Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Briggs engine, starter solenoid, sign of 1

Question
Hi,
I have recently been given a 15.5 ohv B&S engine that was used in a farm display for about five years. When the kids went to pick it up it was bolted to a heavy steel plate and mounted on skids. It has a motor and a starter solenoid hanging off it by a wire and a pig tail of wires ending in a plastic plug. We managed to rig up a gas tank and turn it over with a booster battery but it would not start. I could not detect a spark at the plug.  At least we know it turns over and has oil. Is there some way to safely get this engine started? It looks almost new but we know its at least five or six years old. Mod # 28n707 type 0173-01
Thanks for any help you can send my way.
Rick…


Answer
Hello Rick:

No Fire to the Plug is Usually a Sign of; 1- A Bad Safety Switch. (Should Not be the Case Here). 2- A Bad Coil/Ign Module/Magneto. 3- A Bad Plug Connector (the Plastic End that Connects the Coil Lead to the Plug). If the Plug Connector on the Coil Lead is Good, then Check the Coil/Ign Module/Magneto. **To Check the Ign Coil; Remove the Spark Plug/s. Wrap a Wire Around the Threads of the Plug and Attach the Other End of the Wire to the Engine Block. Remove the Blower Housing (metal engine cover). The Wire that is Connected to the Coil/Ign Module from the Shut Off Switch needs to be Removed (unplugged) from the Coil/Ign Module. Now Check for Spark at the Plug. If Spark, then the Shut Off Switch or the Wire is Bad. If Still No Spark, then the Coil/Ign Module is Bad. If there are Safety Switches on this Unit and the Coil is Good; you Need to Check the Safety Switches for Being Bad Also.** You will have to Choke the Engine to Shut it Off or Ground the Plug or the Coil to Shut the Engine Off with the Shut Off Wire Disconnected from the Coil. You can View a Breakdown/IPL of the Engine at this Site Addy; http://www.briggsandstratton.com/maint_repair/manual_and_more/doclist.aspx?categ... and Enter the Model Numbers (28n707) and Type Numbers (0173) in the Appropriate Boxes and Click GO. Then Select Download PDF. If you Hit a Snag or this Does Not Correct the Problem,  I am Here if You Require More Assistance. Hope this Helps. Let me Know What Happens, Please. May the All Mighty Bless You and Yours. Thanks.

Good Luck

Respectfully

John

PS: I am Allowed to Answer 10 Questions a Day. If you See I am Maxxed Out, then Try Submitting your Question at or Just After 8pm EST (US). My New Day Starts then. Thanks.

Respectfully

John