Replies

1. 
   joeh | Dec 14, 2003 08:38pm | #1

   Experience sez if you need a book like that, you probably shouldn't mess with it.

   No offense, just reality.

   Joe H

1. 
   bobl | Dec 14, 2003 09:17pm | #2

   everbody has to start somewhere.

   messed a little with engines all my life, but certainly no expert, but not totally ignorant

   the whole story

   engine started, ran for couple hours

   next day started (both times on 2nd pull)

   engine died

   discovered mouse ate thru spark plug wire

   spark plug wire and ignition all one piece

   replaced it

   engine still doesn't start.

   missing some detail somewhere.

   little things like I thought (bad) that the key-switch closes the connection, it appears to open it.

   so i have a wire that goes from ignition module to a point that has 2 wires on goes to throttle and one goes to key switch, other end of key switch goes to ground.

   there apears to be no spark getting to the plug.

   sooo, trying to figure out what's happening.

   it[s a 4 cycle, 1 cylinder but can't see how timing could come into playbobl          Volo, non valeo

1. 
   joeh | Dec 14, 2003 09:37pm | #4

   Diagnosis requires neighborhood kid. Have kid hold plug wire while you crank engine.

   If nothing happens, it's got no spark.

   What makes those sort of systems work is magic & you probably need the manufacturers info to figure it out.

   Or your new part is NG.

   I you're really sure there's no spark, you can hold the plug wire yourself.

   Joe H

1. 
   bobl | Dec 14, 2003 10:13pm | #5

   gap for the magneto was too small, used the electric start and snapped the studs holding it in place, so, no spark.  took it apart to start over, found the $error.

   guess 14 years for a machine is old enough to replace

   thanks for the input.bobl          Volo, non valeo

1. 
   bobl | Dec 20, 2003 03:56am | #6

   update

   did a "homereamidy" fix to the studs.

   it's now running

   hopefully the vibrations won't break the fix.bobl          Volo, non valeo

2. 
   MrBill | Dec 14, 2003 09:37pm | #3

   Bob,

    The books at HD and Lowes seem to be pretty good. If it is a Briggs engine, get the Briggs book etc.  If you have a Briggs engine, send me the model #...I have most of the Briggs manuals.

    Sounds like you might have the gap too big between the magneto coil and the flywheel. This will prevent you from getting a good spark. Also, the plug might be fuel fouled from trying to start it without any spark. Not much you can do about it except replace it.

    The switch is correct...it grounds the ignition to shut it off. That is how all magneto ignitions work.

   Hope this helps,

   Bill Koustenis

   Advanced Automotive Machine

   Waldorf Md