Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Sears 1981 9edger, point gap, air gap

Question
I came across the above edger.  It looks in good shape, has oil, and new gas (no oil mixture). I could not get it to kick over on pulling the starter cord.  Removed air cleaner and put in new plug.  No difference will not kick over.  Tore it apart and pulled out the point and condensor assembly.  I don't know how to tell if these are working or not but I would guess some part of this is not working but which?  

Answer
Now that you have pulled out the points and condensor, replace them.  Set the point gap to 0.018 - 0.020".  You may also want to take the coil into a shop and have it tested independently.  Make sure the air gap between the flywheel and coil is 0.010" after you re-install the flywheel.  Check for spark.  It's more likely, if this machine has been sitting, that the carb is blocked with varnish from dried fuel.  If you cannot get it to start after you have decent spark, squirt a small amount of fuel into the carb and try it.  If it tries to run, the carb is dirty and needs to be cleaned thoroughly.  This includes pushing a piece of tag wire through all of the interal passages, follow up with aerosol carb cleaner and replace any gaskets and/or diaphrams necessary.  Hope this helps.