What would cause a briggs 5hp not to fire it has no spark?

Question

This motor has a mag no points or condenser. model#133412 Type 005901

Answer 1

The magneto system is just a coil..... you replace the whole deal, nothing can be done to em.... pre 83 briggs had a point/condensor system under the flywheel (which you say yours does not have)

replace the plug, as a last resort pull the kill wire off the coil.... no spark? then its the coil.... just make sure the plug wire isn't rubbing bare and all that, and the coil is gapped and clean (.10 or buisness card)

Answer 2

The magneto ignition system has breaker points, a condenser and an ignition coil that generates it's own electrical power to produce the spark every time a magnet in the flywheel passes it. i have had the same problem with lawn mowers and i would file the breaker points with an emery board if they were not burned too bad and it would fire right up.

Answer 3

I would start by looking at the kill circuit first. If this unit has one or had one good chance something is grounded out. The kill switch is connected to the primary side of coil or same as plug. If this is working properly then look for the grounded lug on the coil making it is clean and that there is a good ground. If either of these do not resolve this issue chances are the coil is bad.
Good Luck

Answer 4

And.....if none of the above works...and.....
If you have recently "accidentally" hit something solid with the blade.... you need to check the shear pin...
This entails removing the flywheel.... and checking the aluminum woodruff key that fixes the flywheel in timing position to the crankshaft. It must be in one piece, and not distorted or "sheared".
While it is off you can see if it really does have points or not... they will be under the flywheel.
One special tool needed (wheel puller) but the rest is generic mechanics tools.
Good News--- winter 's coming and we can stop mowing.

Answer 5

You can take out your spark plug and wash it off with gas. Then clean filter on carb replace. Also drain out old gas and replace with fresh gas. Then if it does not start replace spark plug.