kadetklapp 1 #1 Posted July 31, 2011 Well I'm up to my ears in my $100 tractor. I installed a new solenoid, coil, and starter since the PO sheared off the Bendix due to a faulty solenoid. During this process, I managed to fry the sick looking coil. I installed a brand new one from NAPA, and I'm getting inconsistent spark. I'm leaving the front plug out of the motor and sometimes it will spark, other times it will not. At one point, with both plugs in, the motor fired and "ran" for about three seconds and then backfired and died. I'm getting plenty of fuel into the bowl, as it's splashing when I'm cranking it over. I cannot get the rear plug out of the motor as I do not have the correct plug socket, but the front one was hand-tight so I was able to pull it and view the spark. I'm not sure where to turn next. So far I've got almost $150 in parts in my tractor and it has yet to move under it's own power. I'm wondering if it's either not building compression, or if there is a safety switch somewhere on this tractor causing me issues. I do not have access to a manual, so it's not easy to check since I don't know what all this tractor had in that regard. Any help is appreciated. My wife keeps looking at me menacingly thru the kitchen window.... :D Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MikesRJ 558 #2 Posted July 31, 2011 I assume B&S engine model 422437-0663-01. There is an electrical diagram on the next to last page of the tractor owners manual. Start there and fix your spark issue first, then move on to the potential fuel issue. I suspect you have faulty or dirty wiring. It could be a bad switch but only testing every wire with a resistance meter is going to tell you that for sure. Tractor Owner's Manual: http://www.mywheelhorse.com/graphics/file/...OM_810321R1.pdf Engine Owners Manual: http://www.mywheelhorse.com/graphics/file/...ESTIC_LO_OM.pdf Engine Parts List: http://www.mywheelhorse.com/graphics/file/...7634_LO_IPL.pdf Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kadetklapp 1 #3 Posted July 31, 2011 Thanks for the links. Unfortunately the wiring is in awful condition so I'm unable to determine color. Starting to think its a serious internal problem since it briefly ran and quit and won't restart... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MikesRJ 558 #4 Posted July 31, 2011 I highly suggest you fix you wiring issues first before spending any more money on parts which are probably not bad. You've already spent more than you should have because you are failing to fix the obvious problems first. Case in point: http://www.wheelhorseforum.com/index.php?...topic=30195&hl= Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kadetklapp 1 #5 Posted July 31, 2011 Not to argue, but all the parts I have bought were needed, except an ignition switch I returned. The tractor would not crank when I brought it home. Now it cranks but no.start. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MikesRJ 558 #6 Posted August 1, 2011 What I am getting at is you are already knee deep into it, so why walk past an obvious problem area? Why would you NOT fix what you already know has problems, when you are having an intermittent spark problem to begin with? You know there is an electrical problem somewhere and I'd bet good money that you would discover and fix your spark issue by fixing the ratty wiring issue first. It'll take an hour, a meter, and about $15 in 12ga wire and connector ends you can buy at Auto Zone or Pep Boys. Even if the wiring repairs don't fix the underlying issue, you still have corrected a future problem area and have the piece of mind that that is not the issue. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dockfishin 51 #7 Posted August 1, 2011 Unfortunately the wiring is in awful condition With your own words, I think this will speak to your problem more then likely as Mike stated already, and should be done even if it doesn't fix the problem if it's awful :woohoo: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites