Murray Roadside Find - M22500

[shurguywutt]

If the flywheel key is damaged wouldn't it be reasonable to suspect there would be some kind of blade damage (hitting an object at high speed to shear the flywheel key)? The blade on this thing looks pretty worn and old but nothing that looks like a high speed impact. I will take a look anyway because the logic behind the timing not being right makes sense.

 

[Oddjob]

I hope you report back after checking the flywheel key. I think that is the most likely culprit. But, if it isn’t, then three thoughts. First, is the kill switch making contact even when the flywheel brake is not on? Second, is the plug you are substituting an exact match for the original? Does the electrode go into the cylinder as deeply as the original? Third, maybe the spark isn’t strong enough. Spark testers don’t measure current.

 

[SeniorCitizen]

Check timing by watching the spark while you have your thumb pressed firmly on the spark plug hole . While a helper is cranking it , If timed close enough to start and run you'll see spark at the same time your thumb is blown from the plug hole .

 

[Auto Doc's]

I never got this thing running. Weird thing is I can't get it to turn over even when I spray starter fluid in the carb. It sounded like it gave a really weak sputter a couple time after me pull staring it what seemed like 50 times.

I didnt have the fuel tank hooked up to it so it couldn't be flooded. I have tested it with a spark tester and it has spark. Maybe the spark plug connector is bad? It didn't look too good and a small piece broke off of the connector but I still got it hooked up by tightening the termination with pliers and fixing it to the plug.

Maybe the engine is toast?

Just at a loss because if there is spark it should at least turn over with starter fluid shouldn't it?

Sounds like this was a "someday project" that was thrown out in the back shed for a long time, finally it was thrown on the road front for refuge.

Likely someone hit something in the yard, and it has a sheered flywheel key. If the key is sheered, it will still have spark, but not at the correct time. Pull the upper cover off, then the starter clutch cup and washer. You will see than if the aluminum key is sheered.

If you need further help from there, let us know, or check out Taryl Fixes All on You Tube. He has lots of good small engine repair videos and knows his stuff. He dresses funny and has a lot of dry comedy, but that is his act.