QuestionHi! Dad & I cannot get my Yard Machines rear tine tiller to start, which ran OK for him last year. It has good gas, a new plug, a cleaned up magneto & flywheel (making a pretty hot looking spark), and fuel seems to be getting to the cylinder because the plug gets wet. THE ENGINE SPECS ARE:
Model - 137202
Type - 1134E1
Code - 981204YA
It backfires through the carb sometimes, of which we don't know why. It pops sometimes acting like its about to start but never does. We have changed the throttle and choke settings to all positions and combinations but have had no luck, even when pouring some fuel directly into the carb and even trying starting fluid. I don;t know much about small engines, but it seems to me that I have fuel, spark, and air. Any thoughts?
AnswerPopping is usually caused by incorrect timing. Timing can be either mechanical, valves and cam, or ignition, the flywheel key.
Does the engine feel like it has compression? Sometimes a valve will stick which will prevent the engine from starting.
Do you know if the flywheel key is good. Flywheel keys shear once in a while which will cause the spark to be out of time. You need to remove the flywheel nut and starter cup to check the flywheel key. FYSA, it is uncommon for horizontal shaft Briggs engines to shear flywheel keys.
Is your fuel less than 30 days old? Will the fuel burn if you try to burn it?
Eric
