126300 (0023-3776) Briggs and Stratton Engine - Overview

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, 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 tank and drained old gas.
Removed and disassembled carb. Needed new gaskets and seals, and had to clean corn syrup glaze (separated ethanol) from bowl and everywhere else with carb cleaner.
Throttle linkage was de-plating/rusty. Steel wool and WD40 got it moving again.
Cleaned spark plug electrode.
Reassembled, poured Sea Foam in the bottom of the tank and gave it a few pulls.
Let Sea Foam sit for a while, then filled the tank with Premium.
Blew white smoke for a minute then ran like new. Shredded for a while, then changed the oil.

Removed pull start assembly down to the crank. Installed motor housing, motor fan & rewind assembly. All went real good.