OutdoorKing Repair Forum Forums Repairs and Maintenance Questions On Ride On Mowers Questions on Greenfield Ride On Mower Frames Weird Briggs & Stratton IC/12 spark issue

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My Greenfield Anniversary 12 reconditioning is all but complete, finally!

All I have to do now is sort out a spark problem.......
I've fitted a new coil. All good.
Motor won't fire. Fuel supply all good, but the spark plug's not igniting it.
I can only get the spark plug to fire (out of the head) when I pull it slightly away from contact with the engine! A spark will jump from ground to plug, and the plug will fire nicely at the electrode.
If I earth the plug to the engine/frame it won't fire!

I've never come across this sort of problem before and it'll no doubt be something dumb.

Any ideas on what I should check guys? (Please.)

Thanks in advance.

G'day tzeggy,

My only suggestion based on my own experience would be to try a new (new) plug.

Reading your symptoms reminded me that a vintage car bloke once told me that they would often leave an air gap in the HT lead (solid wire core, I guess) without it the thing just wouldn't fire! Was completely baffled by this when I heard it and haven't been given a decent explanation as to why this should be the case. I'd love it if someone could offer a good technical explanation!

Cheers,

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Thanks prd.

Yeah, I'm pretty sure this one's the original plug.
I'll go buy a new one.

Cheers,
Greg

Hi Greg, plug is dead, it is earthing through the insulator

Agree with NormK. That why I keep a supply Martian made plugs around just can't get Earthling plugs to work.

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Thanks guys!

Yep, a new plug has fixed it.

Thank you to everyone who has helped with advice during this project (especially you NormK!). I have thoroughly enjoyed it!

(BTW, Danny is the mate who gave me the mower originally.)

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I drove it around my front yard and everything seems to be working.
I'm stoked! Can't wait to try it out up at the farm now!