Re: Briggs & Stratton 5hp - Craigs List AD
I had one of those 5HP Briggs... used it 3 times and sold it. There seems to be no shortage of people selling them young like I did.
It's very hard to describe what the problem is..... they are noisy, they vibrate, and there is such a small throttle range, they feel gutless (although they aren't - it's almost a driveability thing.)
I thought initially: "so what.... if it gets me down the lake, I'll be happy"
Lots of pros: no impeller... can run on dry land....no mixing gas....simple design... low cost
well, that's where the hard to explain part comes in..... it just isn't fun to operate....my hand is still buzzing from trying to hang on to the tiller as gingerly as possible.... the sound grates on your nerves. After a few outings, you don't feel like using it.... or at least that was my experience.
I bought a used Mariner 4hp single cyl. 2 stroke with an internal tank. It is a much nicer motor...smooth, quiet, no fuel tank to load.... and lighter.