How to Remove Rust From a Briggs Flywheel

Quck answer

To clean rust from a Briggs flywheel, you will need the following materials:

1. Wire brush or steel wool

2. Rust remover or vinegar

3. Safety glasses and gloves

Here are the steps to clean rust from a Briggs flywheel:

1. Remove the flywheel from the engine.

2. Use a wire brush or steel wool to scrub off loose rust and dirt.

3. Apply rust remover or vinegar to the rusted areas.

4. Let it sit for a few minutes to allow the rust to dissolve.

5. Scrub the rusted areas again to remove any remaining rust.

6. Rinse the flywheel with water and dry it thoroughly.

7. Reinstall the flywheel back onto the engine.

Remember to wear safety glasses and gloves throughout the process to protect yourself from any potential hazards.


Your lawnmower’s Briggs & Stratton engine is essential for keeping your lawn maintained during the warm months. However, if the engine fails to start, it can be a major inconvenience. When troubleshooting the issue, it’s important to separate fact from fiction and avoid falling for common misconceptions that won’t help you solve the problem. By doing so, you can quickly identify the root cause and get your mower running again.

The Misconception

Starting an engine requires a spark. The rotation of the flywheel generates this spark when the magnets in the flywheel pass the coil at the right moment. This spark ignites the air-fuel mixture in the engine’s combustion chamber, providing the power needed to operate the mower.

Many people believe that rust on the flywheel obstructs the spark. They think that cleaning the flywheel will solve the issue. However, experts have debunked this theory, stating that rust has no impact on the magnetic field. Instead, the problem is likely to be something more complex, such as a faulty magnet or a spark plug that needs replacement.

Dealing with Rust Problems

If you have significant rust buildup on your Briggs flywheel, it’s important to identify the underlying cause. Does your mower get exposed to excessive moisture while in storage? Lawnmower engines accumulate a lot of debris and grass clippings. Although inspecting and cleaning the internal parts after each use can help, it’s unlikely that you have the time to do that regularly. As a result, you may find debris buildup on the flywheel over time.

Regardless of whether the rust is affecting the spark or not, it’s always a good idea to maintain the engine parts. You can remove rust by using warm water and a soft-bristled brush. Use a putty knife or bristle brush to scrape away any dirt, being careful not to scratch or damage the surface. For stubborn buildup, you can use a light solvent on the brush.

A Briggs flywheel plays a crucial role in a mower’s engine, but it can encounter issues over time. While cleaning rust off the flywheel can help maintain its performance, it cannot prevent major malfunctions since rust cannot hinder the engine’s operation.

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