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Lawn Equipment Topics |
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Topic :No Spark on a Toro
This is a 3 part question explaining how to troubleshoot and correct Briggs and Stratton ignition systems: |
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I have an old Toro power handle (model 40112). It isn't generating any spark (I don't feel anything
when holding the wire and spinning the engine. The flywheel magnets pull a screwdriver (I'm
not sure how strong they should be). Any suggestions? |
First of all...NEVER HOLD THE WIRE TO TEST FOR SPARK!!! It's very dangerous! With that said, lets get to the answer.
There could be a bunch of things wrong. I would check them in this order:
1.) flywheel key 2.)replace the points 3.) replace the coil. All of these
things require taking it apart and a couple of specialty tools. You didn't
tell me if it has a Techumsa or Briggs & Stratton motor, so I can't give you
any more detail at this point.
Send me the motor manufacturer, and let me know how much help you'll need and
hopefully I can be of further help. |
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| I'm willing to do nuts and bolts stuff, and have standard SAE and metric wrenches, but have no special tools (wheel puller, torque wrenches, etc). And I don't have much experience, so I would need pretty clear instructions where there are confusions. The engine is a Briggs & Stratton model 81302 according to the owner's manual. I can't find any id on the engine itself, and am not familiar enough with them to know. I'm not sure what you mean by flywheel key. But the flywheel doesn't appear to be loose or have moved. There do not appear to be any points (spark generated by magneto?). That seems to leave the coil for next. It looks like the bolts that hold it are visible... I'll start looking for Toro and Briggs & Stratton web sites. |
Here's the deal. That model # means nothing to me. It doesn't reference in any of my books. Anyway, You need to remove the nut or recoil ratchet that holds the flywheel on. Underneath those, is a slot. Half the slot is on the shaft, the other half is on the flywheel. There is a key that holds the 2 sides in line with each other. This is the way the motor keeps the proper time. If the slots don't line up, replace the key. If the key is sheared it will send the charge at the wrong time when the points are open, thus no spark. If the key is OK, put it back together and move on to the next step.
You may have the magnetron ignition, I don't know. Look at the coil...if there's 2 wires coming from it (1 going to the carb area, and one going under the flywheel) then you have points instead. If there's just one wire with a plastic thing in between one of the coil arms and the coil pack, then it's a magnetron. If it is a magnetron ignition, then buy a new coil pack and replace. If it's a points system, then let me know I'll give you those directions too. Replacing the coil is easy. Take the old one off, replace with the new one. Turn the flywheel so the magnets are in front of the coil. Insert a business card between the coil and the flywheel. Tighten the coil down. Remove the card once tight. The card will set the coil gap perfectly. |
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| OK, there IS another wire that runs from the coil down behind the flywheel (in addition to the one to the spark plug and a ground). So there must be points down there. I was able to get the starter clutch off (hammer and a piece of wood). I see the key and it looks OK. But its end is recessed in the slot so I can't pull it out. How do I get at the points ? Thanks for your help so far. |
Here's where the couple of special tools come in to play. To get to the points you will need a flywheel puller. On the flywheel there will be 2 holes drilled, that's where the puller gets attached. There is no other safe way to get the flywheel off without damaging the motor in some way. Call your local rental store and rent one. It shouldn't cost more than $7 for the day. While you're out pick up a new condenser and points set($7 or so). Try to get the stuff as a kit because it comes with yet another special little tool (spring compressor).
When the flywheel is removed, remove the round silver cover to expose the points. Changing the point should be pretty easy. Just put the new stuff in the same as the old stuff came out. The condenser (round battery-like object) is the adjustment for the points. Turn the shaft to get the point on the arm to it's extreme lowest point. Slide the condenser up to the point it
makes good contact and tighten the condenser down. Replace the cover and flywheel...check for spark.
If this doesn't work the coil needs to be replaced. If you end up needing a coil then buy a magnetron coil if you can get one to fit. (you may want to go that route from the start and forget about the points altogether) A magnetron coil will cost about $40, but it may be worth it to you for not having to mess with points etc. |
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