but I wouldn't bother to put one in a Kohler even if I could.  

 

I don't believe they're compatible but there's no real need. 

Kohler points last decades. Just keep them clean and set right. 

 

I've read about Kirk's Transdenser condenser replacement. 

That might be a worthwhile thought.  

 

[RED-Z06 2,221]

Ive used Nova2 on Stihl 031av saws because ignition parts on early points models don't exist...

 

But...my Kohlers, i really never have to mess with points.  If the condenser is good the points will go many years between maintenance 

[953 nut 55,298]

11 hours ago, ecojoe69 said:

A mechanic friend of mine suggested I replace the points on my 77 b100 with this.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007BI6FW6?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

 

Any experience or thoughts?

 

Copied this directly from the Amazon listing, gotta read the fine print before throwing your money at a problem.

Product Description

NEW ELECTRONIC TRANSISTORIZED IGNITION MODULE ( NOVA II) Used By Kawasaki and Other OEM's Easy to install compact design For most 2 and 4-cycle engine applications, such as brush cutters, chain saws, trimmers, garden tillers, snowthrowers and lawnmowers. Easy start fires well at low rpm’s, NOT for use in battery ignition applications. Replaces points and condenser. Single cylinder. Universal application. Does NOT work with most Stihl trimmers and chain saws.

 

[ebinmaine 67,593]

11 hours ago, ecojoe69 said:

thoughts

 

10 minutes ago, 953 nut said:

throwing your money at a problem

 

Good post Richard. 

 

@ecojoe69

I hadn't thought to ask WHY you wanted to use the Nova ignition. 

 

No start? Rough running?

 

[Joe 77 B100 84]

I was asking my car mechanic friend about cleaning and setting points and he said: "I don't mess with them- I just convert to them to..."    So, I thought I would ask you folks.

I opened up the points housing the other day and it seems to me the points system in there is a replacement and not the original.  I wanted to clean and check it.

 

Being in there made me think that I should ask you folks since I have your experience to guide me.

 

I just got a new battery and with the holidays behind me, I should be able to go through all of the checks with the voltage meter you've all told me about and all of the YouTube videos showed me to find the problem.

 

As a reminder, the machine will making a whirring sound (which I think is the starter trying to start the engine, but I got no turn over so far when I bypass the ignition and arc the solenoid posts.

 

Question:  The little rod that pushes the points doesn't seem to move much at all when I turn the pulleys (I am sure that has a proper name) to move the rod to the "all the way out" position.  I assumed it would move quite a bit more.   How much should it move?   And, it pulls all the way out.  Should that be the case?

[ebinmaine 67,593]

1 hour ago, ecojoe69 said:

, the machine will making a whirring sound (which I think is the starter trying to start the engine, but I got no turn over so far when I bypass the ignition and arc the solenoid posts

Likely the starter needs a clean out. There's a thread for that with a great explanation.  

Very easy to do.  

 

1 hour ago, ecojoe69 said:

Question:  The little rod that pushes the points doesn't seem to move much at all when I turn the pulleys (I am sure that has a proper name) to move the rod to the "all the way out" position.  I assumed it would move quite a bit more.   How much should it move?   And, it pulls all the way out.  Should that be the case?

 

Seems to me it won't need to move much though I don't know the actual spec. 

I believe that rod is straight so it makes sense it could pull straight out. 

 

 

1 hour ago, ecojoe69 said:

was asking my car mechanic friend about cleaning and setting points and he said: "I don't mess with them- I just convert to them to..."    So, I thought I would ask you folks

No offense intended against your mechanic friend. 

He's obviously not accustomed to working on older Kohler engines. 

It's good you asked here before tossing money.  

 

[RED-Z06 2,221]

He probably converts his points ignition vehicles to a "Pertronix Ignitor"...

[Joe 77 B100 84]

37 minutes ago, ebinmaine said:

Likely the starter needs a clean out. There's a thread for that with a great explanation.  

Very easy to do. 

 Could you send me a link to the right one?  I will certainly try that out. 

[WHX?? 48,828]

I've got a nova just cause it was cheap and someday going to try it on a Clinton B1290. Points are under the flywheel and a pain to get at if they oxidize. As was said tho cannot have charge magnets. 

 

[ebinmaine 67,593]

16 minutes ago, ecojoe69 said:

 Could you send me a link to the right one?  I will certainly try that out. 

 

[Achto 27,601]

3 hours ago, ecojoe69 said:

assumed it would move quite a bit more.   How much should it move?   And, it pulls all the way out.  Should that be the case?

 

It only has to move enough to open the points .020" so you will not see much movement. The points spring tension is the only thing that holds the rod in, it will pull right out if the points are removed.