Your engine was made in 1982, which means it has an early example of the breakerless ignition. The first thing I'd suggest you do is check the spark intensity: see whether you have a blue spark when you pull it over with the vertical pull starter, or an orange spark. If the spark is OK (blue) it could still be ignition, but the module only breaks down after it warms up.
It could also be carburetor-related, or more likely, a sticking or leaking valve which gives trouble after warm-up. I suggest you start off with the ignition. You might consider getting a second-hand module and switching them, if you get uncertain results from the spark test. Also, you could check the compression: disconnect the spark plug lead - and make sure it can't fall back into place on the plug. Turn the blade plate backwards (opposite to the normal rotation) until you feel compression, then flip it backwards a few times to see if it bounces off the compression as it should. This test only works with a Briggs if you rotate it backwards.
Last edited by grumpy; 08/02/10 11:15 AM.
