skip to main content

Question about Tecumseh Engine on Lawn Boy

12 years ago

I have a 2004 model Lawn Boy with the 6.5 HP Tecumseh. Like I do every spring I changed the oil and cleaned the air filter. Also sharpened the blade and cleaned the deck and greased the zerks. Same maintenance every season.

It was running perfect, starting on the first pull ect. I was mowing the front yard yesterday and the engine just shut off like I let loose of the engine kill handle.

The first thing I checked was to see if the cable broke, it didn't. It still moves the lever on the engine that kills it.

It wouldn't fire at all. I pulled the plug, and admittedly I cannot remember the last time I replaced it-maybe never. I went and purchased a new plug for it. No spark at all.

I have done some research and found a youtube video of someone who said he picks up Toro mowers from curbsides all the time and finds they need a new coil (they are always powered by the Tecumseh 6.5HP just like mine).

It seems pretty easy to replace, do you guys think that is the problem with my mower? The part is $14.99 and I really don't want to waste that money if it's not it.

Thanks.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (6)

1saxman
12 years ago
I guess you have a 10684 or 10683 'Insight'? The first thing to check is the mulch plate or bag installation. The heavy wire extension must be all the way down in the RH retaining slot on top of the discharge box. There should be no debris in the channel under the frame. Make sure the piece is snugged all the way down, because there is a magnetic switch under it which cuts off the ignition to prevent starting/running without anything covering the discharge port.
If that's not it, look at the switch wire connection at the engine brake (the part that moves when you operate the engine/blade control bail). If that is a good, tight connection with no corrosion, it's probably okay.
Now you'll have to remove the tank shroud and steel air shroud to get to the coil and flywheel. It has been reported that the magnet on the flywheel on a very few units has come loose, killing any magneto effect. Plus, you'll need to do this anyway to replace the CD pack (coil).
0
evdpgh
12 years ago
"I guess you have a 10684 or 10683 Insight'"?...No he probably has a 10272, 10367, 10356,7 or 8. These are the old-style staggered-wheel steel decks so there is no magnetic switch. Since coils can't be tested I guess you just buy one and take your chances. Maybe he could try the oven bake and if this fixes the coil, temporarily, he'll know it is the problem.
0
Related Discussions
Lawn Boy d400 engine rebuild questions
Q
Comments (3)
Well, it's been a while since I posted my original question, so I wanted to let Walt and anyone else who might be interested know of the outcome. I had a heck of a time finding the two-ring piston Walt suggested, but finally found one at Tulsa Engine Warehouse, although they didn't have the connecting rod and neither did anywhere else I tried. I went ahead and ordered the 2-ring piston and rings. Turns out the 2-ring piston has the same dimensions as the old 3-ring one except the wrist pin O.D. is .01" bigger on the newer one. I had a machine shop hone out the brass bushing on the old connecting rod so it would fit the new wrist pin and everything went together perfectly. Would've been nice to have needle bearings on both ends of the rod, but oh well. Even though my old piston was badly scored the cylinder only needed light honing. I put in new gaskets and put the engine back together. Added a new blade (lined up the way Walt suggested) and the engine started right up and ran great with only normal vibration. Just finished mowing the lawn and the old mower worked great. It's much quieter and lighter than any of our newer mowers. Thanks to Walt for your great advice. Hope my experience can help someone else keep an old Lawn Boy running a while longer. Greg
...See More
LawnBoy 10686 engine swap?
Q
Comments (1)
Likely different cables / possibly hub.
...See More
Tecumseh engine question
Q
Comments (8)
Is that a 10684? Use the fuel stabilizer all the time - put it in your gas can when you get gas. I think one of the valves is sticking a little. I would use a gas and oil additive such as Seafoam or Marvel Mystery Oil. Certainly won't hurt anything and will free the valve stems and generally clean the engine and fuel system. Also, how long has the air filter been on it?
...See More
Question about Tecumseh small mower engines
Q
Comments (10)
If Tecumseh had ANY strengths....it's the rotary mower engine. They've ALWAYS had a very good walk-behind mower engine, certainly AS GOOD AS anyone else's. The relationship with Sears goes back many, many years, and the "special" way Sears was treated by Tecumseh is grandfathered into the equation. Tecumseh decided to "break these ties" several years ago, and have slowly been working towards treating them no differently than any other. The competition has capitalized on this and has jumped right in, offered advertising for free, and deals on engines...ALL...to gather up much of the volume Tecumseh once realized. I can only hope this is a very carefully calculated and thought out decision for long term benefits. Time will tell....??? I...guess ????? T-Man
...See More
tooltime79
Original Author
12 years ago
evdpgh is right, it's the steel deck, staggered wheel model with the Tecumseh 4 cycle engine.
0
evdpgh
12 years ago
I happen to have the 10367 which is power-propelled and has the sense-a-speed drive system. In my opinion it is the best mower I have owned and I dread the day it quits. I wouldn't hesitate to try a new coil. You've got remember that it's 8 years old and things are going to start breaking.
0
lawnmowerdan
11 years ago
the kill cable may have stretched to the point it no longer has enough travel to make the switch open . check for proper travel on the kill switch. dont see techumche coils go bad often but they can
0
Barry Parrish
8 years ago
ha ha cut them two wires .. it starts on the first pull.. the two going to magnetic switch .. grass evacuation port
0

Related Stories

REMODELING GUIDES Considering a Fixer-Upper? 15 Questions to Ask First

By Sarah Phipps Design

Learn about the hidden costs and treasures of older homes to avoid budget surprises and accidentally tossing valuable features

WORKING WITH PROS What Do Landscape Architects Do?

By Falon Mihalic

There are many misconceptions about what landscape architects do. Learn what they bring to a project

CONTRACTOR TIPS Building Permits: What to Know About Green Building and Energy Codes

By Matt Clawson

In Part 4 of our series examining the residential permit process, we review typical green building and energy code requirements

GREEN DECORATING 8 Questions to Help You See Through Green Hype

By Laura Gaskill

With the ecofriendly bandwagon picking up some dubious passengers, here's how to tell truly green products and services from the imposters

HEALTHY HOME What to Know About Controlling Dust During Remodeling

By Mitchell Parker

You can't eliminate dust during construction, but there are ways to contain and remove as much of it as possible

MOVING Hiring a Home Inspector? Ask These 10 Questions

By Christine Tusher

How to make sure the pro who performs your home inspection is properly qualified and insured, so you can protect your big investment

BEFORE AND AFTERS See 6 Yards Transformed by Losing Their Lawns

By Annie Thornton

Wondering whether a turf lawn is the best use of your outdoor space? These homeowners did, and they found creative alternatives

LIFE Houzz Call: What Has Mom Taught You About Making a Home?

By Vanessa Brunner

Whether your mother taught you to cook and clean or how to order takeout and let messes be, we'd like to hear about it

KITCHEN DESIGN Stay Cool About Picking the Right Refrigerator

By KitchenLab Interiors

If all the options for refrigeration leave you hot under the collar, this guide to choosing a fridge and freezer will help you chill out

BOOKS 11 Great Children’s Books About Home (and 2 Honorable Mentions)

By Caela McKeever

Homes come in many different shapes and sizes, and these kids’ books highlight the tallest, the smallest, the oldest and the silliest

Sponsored

DelCo Handyman & Remodeling LLC

Franklin County's Remodeling & Handyman Services

More Discussions

can anyone identify these bugs?

1

Custom zero turn mower bag attachment

0

Looking for cordless walk behind trimmer

2

Looking for edger with blade

0

Ill conceived mowing?

8