Doc Sprocket
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Positively eliminate the spark plug as the trouble source before addressing the coil.
Lawnmower wont start
- Thread starter landuse
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I bought a brand new spark plug yesterday and tried that. It didn't work. Sorry, I forgot to mention that. I also used the owners manual to get the correct plug, so I am sure I am OK on that score.
your spark plug boot ok? is the contact inside that free from rust? have you checked the strength of your flywheel magnets? is there an external ignition module or is everything inside the coil? check earths for coil etc.
i suspect something is or isnt earthing when it should/shouldn't be.
i suspect something is or isnt earthing when it should/shouldn't be.
The spark plug boot is pretty new, and looks good. I thought that it might be a problem, but I think it is OK.
My magnets seem to be pretty strong. The problem that I am having started suddenly, and wasn't gradual.
There is no external ignition module.
I called around yesterday, and the cheapest coil I can get is $42. I am going to have to get one though I think. This weekend I am going to go round to a scrap yard that I know where I saw an engine like mine the last time I was there. If it still is, maybe it has a coil I can get
I think it is definately the coil. I am trying to get a second hand one. I will keep you guys posted as to what happens
SHE'S ALIVE!!!! 
It was the coil. I went out and bought a new one (around $42) and installed it when I got home from work. I didn't have any success getting a used coil. I had to fiddle with the kill switch a bit, but she started on the FIRST PULL!
I can't actually believe I fixed the mower myself, and didn't have to take it to the repair shop.
I just want to thank everyone that gave me advice on what to do. I appreciate it. If it weren't for this forum, my lawnmower, and other toys, would always go to the shop for repair.
Here are some pics of the new coil, the old coil that I took out, and me installing the new coil. The old coil had some cracks in the black casing. I think that moisture might have gotten in there and messed it up. Sorry for the crappy pics, but my new phone isn't as great as the last one I had. It can’t focus properly.
One interesting point in installing this coil is that there is no gap that needs to be set. You just screw the coil to the block and you are good to go. The screws determine the gap. It is all preset. I was wondering how I would set the gap with the flywheel covering the coil, but I have a service/shop manual that gave me the low down on installation.
It was the coil. I went out and bought a new one (around $42) and installed it when I got home from work. I didn't have any success getting a used coil. I had to fiddle with the kill switch a bit, but she started on the FIRST PULL!
I can't actually believe I fixed the mower myself, and didn't have to take it to the repair shop.
I just want to thank everyone that gave me advice on what to do. I appreciate it. If it weren't for this forum, my lawnmower, and other toys, would always go to the shop for repair.
Here are some pics of the new coil, the old coil that I took out, and me installing the new coil. The old coil had some cracks in the black casing. I think that moisture might have gotten in there and messed it up. Sorry for the crappy pics, but my new phone isn't as great as the last one I had. It can’t focus properly.
One interesting point in installing this coil is that there is no gap that needs to be set. You just screw the coil to the block and you are good to go. The screws determine the gap. It is all preset. I was wondering how I would set the gap with the flywheel covering the coil, but I have a service/shop manual that gave me the low down on installation.
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OzFab
Well-known member
Awesome, good on you 
Now all you need to do is get that other engine finished... :toetap05:
Now all you need to do is get that other engine finished... :toetap05:
Doc Sprocket
*********
Excellent! Now- if you're really bored, steal your wife's hairdryer. Heat the old coil nice and warm, and spray WD-40 all around the cracks. Might bring it back from the dead, if moisture was the issue. I would have mentioned this sooner, but I didn't know about the cracks.
Awesome, good on you
Now all you need to do is get that other engine finished... :toetap05:
I know. The spacer is being made as we speak. I went to the machine shop on monday and saw they had made a start.
Thanks toystory. I only noticed the cracks when I took it out. I have kept it though just in case I need it. I will try the hairdryer trick if I ever need a new coil.
PS: And who says I need to borrow my wifes. I have a selection of hair appliances myself
OzFab
Well-known member
PS: And who says I need to borrow my wifes. I have a selection of hair appliances myself
No comment...
Except to say that, until 6 months ago, my hair was halfway down my back & was for years but, I haven't used a hair drier on my hair in decades
OK. I have another problem with my mower for you guys. Due to it being winter, I haven't used the mower for a month or more. I always shut the fuel off and run the carb dry after each use. I tried to start it on water day and got nothing. I have fuel getting to the plug. I have spark as well. I think I am just getting too much fuel.
Before I opened up the carb, I thought I would see what you guys thought.
When I tried to start it again today, I saw that I had left the petcock open. The pull start was jammed and couldn't be pulled. I took the plug out and pulled again. Fuel spewed out the plug hole. Lots of it. Why would the bore fill up with fuel with the petcock open. It has never done it before. Is it the needle not seating?
Before I opened up the carb, I thought I would see what you guys thought.
When I tried to start it again today, I saw that I had left the petcock open. The pull start was jammed and couldn't be pulled. I took the plug out and pulled again. Fuel spewed out the plug hole. Lots of it. Why would the bore fill up with fuel with the petcock open. It has never done it before. Is it the needle not seating?
Russ2251
AZUSA:Powered by LAWN-BOY
Needle/float stuck open.
Float and needle should move freely up and down...no sticking or binding.
Float may have a hole causing it to flood.
Debris is also a possibility.
Float and needle should move freely up and down...no sticking or binding.
Float may have a hole causing it to flood.
Debris is also a possibility.
Thanks Russ. I thought that might be the issue. Would that cause the engine to flood and not start? I assume it would
Russ2251
AZUSA:Powered by LAWN-BOY
Yes
It's a 2 stroke if that makes any difference. I will have a look at the carb probably only this weekend.
Russ2251
AZUSA:Powered by LAWN-BOY
Usually (but not always) the float is the first thing to fail. Cheap simple fix.
They can develop pin holes which causes them to fill with fuel and effectively render them useless.
Would be a good idea to close the petcock after each use.
They can develop pin holes which causes them to fill with fuel and effectively render them useless.
Would be a good idea to close the petcock after each use.
I usually do that, but with me trying to get it started on sunday (and not succeeding) I just stuck it back in the garage in dusgust and forgot about turning the fuel off
ak99
New member
Victa's also flood if the petcock isn't turned off after use.
My Son forgets to do it!!
I find out when the garage stinks of petrol and the floor is wet!
My Son forgets to do it!!
I find out when the garage stinks of petrol and the floor is wet!
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