zach-olivia 1 #1 Posted November 9, 2021 Tractor was running but back fired, replaced spark plug,points, condenser, spark plug wire, and now will not start. Replaced ignition switch, seat safety switch but still no spark..at a loss any suggestions? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Pullstart 66,690 #2 Posted November 9, 2021 It sounds like a lot of unnecessary guessing going on. Did you confirm if there is spark? Is it timed correctly? If no spark, it’s best to start tracing power from the battery through the switch and safeties to the coil. A lean condition could make a backfire… is there adequate fuel to the carb? 1 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Snoopy11 5,718 #3 Posted November 9, 2021 7 minutes ago, Pullstart said: It sounds like a lot of unnecessary guessing going on. Did you confirm if there is spark? Is it timed correctly? If no spark, it’s best to start tracing power from the battery through the switch and safeties to the coil. A lean condition could make a backfire… is there adequate fuel to the carb? MONEY @Pullstart Spark is the number 1 thing to check here. Pull spark plug out, hold the side to the engine block... (wearing a glove of course...) and turn it over. Testing for spark is number 1 goal here... If you DO have spark... Fuel test... getchya some good ole carb cleaner, spray into the carb, crank. See if it starts... Could really be any number of things... just have to be proactive and get to testing everything out... Don Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Achto 29,391 #4 Posted November 9, 2021 Assuming that you have a battery ignition. Do you have power to the "+" side of the coil with the key switch on? 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
oldlineman 1,537 #5 Posted November 9, 2021 yep first place to start. confirms or eliminates several things with one test. Bob Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
squonk 43,782 #6 Posted November 9, 2021 Holding the plug wire to the block is a crappy way to test for spark. Inline spark testers are cheap. https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/BK_7760017?impressionRank=1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
zach-olivia 1 #7 Posted November 10, 2021 8 hours ago, Achto said: Assuming that you have a battery ignition. Do you have power to the "+" side of the coil with the key switch on? i do not. my continuity tester broke so i have to pick another one up to finish tracing and checking wires. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
zach-olivia 1 #8 Posted November 10, 2021 no power to the + side of the coil with switch in the on position. started tracing wires and checking continuity and broke the tester - guess it was time to call it a night. Will grab another tomorrow. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ri702bill 9,403 #9 Posted November 10, 2021 11 hours ago, squonk said: Holding the plug wire to the block is a crappy way to test for spark. Inline spark testers are cheap. And... they come in 2 flavors - one version has the straight boot, another has a 90 degree boot. Got one of each. Bill Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ri702bill 9,403 #10 Posted November 10, 2021 (edited) 13 hours ago, squonk said: Holding the plug wire to the block is a crappy way to test for spark Unless you are like someone I used to work with. "Bobby" was in the process of getting divorced and he and the wife were still living under the same roof. The time had come to sell the house and she wanted him to cut the grass. He avoided that for a couple of weeks, so she got the mower out and put it right behind his truck. Bobby gives in, goes outside and takes the plug wire off. After 6 or 8 tugs on the recoil rope she comes out and told him it was his fault that he had not used it for so long. Game on!! He replied "You want to help? Here, hold this!!!" She had one hand on the plug wire and the other on the handlebar when he pulled the rope - only took once to get her back in the house!!! Bill Edited November 10, 2021 by ri702bill 4 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ri702bill 9,403 #11 Posted November 10, 2021 I guess you could call it "Marital Rope-a-Dope" .... I KNEW Kevin would comment on this Pullstart story .... Bill Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
