Small Engine Pondering

[pyat]

So, do gas push mowers have a battery, to provide spark? Mine has a key ignition, suggesting that there is a battery somewhere, surely? The ley ignition does nothing, and never has, so long as I've owned the beast - it's second hand. The pull cord worked in past years, but I could not start it today. After inspecting the spark plug, checking the gas and oil, etc., I can find no reason for it's reluctance.

Why is this keeping me awake? I have to be on a bus in 7 hours.

Also, the rusting tool that's been hanging in my garage since I moved in, left by the previous tenant? Swivel-head spark plug wrench. I'm going to write about that tomorrow.

Comments

[firesign10.livejournal.com]

Advice from my Blogula:

Two things to check out of the gate:

1) clean the air filter - it is really easy to have that be too clogged to provide air.

2) remove the spark plug and test it - it might LOOK ok but still not generate a spark. Safety is an issue here - he said to look online for a how-to on testing spark plus (it was more than I could type here...). If this is second-hand and you have never replaced the spark plug, just go ahead and get a new one.

Also, check online for an owner's manual. Even older machines now have their manuals online a lot, and that may have more specific instructions.

Hope something here helps! :-)

[pyat.livejournal.com]

I checked the air filter last night as part of my poking around at it, and it seems fine. Fairly clean, even, since I have a tiny lawn.

Spark plug is the next step!