OutdoorKing Repair Forum Forums Repairs and Maintenance Questions on Walk Behind Lawn Mower Frames Victa Lawn Mower Frames Victa 125cc 'Storebrand' mower

I have a 1973 Victa 125cc that until recently worked perfectly. However now there is only a very weak spark at the plug. The magneto is gapped correctly and the plug is new (ish)
Do I need a new coil?????
If so how much would it be??????

victamowerman,
Are the legs on the coil clean (no rust)?
Did you clean the magnet?
Is the spark Blue or yellow?
What are the points like?
The condensor could be faulty.
The coil would be the last replacement.
As to the coil it would be about $30-00.

Regards,

Bruce

Hi Bruce
The spark is very faint but it is more yellow than blue. I have cleaned the points and although they are a little pitted they are clean and gapped correctly.
By the MAGNET do you mean the inside of the flywheel???? It is clean (ie no dirt or rust) but it could be polished with metal polish if that would help??? I'm not sure of the condition of the condenser..plus I am in the UK so I might be struggling to get one anyway :-(
Thanks for your help!

ps Bruce also on the top of the coil there is a little metal tab.....excuse my ignorance but should this be bent out slightly so it touches the inside of the flywheel???? The tab is prob only about 3mm long....... whats it for???

victamowerman,
I would be replacing the points & condensor first. The coild is a last resort. Bothe the condensor would only cost $14-00AU + postage of about $15-00AU.

Regards,

Bruce

victamowerman,
The tab is to stop the coil from sliding off the plate.

Regards,

Bruce

Check the ignition timing, should be 3mm before top dead centre. This is critical since incorrect timing will result in a weak or no spark and a weak spark may not fire under compression pressure. Over a period of time the ignition timing will retard due to wear of the plastic points cam follower. Open the point gap to advance the timing, close to retard. To check for a serviceable spark, regap a good plug to 3mm, attach to HT lead and earth to engine, spark should jump the gap when you pull the starter cord.
Alternative to all above, close normal plug gap down to 0.1 to 0.2 mm and install, mower will probably go OK. Reduced plug gap means lower HT voltage is required to fire and the square law applies, half the gap, quarter the voltage. Even if the spark is weak the smaller gap will allow it to start and once the engine is running there is plenty of output from the magneto.

Thanks guys for your help I will try it out!

Regards
Davo