QuestionThis is a Honda 160cm3 engine, that was running the last time I used it. I've read the other questions and answers about this motor here on the site, but don't think any of them fit what is wrong. I have sprayed starting fluid directly into the plug hole, it won't even fire, where most any gas enginie would at least sputter, even if it's out of time. My thinking is it's the coil. I took the coil off, it was rusty and pitted, used a stainless wire brush to clean the coil and the magnet on the flywheel, still a very weak spark. What do you think? Replace the coil?
AnswerYou need to do a proper spark test on the coil before considering replacement. Go to your nearest Briggs dealer and ask for a Briggs spark tester.
Coils usually don't go bad, but saying that, many people go after them first by mistake.
have you ran any compression tests? If it has been sitting up for a long time, chances are, the intake valve may be stuck due to varnish build up.
Hope this leads you in the right direction.
John
