Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): 8 HP snowblower wont start, electronic ignition module, nova ii

Question
QUESTION: Dear Eric A. Jones

I have a craftsman snow blower that will not start.
I checked the spark and it does not have spark.
It is the type that has the coil and points under the flywheel.
I cleaned and sanded the parts that come close to the magnets on the flywheel and
Re-gaped the points.
It was running last year then I stored it in my leakey shed over the summer and when I took I t out it wouldn’t start
The blower is an older:
Craftsman 26 inch cut with a 8 HP Tecumseh engine
Model C914 52850 the serial was hard to make out but it looks like C88576  

And the engine is a:
8 Hp Tecumseh
Model     143-686142
Serial       8118D

Any suggestions appreciated

Thanks Derek


ANSWER: Does the engine have spark?  Have you drained all the old fuel and cleaned the carburetor?

This link may help.

http://www.cpdonline.com/692509.pdf

Let me know if you have spark.

Eric

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Dear Eric

I told you in my last e-mail that the engine does not have spark and that is my problem.
And yes I have drained all the old fuel from the carb and the float bowl before I stored it. And re-fueled with fresh gas when I went to fire it up.
And I tried quick start so if it had any spark at all it would have given me something as far as a fire or start.
And all the connections are good and I gapped the plug and set the points.
And cleaned off the part inside the flywheel that comes close to the magnets.
And when I checked the spark the plug was warm and dry.

Any suggestions appreciated

Thanks Derek



ANSWER: First step is to fix the ignition system.  Did you follow the procedure in the manual for adjusting the points?  Another option is to install a Nova II or other brand electronic ignition kit.  Electronic ignition kits usually cost around $20, a new electronic ignition module about $60.  Kits work well and are just as easy to install plus you never have to worry about points again.

Is the key in the run position when you check for spark?  Are there any safety switches or keys you have to have in place for the engine to start?

Let me know when you get the ignition system working, either re-setting/replacing the points or installing an electronic ignition kit.

Eric

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Dear Eric

Yes I did the points by the manual.
And no there is no switches or keys that could prevent spark I have bypassed them all.
And are there no other options but a ignition kit.
And where would I get one?

Thanks Derek

Answer
Do you have an ohm meter or multimeter to do some trouble-shooting?

The link below has some good info on testing the points.  Refer to page 3.

http://assets.fluke.com/appnotes/electricalpower/B0271b_u.pdf

There are special tools to check coils, points, and condesers.  

http://www.imrie.com.au/model_info/details_3000.aspx

Did you file the points with a point file and reset the point gap to .018 inches?

Eric