QuestionQUESTION: I recently got a Murray mower with a Briggs and Stratton motor #283707 type: 1139-E1 from an aunt. It has been sitting for a couple of years but was only used a few times when they had it, and it looks almost new. I replaced the spark plug and put in fresh fuel and bought a new battery. It will crank and crank but it won't start. I tried spraying starter fluid inside the cylinder but its no good. It just won't start. We tried looking at the spark plug while it was cranking but there was no spark. Is it the coil or could it be the carburetor? Can the coil go bad just sitting there? And it was stored with out fuel so could the carburetor still be clogged?
ANSWER: Hello Jonathan:
If this Engine is on a Riding Mower (I assume it is because you stated you Purchased a New Battery), then a Safety Switch can Cause the No Fire to the Plug. To Check the Coil/Magneto/Ign Module; **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.** Send me the Model Numbers Off the Mower, Please. With these I can Locate the Proper Manual and Better Assist you. 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 (283707) and Type Numbers (1139) in the Appropriate Boxes and Click GO. Then Select Download PDF. You May have to Clean the Carburetor. Even if the Carburetor was Stored Dry, there was Gas in the Internal Passages of the Carburetor and it Usually Requires Soaking to Clean a Carburetor that has Set for Over 6 Months without being Started. Just in Case you Require it, here is the Instruction File for Checking the Safety Switches. **PLEASE REMEMBER THAT THE INSTRUCTIONS FOR CHECKING THE SAFETY SWITCHES IS JUST THAT!!! FOR CHECKING ONLY. I NEVER Suggest a Mower be Operated with a Safety Device or Switch Disconnected or Bypassed. Now. On Some Model Mowers you can Simply Unplug the Safety Switch from the Harness. On Other Models you have to Place a Jumper Wire Between the Harness Terminals (on the 4 Post Switch Jumper from Same Color Wire to Same Color Wire). Check the Clutch/Brake and the Blade/PTO Safety Switches First. Check the Seat Safety Last. Usually the Seat Safety is Not in the System for Starting the Engine. Just to Ensure Someone is in the Seat when Engaging the Transaxle and/or Blades.** 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
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Wow thank you for such a complete response. But I have tried all those things and it still doesn't run. I Bought a new coil and replaced it but the thing still wont run. And its not getting spark. What should I do next?
AnswerHello Again Jonathan:
If the Coil is Set at .020in from the Flywheel and the Shut Off Wire is Not Connected and the Coil/Ign Module/Magneto Does Not Fire the Plug, then Either the Plug is Bad or the Coil/Ign Module/Magneto is Bad. Did you Mount the Coil Properly? Turn the Coil Over and Gap to .020in between the Coil/Magneto/Ign Module and Flywheel and Check for Fire at the Plug. This Coil/Magneto/Ign Module will Fire if the Shut Off Wire is Disconnected and the Fly Magnets Pass the Pickups of the Coil/Ign Module/Magneto. If the Coil/Magneto/Ign Module Does Not Fire the Oil, then the Coil/Ign Module/Magneto is Bad. Even New, an Ign Module/Magneto/Coil can be Bad. Do you have the Spark Plug Wired to the Engine Block? 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
