I need small engine assistance
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Super Moderator
Joined: Jan 2008
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From: Maine, Virginia
I need small engine assistance
I have a 2004 Craftsman generator (purchased new) with a 10HP briggs that produces 5600 watts and 8600 surge.
I religiously start the genny monthly and let it run for 30-45 minutes and it's never taken more than 2-3 pulls to get it started.
Here recently, it won't start at all. I took the carb apart thinking that it could be gummed and I lost a nozzle. The rebuild kit was nearly as expensive as a new carb so I bought a new carb. Still won't start.
I started thinking that it isn't firing. Is there a best and easiest way to check if the magento is firing and functioning properly?
I'm not a mechanic. I took the plug out, snapped it in the boot and pulled the cord to see if I could see a spark. No spark. I kinda feel like an idiot so I need some real guidance here before I throw more money at it.
Thank you for any and all assistance.
I religiously start the genny monthly and let it run for 30-45 minutes and it's never taken more than 2-3 pulls to get it started.
Here recently, it won't start at all. I took the carb apart thinking that it could be gummed and I lost a nozzle. The rebuild kit was nearly as expensive as a new carb so I bought a new carb. Still won't start.
I started thinking that it isn't firing. Is there a best and easiest way to check if the magento is firing and functioning properly?
I'm not a mechanic. I took the plug out, snapped it in the boot and pulled the cord to see if I could see a spark. No spark. I kinda feel like an idiot so I need some real guidance here before I throw more money at it.
Thank you for any and all assistance.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 4,562
Likes: 2
From: Southern MD
Tim,
B&S engines use what's called "Magnetron" ignition.
These modules can (and do!) go bad, without any warning.
They run about $60.00 and are a piece of cake to install.
As others have suggested, check for spark.
Here's my method:
Disconnect the plug wire and remove sparkplug.
Make sure sparkplug is cleaned and gapped to spec.
Place plug wire on sparkplug and set the sparkplug on the engine, to ground the plug.
Make sure any/all switches are 'on'.
IF you have a gas shut-off valve, turn off the fuel.
Give the engine a couple of sharp/quick pulls and look/check for a blue spark.
I'll wager that the "Magnetron" has gone bad.
You only need to remove the engine cowl to replace the magnetron.
It's about a 20 to 30 minute job.
You will need a business card or postcard to use as a feeler gauge, to use between the flywheel magnets and the coil.
B&S engines use what's called "Magnetron" ignition.
These modules can (and do!) go bad, without any warning.
They run about $60.00 and are a piece of cake to install.
As others have suggested, check for spark.
Here's my method:
Disconnect the plug wire and remove sparkplug.
Make sure sparkplug is cleaned and gapped to spec.
Place plug wire on sparkplug and set the sparkplug on the engine, to ground the plug.
Make sure any/all switches are 'on'.
IF you have a gas shut-off valve, turn off the fuel.
Give the engine a couple of sharp/quick pulls and look/check for a blue spark.
I'll wager that the "Magnetron" has gone bad.
You only need to remove the engine cowl to replace the magnetron.
It's about a 20 to 30 minute job.
You will need a business card or postcard to use as a feeler gauge, to use between the flywheel magnets and the coil.
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Thread Starter
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Super Moderator
Joined: Jan 2008
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From: Maine, Virginia
I removed the shroud and the lower half of the mag fell right out! The screw had backed out and got lost somewhere. I found another screw that matched the thread pattern and put the mag back together. I'll finish the assembly tomorrow night and test it again.
It's very possible that Keith is right and the mag could be toast. If so, I'll get a new one. This has been a great genny and well worth a few bucks to keep it healthy.
It's very possible that Keith is right and the mag could be toast. If so, I'll get a new one. This has been a great genny and well worth a few bucks to keep it healthy.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 4,562
Likes: 2
From: Southern MD
Tim,
Here's a video showing basically how to replace/install the "magnetron" coil.
(There'll also be instructions in the box with the new one.)
The business card or postcard is the 'feeler gauge' for the install.
(.009" to .010" max gap.)
Don't go real tight with the mounting screws. A drop of Blue Locktite on clean threads works wonders.
Tim - I would be 'shirking my responsibility' if I didn't say this.....
Don't be like me!!!! My Dad, may he Forever Rest in Peace, once said, "Here Bud. Hold this." He had me hold the sparkplug wire on his old mower, to see if it was getting spark!
Being the DUMB KID that I was, I held onto that wire, like a good little boy, while he pulled the starter cord.
I got 'lit up'!!!!!!!!!
Oh......... HE had a great laugh!!!!!!!!
Here's a video showing basically how to replace/install the "magnetron" coil.
(There'll also be instructions in the box with the new one.)
The business card or postcard is the 'feeler gauge' for the install.
(.009" to .010" max gap.)
Don't go real tight with the mounting screws. A drop of Blue Locktite on clean threads works wonders.
Tim - I would be 'shirking my responsibility' if I didn't say this.....
Don't be like me!!!! My Dad, may he Forever Rest in Peace, once said, "Here Bud. Hold this." He had me hold the sparkplug wire on his old mower, to see if it was getting spark!
Being the DUMB KID that I was, I held onto that wire, like a good little boy, while he pulled the starter cord.
I got 'lit up'!!!!!!!!!
Oh......... HE had a great laugh!!!!!!!!
Thread Starter
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Super Moderator
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 40,009
Likes: 1,517
From: Maine, Virginia
I did my best to work around it but, i ended up ordering a new coil for it. If this doesn't solve my starting problem then I'm completely at a loss.
Thanks to everyone for your assistance and input, as always, I learn a ton of cool things here on FTE from our very talented brethren.
Thanks to everyone for your assistance and input, as always, I learn a ton of cool things here on FTE from our very talented brethren.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 4,562
Likes: 2
From: Southern MD
Tim,
Before you install the new coil, look for a small wire, could be red or black, and make sure that it's not 'shorted' to ground.
This is actually the 'kill' wire, and IF it's grounded, you can pull the starter or starter key, "until the cows come home" and it'll never start.
My Dad's riding mower did exactly that.
The 'kill wire' got against the exhaust pipe, melted the insulation and just shut off.
It was in an out-of-the-way place, and took a couple of hours to figure this out!!!
Before you install the new coil, look for a small wire, could be red or black, and make sure that it's not 'shorted' to ground.
This is actually the 'kill' wire, and IF it's grounded, you can pull the starter or starter key, "until the cows come home" and it'll never start.
My Dad's riding mower did exactly that.
The 'kill wire' got against the exhaust pipe, melted the insulation and just shut off.
It was in an out-of-the-way place, and took a couple of hours to figure this out!!!
Thread Starter
|
Super Moderator
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 40,009
Likes: 1,517
From: Maine, Virginia
Tim,
Before you install the new coil, look for a small wire, could be red or black, and make sure that it's not 'shorted' to ground.
This is actually the 'kill' wire, and IF it's grounded, you can pull the starter or starter key, "until the cows come home" and it'll never start.
My Dad's riding mower did exactly that.
The 'kill wire' got against the exhaust pipe, melted the insulation and just shut off.
It was in an out-of-the-way place, and took a couple of hours to figure this out!!!
Before you install the new coil, look for a small wire, could be red or black, and make sure that it's not 'shorted' to ground.
This is actually the 'kill' wire, and IF it's grounded, you can pull the starter or starter key, "until the cows come home" and it'll never start.
My Dad's riding mower did exactly that.
The 'kill wire' got against the exhaust pipe, melted the insulation and just shut off.
It was in an out-of-the-way place, and took a couple of hours to figure this out!!!
