B&S model number not readable

[backyarda]

Hi all.

I have a B&S 10 hp cast iron i/c, as seen at this link:
http://www.briggsandstratton.com/sea/en/engines/cast-iron-engines/ic-cast-iron-10-hp

The model number stamped on the air cover is not readable - some rust and paint

Is there a way to gently rub the area so that the number is readable? Any advice is appreciated.

Thank you in advance

[Deere2me]

I usually will scuff over the numbers with fine emory cloth or sandpaper, then spit on my fingertip and rub across, that will usually bring the numbers out enough. If a really heavy paint buildup you can try scraping with a sharp knife or paint remover.

BTW the link ain't linkin'.

[KE4AVB]

If rust is the problem and you can still see the any of the numbers, common white vinegar can remove the rust. I use it to cleanup lightly rusted washers and bolts here. Heavily rusted part will be pitted afterwards. You need to soak the area overnight in the vinegar but first write any of the numbers you do see.

Note: I have seen several stamp numbers that weren't ever stamped very well and were non-readable even without the paint and rust.

If you get a partial number sequence post it and we might be able get you in the ball park of which engine it is.

[bgsengine]

BTW the link ain't linkin'.

And it won't until they have 3+ posts - its an anti-spam feature in the board to prevent spammers from swamping us with useless links to stupid websites like kitchens, and stuff.

[KE4AVB]

Actually that website is down for maintenance or is offline for some other reason. None of the http://www.briggsandstratton.com site links are working through the regular channels. Getting page not found errors.

If I use private view mode in FF I can get the page up. So here is his picture.

[bgsengine]

I believe the base model to that would be 243400 which is usually enough to get service manual and basic parts common to that base model..

But as others said - I would start with the least destructive and see if the numbers are hidden by paint OR by rust - if painted, use paint thinner or carb cleaner to see if you can scrub some paint off - if rusted, use a fine emery cloth or finishing sandpaper to lightly and gently sand off the rust (as KE mentioned vinegar helps) - and looking at the numbers from various angles can also bring out individual digits - kind of a fill in the blanks thing get as many numbers as you can and we can probably help fill in most, if not all, of the rest.

[jdbark1952]

it won't help with pain but I have used a product called Evapo-Rust and been very impressed with it for removing rust, takes 15 - 30 minutes.

[backyarda]

Thanks everyone!

Got it using 60 grit sandpaper and water by gently rubbing. The white vinegar idea is being saved for future reference, thank you.

Repainted it after because I sanded to the metal, now its not readable again. LOL

Turns out, it is the 243400 series. It is on a super heavy duty log splitter of unknown name.

If not in the manuals section, here is a good link for B&S parts diagrams:
http://www.m-and-d.com/Briggs_and_Stratton_parts.html

Thanks all.

[Deere2me]

Yeah, the ol' scuff and spit technique works every time! ( almost)

For Briggs parts look up I most always go to the source: http://www.briggsandstratton.com/us/en/support/manuals/engine