Problem with Toro mower

[Art Todesco]

I have an old Tora (Tecomsa engine) mower. About 10 years ago I had problems with the electrical system (points, etc.) so I replace it with the "electronic" unit .... no points, all self contained. After that it never started like before. What I mean is, before it would be running before 1/2 of the pull cord was pulled out. After the electronic modification, it starts on the 1st pull, however, but now, at the end of the pull cord. I also started more slowly and then ramped up, with each pop getting closer together until it was at full speed. It work ok for all these years, however, it started acting up when a "helper" put gas in it from the 2 cycle can (oil). It now doesn't want to start. I cleaned out the gas tank, replaced the gas and cleaned the carb with spray carb cleaner . When this problem 1st started happening (after the oil/gas mixture), it would pop a few times and then try to turn, sometimes backwards! I assumed this was something with bad timing. The spark was also very weak so I again replace the electronic magneto thing again ... still doesn't start. Now it doesn't even pop once. I also tried starting fluid to no avail Any ideas?

[Jim McLaughlin]

The 2 cycle oil / gas ful mixture would have badly badly fuled your spark plug.

You haven't mentioned the plug. Replace it.

When you pull the old plug, spray a lot of carb cleaner or ether / starting flid in the cylinder before installing h new plug. Cleans th oil crud off the piston head and cylinder walls.

[Art Todesco]

Thanks Jim, I did change the plug, however, I think the new plug is defective. Why? When I tested it with a ground wire attached, it didn't spark, however, the old one did! But I will check it out, when I get back from a short vacation.

I should have been a mechanical eng> The 2 cycle oil / gas ful mixture would have badly badly fuled your spark > plug.

[Jim McLaughlin]

First, have fun on your vacation.

Second, the symptoms you are describing sure do seem like a spark / ignition problem Two other items to check are:

(a). the plug wire end where it grips onto the top of the plug electrode. Make sure thats tight.

(b). plug wires can break internally, and have only intermittent contact, passing juice to the plug only at random. While you haveth flywheel off again to look at the electronic module, use a continuity checker / multi meter to make sure that the plug wire hasn't died the death of a billon vibrations.

You being a double E, you know what a pain intermittent continuity problems can be.