My neighbour asked me to see if I could get his Sears snow blower
going. Had a good mild day so I went at it in two feet of snow in his
back yard. First, there is plenty of gas but no spark to speak of just
a tingle when I complete the cct between the plug wire and ground.
Seems as if there might be a short to ground or magneto problems.
Are there any really common faults to look for?
Tecumseh or Briggs and Stratton? How old is the machine?
If it's a Briggs and still has points, check them first. You can get a tune
up kit at Lowes or Home Depot for about $6. You would be better off
converting to electronic ignition if you can find that kit locally
(lawnmower shops should have them for about $10-$15). That way you don't
have to remove the flywheel.
I just replaced the ignition magneto coil in a BS-that cost $40 but has the
electronic ignition built in.
I would expect prices and setup to be similar in a Tecumseh, but I can't
swear to that...
Check the points first. As long as you are checking them you might as
well clean them even if they look clean. Even a very thin coat of oil
can lead to weak spark. Check the clearance between the magneto and
flywheel if the magneto is on the outside. If it's a briggs make sure
the little rod that pushes on the points moves freely. If all these
check out then the magneto coil may have moisture in it. Bake in the
oven at about 200 degrees for a couple hours. Then just turn off the
oven and let the coil cool in the oven. It sounds crazy but after I
was told about this I rescued several magneto coils.
ERS
Remove the big nut (or starter clutch) that holds the flywheel on. Look at
the Woodruff Key (that positions the flywheel to the crankshaft) See if it is
sheared or even partially sheared. If it is, the timing will be off. The key
is a soft Zinc alloy and functions as a shear pin in case of sudden stoppage.
DO NOT replace it with a hard metal key. Note: it is not necessary to remove
the flywheel to do this check although it will to replace the key.
Hope this helps
Roger in Vegas.
Just wanted to thank you guys for the prompt help (Sun, Rick, Pat, Eric
& Roger) My neighbour Ted and I just dragged the blower out of the snow
in his back yard and across the street into my shop (heated garage). The
plan is to let her sit for a day before doing anything rash and let her
warm up and dry out. With a little luck maybe that's all she'll need. I
have always managed to keep my own small gas engines going but I cannot
declare myself an expert. Not by a long shot.
So we'll see how it goes and as things progress I'll be looking to use
the info you've given me.
Thanks much
Bill D
Hi Wayne!!!!
Ha ha I don't know about nutshells the damned thing was in a field
in two feet of snow for a month or so.
I just wanted to say I enjoy the "how to" pictures of your tail stock
build.
Great lathe hand as well. (Gotta teach em young) I was about 50
when I learned to do what that dear young gal is doing.
Thanks
Bill
Re: Any ideas?
by "Rick" Jan 14, 2005 at 03:54 PM
Tecumseh or Briggs and Stratton? How old is the machine?
If it's a Briggs and still has points, check them first. You can get a
tune
up kit at Lowes or Home Depot for about $6. You would be better off
converting to electronic ignition if you can find that kit locally
(lawnmower shops should have them for about $10-$15). That way you don't
have to remove the flywheel.
I just replaced the ignition magneto coil in a BS-that cost $40 but has
the
electronic ignition built in.
I would expect prices and setup to be similar in a Tecumseh, but I can't
swear to that...
By way of a follow up:
I let the blower set for the better part of three days before I tried
anything. When I did try .... no luck! Still no spark.
I didn't realize that the ignition was tucked away inside of the
flywheel. In any case all was revealed when I jury rigged my spring
depressors to act as a wheel puller and got her under a little tension
and she popped off with a good crack with a hammer.
I looked all over this engine and still don't know who made it but she
does have points so I assume she's a briggs???? (as per your comment)
Anyway, visually everything seems ok. Points are clean and I readjusted
the riding block so that it was just touching the low side of the cam
with the points closed.
No dice. Still no spark! So I will be looking for the electronic
ignition conversion kit you mentioned.
Thanks
Bill
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