skip to main content

No Start No Spark in 17 hp B&S Yardman

14 years ago

I have never worked worked on these engines, so where do I start?

There is no spark whatsoever when cranking. Does this 12 yr old 17 hp twin cyl B&S need 12v to activate spark. Or should cranking produce spark from flywheel magnito ?

If it needs 12v to the ignition, I'd like to know. And where is the main plugin to the engine ?

Thanks

Rich

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (7)

walt2002
14 years ago
"Or should cranking produce spark from flywheel magnito ? "

ALL spark requirements are taken care of by the Magneto. Never let any battery or alternator current get to the ignition system. Disconnect the kill wire system either on a terminal which probably is just below the cooling shroud above the left Intake Manifold connection to engine block OR it may be a wire coming out the side of the cooling shroud on the side opposite the right cylinder, back side. IF you can't find this, disconnect the small wire from the bottom side of the ignition coil under the cooling shroud. This will eliminate the problem being in the safety switch or ignitions switch. IF there is no spark after doing this then the magneto, Magnetron, coil is likely bad.

Walt Conner
rjsfishin
Original Author
14 years ago
Thanks Walt,....that is exactly what I needed to know. I think I found that wire and disconnected it, and still don't have any fire at the plugs.
I assume I'll have to remove the flywheel to replace this coil ??

Rich
Related Discussions
TroyBuilt 4.5hp B&S Not Starting...
Q
Comments (5)
As I recall, the flywheel key would be under the top shroud. It's been a while since I've played with one of these - so somebody please correct me if I'm wrong. If you take the top plastic housing off, then take the metal recoil starter housing off you will come to the flywheel. If the flywheel key is sheared, the flywheel will spin on the crankshaft and won't turn the crankshaft (leading to no compression and no ignition). I seem to recall the flywheel needs a special tool to pull it - but again it's been a while. Hope that might help. Eric
...See More
B&S 17.5 HP back-firing through carb
Q
Comments (10)
Well everyone... I went back to the basics. Something was telling me that this is not a carb/fuel issue. Why even after removing the linkages and manually "throttling" the carb and applying a little choke there seemed to be no differance. So I decided to pull off the valve cover and take a deeper look; I removed rocker arms and studs, the push rod guide, and began a very slow rotation of the fly wheel. Each time the intake valve would open, then close, just a few millimeters, I noticed a very slight movement in the intake valve (it would actually open a little then close again) then a millimeter more there would be a loud metallic click. I had not noticed this before. I would then place my thumb on the intake pushrod and rotate the flywheel and get the same results. This is when I knew there was an internal issue... either the tappet was sticking or a deeper issue with the cam. I removed the engine and removed the engine sump. At the bottom even though I have changed the oil, there was this silvery slug at the bottom (I used almost a gallon of engine cleaner to get the slug out), I knew this was not right. I aligned the timing dots and very carefully removed the cam shaft. And yes to my surprise, both cam lobs were very scared and worn down. So I'm thinking I'll have to replace the entire camshaft, tappets, pushrods, and sump gasket. Plus a really good cleaning... Any other suggestions? Thank you in advance for all your help, Ron
...See More
Craftman Hard to start, B&S 17HP ! cyl
Q
Comments (1)
Adjust the valves. There's about 5 other posts with the same proble,. Just sroll down a bit.
...See More
B&S 17.5 hp engine
Q
Comments (1)
I'd say the engine... Is it blowing oil through the exhaust or engine external? Oil level spot on or seem high/ gas smell to it?
...See More
walt2002
14 years ago
"I assume I'll have to remove the flywheel to replace this coil ??"

NO, it is mounted on the outside of the flywheel, nothing to do with the ignition under the flywheel.

Note that unless you disconnected "that wire" at the ignition coil, and apparently you didn't or you would know it is outside the flywheel,there is always a chance there is a short where the wire goes under or thru the cooling shroud.

Walt Conner
rjsfishin
Original Author
14 years ago
Ok, that first wire I unplugged was a single wire. I found another double wire, and unplugged it, and it started....and runs perfect! Strange thing is, when I get off the seat, it still kills the ignition. But I'll get it figured out. At least I got my mowing obligations done for now.

Thank Walt.
walt2002
14 years ago
"Strange thing is, when I get off the seat, it still kills the ignition"

Seat safety switch.

Walt Conner
rjsfishin
Original Author
14 years ago
Yes, but I thought unplugging those wires would disable all the saftey switches.

Rich
walt2002
14 years ago
Guess you didn't get the right wire after all. That Kill wire is a wire by its' self.

Walt Conner

Related Stories

PATTERN 17 Gorgeous Ways to Work In a Patterned Area Rug

Add spark underfoot and pull a room together all around with a patterned rug as bold or subtle as you please

GREEN BUILDING Going Solar at Home: Solar Panel Basics

By Christine Tusher

Save money on electricity and reduce your carbon footprint by installing photovoltaic panels. This guide will help you get started

DECORATING GUIDES Get Patterns Down Pat: Working With Patterned Furniture

Time to perfect your accents. Learn how to use pattern on furniture pieces to totally transform your rooms

TRIM Shutter Cutouts: A Window to One's Soul?

By Becky Harris

To settle on the perfect shape for this simple detail, follow your heart — or diamond, or maple leaf

KITCHEN DESIGN 10 Inventive Ideas for Kitchen Islands

By Laura Gaskill

Printed glass, intriguing antiques, unexpected angles – these islands show there's no end to creative options in kitchen design

BEDROOMS 15 Nightstands That Are Not Your Average Bedside Tables

By Becky Harris

Take another look at that unusual antique or flea market find. It could have a new life next to the bed

TRIM Trim Color Tips: Get Your White Trim Right

By Jennifer Ott Design

Set off wood tones, highlight architectural features, go minimalist ... white trim is anything but standard when you know how to use it

HOUZZ TV Houzz TV: Reinvigorating a Gable Eichler for a Family

Its classic open atrium remains, but updates help this California home meet today’s codes and quality standards

REMODELING GUIDES Home Elevators: A Rising Trend

By Pangaea Interior Design, Portland, OR

The increasing popularity of aging in place and universal design are giving home elevators a boost, spurring innovation and lower cost

MATERIALS Are You a Maker? Show Us Your Favorite Tool or Material

By Annie Thornton

Houzz Call: A tool or material can be a maker’s best friend. We’d like to see your favorite — and what it helps you achieve

Sponsored

More Discussions

Mower Blade rotation

1