Lawnmower Repairs

Are You Getting Spark?

The easiest way to check this is to use something to hold the starting handle down. I use Velcro strips but tape or tie ties will work to. Now that the mower is ready unscrew the spark plug and check it for damage is it dirty clean it up use a piece of sand paper and get between the metal sparking area. Now stick the plug into the wire and touch the bottom of the spark plug to a metal grounded area of the mower it will reach the head unit. Now in a shaded or dime lighted area would be best to see the spark if you have one. Now holding the wire not at the top where the head of the spark plug is because it will shock you.

Holding it in one hand and pulling the cord you should see spark if you have sparked. If you do then that's not the problem but if you don't you know now what the problem is. If this is the problem your best bet is that the coil is rusty rarely is the coil bad but it does happen. Now you have to take the 2 covers off its not hard at all just a couple of small bolts once you see the coil, it is the part connected to the wire unscrew and use a wire brush to clean the rust off all sides especially around where the screws make contact on both sides this will insure good contact. Now to reinstall us a business card or a large grit sandpaper pad to stick between it and the magnetic timing wheel. Tighten down and reinstall the covers.

This is very simple to do but sometimes overwhelming this could cost you $75-120 to fix buy professional.