Briggs Opposing Twin 18 no spark

Tomyval

Forum Newbie
Joined
Mar 16, 2016
Threads
1
Messages
2
I have a 1986 48 inch Sensation lawntractor with a Briggs Twin 18 Opposed engine. It hadn't run for 18 months. I installed a new starter motor, carburetor and ignition switch. When I turned it on it ran perfectly. I drove it a short distance, turned it on and off 8-10 times with no problem. The next time I tried it, I got plenty of crank but no spark. What could it be: sheared flywheel key? Ignition coil? Safety switch.? Where do I look first? Thanks for the help
 

bertsmobile1

Lawn Royalty
Joined
Nov 29, 2014
Threads
65
Messages
24,995
Disonnect the thin wires coming from the coils.
make sure that you have some way to reconnect them should the mower start.
If there is no spark then one or both of the coils are US.
It would be very rare for that to happen.
If the key is broken then the engine will not crank as the starter engages with the flywheel

If it does fire up then you have an electrical problem
It will be one of the switches that turns off the engine.
Seat switch, parking brake, pto switch and perhaps the motion control neutral position switch.
 

Tomyval

Forum Newbie
Joined
Mar 16, 2016
Threads
1
Messages
2
Thanks Bertsmobile. I checked the switch under the seat. The wire was frayed and shorting out. Taped it up, turned the key, and got an instant start.
 
Top