Merry Tiller engine problem

[Sammy]

When I parked my Merry Tiller outside last season it had been going ok. The other day when I tried to start it the engine made no attempt to start. I removed and cleaned the plug. I can't definitely say I saw the plug spark in the bright sunlight, but a small neon light flashed as I rotated the flywheel.
I removed the plug and inserted a small amount of (unleaded) petrol on to the cylinder. Still no go. The plug is dry when I remove it.
It's a 3hp Major. How do I get at the points?. Can't see how I can remove the flywheel, if need be.
The tank was nearly empty and I filled it with new petrol.
I look forward to your opinions/advice.

[gandalf]

The first thing is to definitely find whether there is a spark or not before you disassemble anything, try checking it in a shed or at night. Try heating the spark plug up with a hot air blower ...keep away from the petrol...and then trying to start it whilst the plug is warm.

[Tel]

Hi Sammy,
If the spark is O.K., I would suggest you take the aircleaner off/open the choke & spray a little 'Easy Start' into the carb. Close the choke & give it a try on high throttle.
I would say last years old fuel has 'gummed up ' a bit. The spray may ease the situation. If it fires & dies, you know it's not the ignition. Keep trying the spray until it runs. I always add LR mixture to fuel. It helps with valve lubrication on the older engines.

[Sammy]

I had another inspection of the plug to see if it was sparking and I could see no spark. The test with the small neon bulb, flashing, was misleading I think, as it strikes at a considerably lower voltage than that required to make a spark. So, what is causing the reduced voltage to the plug?. The insulation on the lead looks ok. How do I get at whatever else needs looking at?. The engine has never once attempted to start. Gandalf and Tel, thank you for your replies.

[Clive.]

Hello,

I have just sent a mail via this forums pm system with offer of some info' that may help your quest for the errant spark.

I think 10,000v is the stuff of sparks...and enough to jump at least 4mm from lead to earth if all is well.


All the best,
Clive.

[david71]

when my merry tiller doesnt start at the beginning of the season i remove the plug, pour in a small amount of fuel( about a teaspon) replace the plug and pull the cord. this alw ays works

good luck

[John]

I use a similar solution to David's idea. After removing the plug I put in a whiff of that SureStart stuff from a can and the old girl bursts into life at first pull.
Its recommended that you put this stuff in the carb. but I found it much more effective if it goes directly into the spark plug hole.

John

[Clive.]

Sammy sent me a pm.....reporting that the lost spark has been found and reinstalled in the engine.

[Shallot Man]

Where did Sammy find the lost spark ? Shallotman

[Clive.]

Where did Sammy find the lost spark ?

I think he found it had fell off during storage in the big shed.....or, perhaps found a tin of new ones

In reality it involved removal of starter clutch and thence flywheel to access and fettle up the contact set.

Clive.