I have an older Lawnboy 2 cycle lawnmower that won't start.?

Question

It's been starting great all summer(1st pull). I've tried the starting fluid and pulling the plug. The plug seems to be wet so I don't think it's a fuel problem.
How do I check (safely) for spark at the plug? Also, if there is no spark how do I check the power pack or magneto?

Answer 1

If the plug is wet dry it out thoroughly and try to start the machine again. To check for spark remove the wire from the sparkplug, insert a screwdriver into the boot and hold the screwdriver about 1/4 inch from a head bolt or other good ground while cranking the engine. A nice fat blue spark should jump from the wire to ground. The magneto is under the flywheel but some model engines have an external coil that you can check first. It may be as simple as the kill switch wire being grounded. Two cycle engines are shut off by grounding the magneto impulse to the coil. Good luck.

Answer 2

new spark plug......get a volt meter and check the plug with it....