Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Honda HRB215 wont start, fly wheel, carburetor problems

Question
I have a Honda HRB215 that is 9 years old.  It would not start all of a sudden.  I put in a new ignition coil assembly and spark plug but did not replace the stop switch.  It does not look like the plug is sparking when I pull the cord.  I have not found a manual and was not sure if I have the ignition touching the "spinner" properly.

Answer
David

You can gap the magneto with a business card between the fly wheel and the magneto.Remove the spark plug, squirt some fuel in the cylinder, reinstall the spark plug and see if it will fire when starting. Alternatively, try the same thing by squirting fuel down the carburetor throat.

To rule out the engine stop switch, disconnect the wire from the ignition coil and try starting with fuel as above or check for spark with the wire removed using a spark tester.

Warning
If engine starts the shut-off lever will not shut the engine off. Be prepared to remove plug wire or ground plug.

You may just have a fuel delivery problem due to blocked passages in the carburetor. If you just ran it until it quit prior to storing it there would be sufficient fuel left in the carburetor to cause problems. The carburetor has a drain screw on the lower side of the bowl. If it was not drained through the drain screw, I suspect carburetor problems.