Old Briggs

[Rat]

Short and simple, I am looking at a B&S 23AFB-703527.

The seller is some clueless local hillbilly asking $40 for it.

I'm hesitant because it's an L-head (aka flathead) and I know parts are going to become increasingly difficult to come by assuming they aren't already impossible for an engine circa 1968

What I could find on the 23AFB says it's a 9hp (15 ftlbs torque) 22.97 C.I. engine... which is more way than enough "hang on and watch this"

 

[G.W]

If it runs I say send it. Flathead briggs will run forever. The bigger blocks are harder to find parts but it shouldn't be too hard

 

[Rat]

If it runs I say send it. Flathead briggs will run forever. The bigger blocks are harder to find parts but it shouldn't be too hard

That's what I'm most worried about because the B&S I have now is from the 13C.I. 4hp line and I can't find anything really. The difference is I salvaged the 4hp from a rotting exsistance full of water to it runs but leaks like all hell and needs a different cover to be used for anything with any amount of load to it... and that 23AFB supposedly just needs to be put on something.

I did some digging and came up with a serial number production sheet for PRE 1965 (the year date coding began) and the 23A in question turn up in the October 1960 batch.

376cc 9hp/15ft.lbs. big blocks flathead seems like my kinda fun, and I'm familiar with points and condenser ignition since my old Honda had one... miss that damn bike

 

[stroc1]

Has a spline crankshaft want a 3/4 keyed any info on that thx

 

[Thepartsguy]

Has a spline crankshaft want a 3/4 keyed any info on that thx

Crank swap from any tiller engine

 

[karl]

I'm hesitant because it's an L-head (aka flathead) and I know parts are going to become increasingly difficult to come

I found this baby in the box awhile back. 1in straight crank. Let me know