k301 not firing

[Charles99 3]

ok I'm new to these and first time really working on small engines. i have a k301 engine. i ordered the tune up kit with new coil, condenser, and points. after installed it won't fire. it turns over that's it. I made sure everything is grounded and the points have proper gap . 20. i have voltage at the coil i have spark at the points. i took the plug out that has spark. I'm not sure what else to do I'm about to start putting old parts back on and see if that changes anything. it did run before hand pretty well actually besides an occasion sputter or hiccup.

[daveoman1966 3,837]

No fuel?...   to test, spray just a little bit of starting fluid directly into the carb, while craking the engine.  If it fires, then you have a fuel problem...maybe needle seat valve in the carb....may bad fuel pump...maybe plugged fuel line...maybe fuel shuit ff valve is closed...

 

[wallfish 17,838]

27 minutes ago, Charles99 said:

it did run before hand pretty well actually besides an occasion sputter or hiccup.

This old philosophy comes to mind. "if it ain't broke, don't fix it". An occasional sputter or hiccup seems normal on these higher hour old engines. Backfires are no good.

I agree with daveoman. Since spark has been verified, try squirting some fuel or flammable spray like carb or brake cleaner into it should verify the problem. If it fires, it's fuel related. If it doesn't check spark again.

You did not mention anything about cleaning the carb, was that done as well?

 

 

[953 nut 59,181]

You have spark so the new components are working. The question is, do you have spark at the right time? The points gap changes your ignition timing and it doesn't have to be too far off to prevent the engine from starting.

Static timing is the preferred method for adjusting your points. Follow the steps in this video.

 

[8ntruck 7,617]

to the forum.  You have tapped into an immense amount of Wheel Horse knowledge here.  I'm of the opinion that the between all of the folks on this forum, we have broken and fixed anything that can be broken and fixed on a Wheel Horse.  We are all willing to give advice - some of it is actually helpful!

 

Don't use starting fluid on these old small engines.  Starting fluid is energetic enough that it can sometimes damage the engine.

 

Like @wallfish recommends- use brake cleaner, carb cleaner, or even a small shot of gas for testing or encouraging a reluctant start.

[pfrederi 18,550]

Put the old plug back in an test again.  Plugs will sometimes appear to spark lying on the head but will fail to fire when installed and under compression

[Charles99 3]

ok update, ended up putting old carb on after taking apart the bowl on the new one. turns out the internals where all broken sitting in the bowl. Started with a few sprays of starter fluid. tractor ran great for about 30 ish minutes ran outta fuel. refilled the gas and refused to start and pouring black smoke out the exhaust. 

[rmaynard 16,176]

Black smoke indicates too much gas (rich).

[ineedanother 1,660]

Bob's right. When it ran dry the float probably dropped down farther than normal and didn't re-seat when the bowl filled again...Nothing stopping fuel from flooding the carb.