Wierd Engine troubles?????????

[MrJoePodge]

So, i was given this engine to me for free from my grandfather and i was so happy! A free engine! But i cant get it started, there seems to be something wrong with the spark. I can feel the spark when i hold on to the clip on the spark plug, but when i hold the Sparkplug against the head of the engine, it wont spark? I know the spark plug im using works cause i pinched it from dads whipper snipper. I have pulled the thing apart and cleaned all inside and everything, seems in pretty good nick, especially the points. Ive also made sure that there is a strong connection between the clip and the spark plug (no rust). Also, anyone know how many horse this briggs and stratton is? And how would i fit a clutch to it as its a 16mm keyed shaft not 19mm like the one on the go kart clutch (not one pictured)??
Any help much appreciated!
(Im pretty sure the white engine is the same but not entirely sure and and the green bell is the clutch)

 

[landuse]

Yup, thats my little engine you got pictured there. I am also having some trouble with mine, but I think all I need to do is clean the carb, and I just haven't gotten around to it yet. I am going to use it on a minibike build that I am doing.

I have the manual for the engine. If you pm me your email adress I can send it to you. My shaft is 19mm though, so i am not too sure why yours is smaller. Have a look at the manual when I send it. Some of the more experienced guys will probably be able to answer your question better than I can

 

[Russ2251]

Engine code number will reveal it's size...located on flywheel housing.
Will be to right of carburetor or to right of spark plug wire on top.

 

[karl]

You need to clean the points. Heres a good start on how to do it.
http://www.diygokarts.com/engine/briggs-points-ignition-repair.html

 

[sexyvicta]

I know the spark plug im using works cause i pinched it from dads whipper snipper.

before you try anything else you may want to make sure you're using the correct plug

if its a twostroke 'wipper snipper' then the plug is prob a cj6 7 or 8.

your engine should use something like a jlm17 or 19 etc

iduno but might make a difference

 

[dave1701]

That's what I was going to say. You need the right spark plug.

 

[Russ2251]

Any plug will spark when properly grounded, regardless of heat range.
Just because he cannot get it to spark in open air does not mean he has the wrong plug.
A J8C will fire just as easily as a J17LM, and most small L head engines (if not all) will run on a J8C.

 

[sexyvicta]

yuh but who knows what condition the weedeater plug is in. He said he can feel it sparking so i think before mucking around with the points etc he should try a new plug

easiest option first

 

[Doc Sprocket]

To add to this- Just because it can be felt does not mean it's powerful enough to make a sufficient arc in the combustion chamber. I have seen a coil go weak enough to make a small, visible arc, but not enough to ignite the mixture. In my case, it was a '99 Dodge 318, and a coil resistance check revealed the problem.

As far as the Weedie plug goes, I assume it was hauled out of a running weedie, and therefore should be sufficent for troubleshooting.

 

[Clayton]

You need to clean the points. Heres a good start on how to do it.
http://www.diygokarts.com/engine/briggs-points-ignition-repair.html

I had the same problem with my 3hp Briggs, I cleaned the points, but it didn't work, so I bought a new points and condenser set for $5 and put it on. Use a feeler gauge to set the space between the points to .020 of an inch.

Then I took the flywheel off and took some sandpaper and sanded all the rust and crap off the flywheel, you will be surprised all the junk that comes off there.

On the coil the two points that sit just a little bit over top the flywheel, take the coil off and sand them off good. As well make sure the points on the coil are a bussiness card width from the flywheel.

This is hopefully all it will take. Good luck.

 

[Clayton]

Oh also use a brand new plug.

 

[Russ2251]

In my case, it was a '99 Dodge 318, and a coil resistance check revealed the problem.

Either a magneto works...or it does not. Cannot be compared to standard automotive ignition systems.

 

[MrJoePodge]

You need to clean the points. Heres a good start on how to do it.
http://www.diygokarts.com/engine/briggs-points-ignition-repair.html

You mustn't have read the whole thing. I have cleaned the points. they were immaculate

 

[B man]

you tried putting some fuel in the spark plug hole and then trying to start it?

 

[MrJoePodge]

On the coil the two points that sit just a little bit over top the flywheel, take the coil off and sand them off good. As well make sure the points on the coil are a bussiness card width from the flywheel.
:

Ive done that aswell but still nothing!
I think its the spark plug problem. I didnt realize that there were different spark plugs for 4 and two stroke motors.... Rookie Error
Thanks for all your input guys

 

[Doc Sprocket]

Either a magneto works...or it does not. Cannot be compared to standard automotive ignition systems.

Is it not susceptible to an open or short in the coil windings like any other coil?

 

[MrJoePodge]

And whats the deal with the 16mm shaft? Seems like Im losing at every turn
Is there any way i might be able to mount a clutch?

 

[sexyvicta]

And whats the deal with the 16mm shaft? Seems like Im losing at every turn
Is there any way i might be able to mount a clutch?

5/8 inch shaft? My tecumseh 2.5hp has this sized shaft and clutches are available i belive. Mines off a reel mower and came with a clutch

 

[robbie]

If you can feel a jolt but the plug doesn't spark, it could be a bad condenser.

 

[sideways]

Your engine has all the symptoms of a dead condenser mate. Try replacing that with a new one.