QuestionI have a Craftsman mower with an electric start Tecumseh 5.5hp motor. The Craftsman motor part number is 143.945502 I don't know the year of production. The mower is a CraftsmanII 3 in 1 convertible self-propelled.
My mower won't start. I have no spark. Here is a little history. Early last summer I ran over an iron tree stake. After that the mower ran fine all summer, but occasionally when cutting tall grass it would make a small sound that sounded like the blades hitting the housing.
This summer it started right up but became increasingly difficult to start. When I would bag, I'd mow for about 5 minutes, shut down and empty the bag, then restart. Then when mowing last week it just quit in the middle of mowing. No unusual sounds or shakes.
I pulled the spark plug and I have no spark. I can't figure out where the starter safety switch would be located so I didn't check that. How can I check the solid-state ignition for proper operation? I guess I should also check the coil but don't know how to do that either. There are two wires going to the ignition. A green one that goes into the motor, I'll see where it goes if I pull the flywheel. The second wire is red and goes to the to the coil and originates from the wiring harness on the handles. Aside form the wires that go to the electric starter mower; I don't see any other wires.
If I have a sheered flywheel key, would that prevent total loss of spark? I don't want to buy a new ignition if I don't have to. I have a VOM if that can be used to troubleshoot the problem. I could also use a little advice for removing the flywheel. I already have the upper housing off of the mower.
AnswerThe flywheel needs to be remove with a flywheel puller. There are (should be) 3 holes in the center of the flywheel. Tap the holes with a 1/4 inch 20 national course tap. You can use the Tecumseh puller, recommended, or use another puller that fits the flywheel hole pattern.
When you re-install the flywheel, make sure you squeeze the engine shut-off lever or you will damage the flywheel brake.
As for the coil, disconnect the small wire(s) connected to the coil...it should be a push on type spade connector. Remove the spark plug and re-install the starter. Check for spark. If you have spark then the coil is fine and you either have a bad wire or a stretched engine shut-off cable. I rarely find bad coils; it is either the cable or wire. As for a sheared key, you will normally have spark.
Let me know if this helps.
Eric
