Any pictures to see what you are talking about. I would jump out all safety switches to start with. Not take them out of line but for the sake of testing just jump them out. Start with one at a time and maybe that would eliminate one or the other. Also check your ignition switch. Might be as simple as that. Just a guess. Roger.

 

thanks for reply. I think I have determined that the safety switches simply prevent the engine from cranking. still not sure though.I took a picture but I haven't figured out how to post it yet. I'll definitely try the starter switch to see if there's something wrong there. I guess there must be something in the switch that would ground out,,,,, possibly the coil,,,,, is that correct?

 

Do you have 12v going to the coil?does it have points/condenser?

 

some safety switches (as in the one on the seat)will keep it from firing as well.

 

thank you as well Auburn. My maintenance manual for the engine doesn't reference points or condenser. I tested the switch with a multimeter it seems to be ok, that is with my limited knowledge. This is so frustrating? 3 weeks ago it started and ran fine. I'm fairly certain it's something simple that I'm overlooking. I'll check those things you suggested and then get back with you.

 

Boy do I feel stupid now. I think I found my problem. I wish I could upload the picture I took. I took the cover off of the cooling fins above the coil and found that a mouse had made a nest inside my engine grounding out the coil.

 

Boy do I feel stupid now. I think I found my problem. I wish I could upload the picture I took. I took the cover off of the cooling fins above the coil and found that a mouse had made a nest inside my engine grounding out the coil.

Are you using a phone to post or a computer? A link to pic uploading is at the bottom of this post!

 

I'm using a tablet to do my by posting. The Samsung Galaxy.

 

Well I thought for sure that was the smoking gun. But its not. I do have spark at the plug now but still no start.

 

Mice love the old B&S engines. I found several nests and a snake skin in a 23D this summer. Good Luck, Rick

 

Thank you all for the help. Problem solved! When I took the cowling off earlier and find the nest I assume that was the problem. After putting it back together, I got a mild spark but the engine still wouldn't run. Taking off the shroud again I and found that the mouse had chewed through the spark plug wire insulation. I taped it up put it back together. Runs fine!!!! Again, thank you all for the help.

 

Glad you got it running!