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Followup To Eric- I disconnected coil ground wire as you suggested- still no spark. I also reassembled mower with coil ground wire disconnected and attempted to start- mower wouldn't start. Jack
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Question - Eric- I checked for spark--NO Spark
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Question -Eric- I did replace the shut off switch and that part appears to be working properly-however the lawn mower will not start. After priming it and pulling the cord a few times I do smell gas,however it does not start.
Thank you Jack
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Question - Hi Eric--- was able to remove flywheel and replace shut off switch thanks to you. Having trouble replacing the flywheel-do
I remove flywheel key first? What's the procedure ? Thanks once again. Jack
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Question - Hi Eric---Installed flywheel ok---however mower will still not start--Initially mower wouldn't start again when it was hot--when cold it started fine-- then it wouldn't start at all -Could there be a problem with the "COIL"--is that the solid state ignition. Once again thank you Jack
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My lawnmower used to start up fine,however if you shut it off for 2-3 minutes it wouldn't start again.
Now it won't start at all-(Cold Start).
I changed air filter and spark plug- still won't start. Gas is clean/fresh.--oil OK.
I noticed plug was wet when I pulled it out.
Answer -
Check the engine for spark. It's better to use and inline spark tester, but you can check the spark by removing the spark plug and pulling the spring. The end of the spark plug has to touch the metal engine to see spark.
Let me know what you find.
Eric Checked for Spark--NO Spark
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What brand of engine do you have?
Some of the shut-off cables stretch preventing the switch on the engine from dis-engaging. The engine shut-off switch, controlled by the engine shut-off cable, grounds the coil to stop the engine. I rarely find bad coils. The problem almost always is the cable or the shut-off switch assembly. Follow the cable from the handle to the engine. You will find the shut-off assembly...make sure the switch mechanism is fully pulling the switch to the "open" position.
If you have a Tecumseh engine the switch is under the flywheel. Once in a while this switch will come off the assembly but to check it you have to remove the flywheel.
Check the main shut-off assembly first before you remove the flywheel.
9/24-Eric-I'm having trouble removing the flywheel-Blocked blade and got nut/top assembly off-but flywheel will not come off-Mower is a Craftsman Model 917.378420 6.75HPMulcher/mower Thanks again--Jack
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Sorry it's taken so long to respond...the allexperts site has been having trouble.
Tecumseh sells a flywheel puller that comes with self-tapping screws. The flywheel has 3 holes that need to be threaded, 1/4 20 national course thread, and then you use the puller to remove the flywheel.
Tecumseh used to sell a flywheel knocker tool that threaded onto the crankshaft threads and then you used a prybar to gently lift up on the flywheel while you hit the knocker tool with a hammer.
I prefer the puller but you can use any similar puller as long as it fits the hole pattern...I use a steering wheel puller and tap the threads with a tap.
Let me know if this helps.
Eric
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Finally!!! The internet is working.
To install flywheel: Have some hold the brake lever or use a velcro loop, vice grips or similar clamp the hold the lever down.
Install flywheel key, flywheel, starter cup, flywheel nut and then torque.
Does this help?
Eric
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Just need clarify...does the mower start now?
Let me know.
Eric
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Do you have spark?
Let me know.
Eric
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Alright, then will start with the basics again.
Now that your familar with the engine, disconnect the coil ground wire and check for spark. If you have spark then the coil is fine and we still have a switch, wire or cable problem.
Several of the Tecumseh engines allow enough clearance where you can dis-connect the coil ground wire without removing the schroud...just use some long needle nose plyers.
Let me know if you have spark with the coil ground wire dis-connected.
Eric
AnswerIf the coil is installed correctly, I think the coil has "this side up" or "up" on it, and you have no spark with the ground wire disconnected the the coil is bad.
It's rare to find bad coils but it does happen. Most Tecumseh coils, with the same horse power, will fit your mower.
We have several, actually quite a few used Tecumseh coils. My point is that you can probably find someone who is throwing away their old mower and use their coil.
Do you have a friend that would let you try their coil? Just to be sure.
Let me know.
Eric
