When you start your lawn mower or small engine, you turn the flywheel and its magnets pass the coil (or armature). This creates a spark. Once the engine is running, the flywheel keeps rotating, the magnets keep passing the coil and the spark plug keep firing based on a specific timing.
Contents
- 1 Why is my lawn mower not getting any spark?
- 2 What causes no spark to the spark plug?
- 3 How does a lawn mower ignition system work?
- 4 Can a mower start without a spark plug?
- 5 How do I fix no spark?
- 6 What would cause a lawn mower not to fire?
- 7 What would cause a coil not to fire?
- 8 Where is the carburetor on a lawn mower?
- 9 How do I know if my lawnmower coil is bad?
- 10 How do I get my lawn mower to start?
Why is my lawn mower not getting any spark?
A spark should be visible in the tester. If no spark appears, check for broken wires, shorts, grounds or a defective stop switch. Once you have confirmed that the stop switch is working, reconnect the spark plug lead.
What causes no spark to the spark plug?
Loss of spark is caused by anything that prevents coil voltage from jumping the electrode gap at the end of the spark plug. This includes worn, fouled or damaged spark plugs, bad plug wires or a cracked distributor cap.
How does a lawn mower ignition system work?
A lawnmower engine with a Magnetron ignition system has a flywheel, which is connected to the engine crankshaft. A single permanent magnet is attached to the edge of the flywheel, and each time the flywheel revolves, the magnet passes a coil of copper wire and generates an electric current in it.
Can a mower start without a spark plug?
When the spark plug doesn’t fire or fires intermittently, your lawn mower engine won’t start, or if it does start, it will stall. The plug is an electrical device that gets its power from an induction coil connected to the engine flywheel and ignites the fuel in the combustion chamber.
How do I fix no spark?
If you do not see a spark, there is an ignition problem. Remove a plug wire and insert an old spark plug or a spark plug tester into the end of the wire (the plug boot). Place the spark plug on a metal surface on the engine, or ground the spark plug tester to the engine. Then crank the engine to check for a spark.
What would cause a lawn mower not to fire?
Loose, Dirty or Disconnected Spark Plug in Your Lawn Mower: Check it out, clean off debris, re-connect and tighten. Dirty Air Filter: Clean or replace. Fuel Not Reaching the Engine: Tap the side of the carburetor to help the flow of gas. If this doesn’t work, you might need a new fuel filter.
What would cause a coil not to fire?
There are a few reasons for no spark, new coil pack could be defective, crank sensor, ignition module or bad wire in primary circuit, faulty ECM/PCM. You may have to have a good technician have a look, diagnose and estimate repair. Second link gives detailed instructions for testing and diagnosing coil pack.
Where is the carburetor on a lawn mower?
The carburetor is part of the mower’s engine. Typically, it is bolted to the side or top of the engine. It is also connected to the gas tank, and will typically be located just below or behind your air filter.
How do I know if my lawnmower coil is bad?
One of the symptoms of a bad lawn mower ignition coil appears when you are mowing the lawn and the mower gets hot and literally shuts off. The mower must cool down over a period of time and will start and run for awhile until it gets hot again, at which time it will shut off again.
How do I get my lawn mower to start?
If you run into problems getting your lawnmower ready for spring, try the following:
- Use fresh gas. Old gasoline can cause starting difficulties.
- Check the spark plug.
- Use the choke.
- Prime the mower.
- Check the air filter.
- Check the cables.
- Check for water in the fuel tank.
- Clear the starter cord of blockages.
