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On Saturday, my chipper vac was used for about 3 - 4 hours chipping shrub branches(not continuously running) when it conked out. It restarted and ran roughly for a little longer then conked out again. When I pulled the starter cord it seemed to have a little less resistance (not loose, just looser than normal) after a several attempts, I put the machine aside for a few hours and tried to start again, same result, not starting and less resistance than normal.
The next day when I went to pull the cord again, it wouldn't budge. The cord seemed to be locked up.
What should I do to identify the problem and to make a determination on repair vs. replace. I am somewhat handy, have normal hand tools, and access to a brother who is an auto mechanic. Thanks for your help.
Answer -
Hi Terry,
To determine if the engine is seized, remove the recoil assembly and check it to see if it is jammed and if the engine will turn over. At that point you will need to determine if you have spark at the plug.
Let me know what you find,
Michael
OK, I removed the recoil assembly and was able to turn the motor with a wrench. I put it back together and it will spin OK. I checked the spark plug, and it was fouled with oil. I cleaned it and sanded the contacts and reinstalled, but it still won't start.
I must admit, I really don't know how to determine if it is getting spark, so I tried to pull the cord with the plug connected to the wire, but not installed in the motro, that didn't help.
I was planning on buying a new plug on my way home and giving that a try. What's next?
Answer -
Hi Terry,
To check the spark, attach the spark plug to the wire and lay it against the engine's head to ground it. Watch the electrode while cranking the engine.
Michael
OK, No spark with old or new plug.
Answer -
Hi Terry,
No spark would point to a bad coil which is located under the flywheel. First, make sure that the wiring at the key switch or kill switch is proper.
Michael
OK, just want to make sure I understand, Check the wires for proper connections under the flywheel. Is the flywheel under the recoil/pull start assmbly? Do I need to take the flywheel off? Also, my model has electronicignition module (cost about $25) is this the same thing as the coil?
Answer -
Yes, the flywheel is under the recoil assembly and the coil is under the flywheel. Use a puller to remove the flywheel and be careful not to break off the cooling fins.
The ignition module usually replaces points and the coil.
Michael
So if everything is tighte (from a wirin perspective, I'll need to buy the ignition module. Before I do that, are there other things I should check to make sure there isn't other damage to the motor, that would make it not worth repairing? If a coil goes bad, will the engine shut down? I just don't want to spend money on parts only to find out that the motor is shot.
AnswerHi Terry,
If you suspect that the engine was seized there may be damage to the piston or cylinder. To check that, you would need to remove the head and inspect the cylinder. When a coil goes bad, the engine shuts off from having no spark, as if the key was turned off.
I hope that helps.
Michael
