Originally Posted by RyanY
Originally Posted by jeepman3071
I agree with the above, finding a GOOD replacement engine (not chinese junk) will be quite expensive. The money/time would be best spent going through your current one and replacing tune-up parts like air filter, oil, spark plug, etc. If it is pull-start, look at the rope to make sure it isn't fraying and won't snap on you at a bad time. Check the fuel lines, filter, and tank to make sure they are clean and in good condition.
My generator is a 1988 Coleman with a Briggs 8HP flathead. It's loud, and not the most efficient on fuel, but it runs perfect and consistent.
^this
I have a 1998 Briggs that is still going strong, and no reason to throw out good equipment just because of age.
I assume it has points given the age (?) If so just clean them up and adjust, replace all the disposable parts, make sure everything will work when you want it to. Or replace with electronic ignition if it makes you feel warm and fuzzy. And probably a good idea to rebuild the carb if it spent much time sitting around unused. That engine should last a long time.
The OP said his engine is 22 years old, so it definitely won't have points. Most Briggs engines by the mid 1980s had electronic ignition luckily.