I still have my grandfather's old '83 Snapper 21351PS self-propelled, walk-behind, with electric start (A feature I've never bothered with). It was hanging in there until a couple of seasons ago. It ran fine, and then it wouldn't run. Then, mysteriously, it ran again... until it didn't. No poor running, only good performance or no performance. I cleaned the carb, and it had no trouble providing fuel, but the lack of spark seems to be the problem. I got a new plug, cleaned the rust off of the pick-ups (correct term?) on the ignition assy and flywheel. I checked to see that the shut-off on the throttle linkage and safety cut-offs weren't engaged, but no spark.
Now, I can't even seem to determine what engine it has, because I can't find any I.D. on the Tecumseh. The owners manual suggests (but doesn't specify) that it's a TVS90-43180D or TVS90-43249D or TVS105-53073D. How can I determine exactly what engine I have, so that I can order any parts needed?
Is there anything further that I can check, resistances, continuities, etc, to make sure I pinpoint the actual problem?
As she sits, I have the flywheel off, so that the ignition part could be disconnected, if needed. It appears to connect to the throttle shut-off, the blade control switch, and the multi-pin connector that works with the electric start.
I'd like to keep it going, but am also willing to accept the bad news if it's the smart thing to do. Thanks in advance for your help!