Craftsman self propelled mower will not start?
I have a craftsman mower been sitting around and it will not start at all. I have changed spark plug, air filter, and oil. When I try and start it nothing happens and it does not sound like it is starting as well. I have cleaned out carburetor and put new gas as well. All cables are good as well. Does it have to do with magneto or something?
I pulled it and checked for spark and nothing...
You will not get a spark for two reasons.
1) The magneto has given up the ghost, or the stop wire is grounded. The gap from the magnet to the magneto has to be 0.006 - 0.010 max. Change the plug in case the old one is no good. You won't see a spark unless someone pulls the cord for you and keeps the mower steady, and the spark still hard to see, even then. The spark should be blue.
If all is well there, then below... Most likely...
2) What is happening is he shaft key-way has broken and the flywheel has moved. You have to take off the flywheel and replace the key-way. Cost is $1.75. The key-way is like a flat Woodruff . Any small engine repair shop will have some in stock. Yes, it is a pain to change, but it is the only cure. The key-way is about 1/2 inch inch and 1/8 thick aluminum, and made to break or sheer when you hit a sharp object like a stone or root. It throws out he ignition timing, hence the pull back you are experiencing when you try to start the engine; so when you turn the blade in the opposite direction, you effectively reset the flywheel to the correct position, then as soon as you have mowed it does the same next time you want to use the mower again. You do need a small flywheel puller and given a sharp tap on the puller, the flywheel will come free. Lift the flywheel off, replace the key-way with a new one; tighten the nut to 50-60lbs and, happy days.
Regards
Victor
