Testing spark...... remove spark plugs so that you can obtain the highest cranking rpm. The engine must crank approximately 300 rpm in order for the stator to energize the powerpack.
Check the stator under the flywheel. If it is cracked and/or leaking/dripping a sticky looking substance down upon the timer base and powerhead, replace it. A faulty stator would result in weak, erratic, and eventually no ignition (spark).
Build this spark tester so that you can set a proper test gap unless you already have a tester.
(Spark Tester - Home Made)
(J. Reeves)
A spark tester can be made with a piece of 1x4 or 1x6, drive a few finishing nails through it, then bend the pointed ends at a right angle. You can then adjust the gap by simply twisting the nail(s). Solder a spark plug wire to one which you can connect to the spark plug boots, and a ground wire of some kind to the other to connect to the powerhead somewhere. Use small alligator clips on the other end of the wires to connect to ground and to the spark plug connector that exists inside of the rubber plug boot.
Using the above, one could easily build a spark tester whereas they could connect 2, 4, 6, or 8 cylinders all at one time. The ground nail being straight up, the others being bent, aimed at the ground nail. A typical 4 cylinder tester follows:
..........X1..........X2
.................X..(grd)
..........X3..........X4
Use Champion QL77JC4 plugs gapped at .040 .
No spark? Disconnect the large RED elecrical connector at the engine. Check the spark again...... to crank the engine over, use a small jumper wire from the battery cable terminal of the starter solenoid to the small 3/8" nut terminal of the solenoid that energizes the solenoid.
If you now have the proper spark with the RED plug disconnected BUT do not with it connected....... the usual cause is a shorted ignition switch.
NOTE: If you're using a jumper wire at the starter solenoid to crank the engine when the RED plug is connected..... make sure that the key is in the ON position.
Let us know what you find.
